Owner and Instructor, Archangel JKD
Former MMA fighter, theology major, and software developer, John Hamner, now uses his martial arts expertise to empower citizens with the ability to “Fight like an Archangel”.
John and his three associate instructors at Archangel JKD are bridging the gap between traditional martial arts practices and practical self-defense by offering classes customized to the individual. Using a variety of martial arts principles taken from over 30 years of training, John and his team teach their students important life skills. “Plus they get to beat up their instructor during practice.” John jokes “How awesome is that?”
As a community service, John recently began giving free seminars to teach women’s self-defense. The Archangel JKD team hopes to equip them with lifelong skills and confidence in all situations. Going a step further, John’s team also wants their students to know they are just a phone call away if they can be of more service.
When he’s not working at his day job as a software programmer or teaching self-defense classes, John can be found at home with his wife and two sons. He is a Bruce Lee enthusiast and an avid cheese connoisseur — cave aged Gruyere is his favorite. Board game nights are a treasured family activity. “Bounce Off is simple and fun but we [also] enjoy a good game of Trouble.”
He is also known in the community for humorously promoting his wife’s LipSense group. Married for six years, John says that Shannon is his rock. As a two-time cancer survivor, she inspires him in everything he does. “She thinks the world of me so it’s my responsibility to live up to her high expectations — she always tells me I can do more — so I strive to be the best husband and father I can be.”
Drawing upon his Roman Catholic faith, John believes that his purpose is to help protect his students and nurture them to be the best they can, regardless of the situation. His business name is “taken directly from the greatest soldiers in God’s Army.”
John’s two sons are his inspiration to remain humble and keep a high moral compass. His own father, an avid martial artist, often recited an old proverb to him: “I cried because I had no shoes and turned around and saw someone with no feet”. He hopes to inspire others to see each day as a blessing and to be grateful for all that they have.
John’s Business Contact Info
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