South County Self-Protection

Why Train Here?

Awareness before conflict
De-escalation before force
Leverage over strength
Pressure-tested movement
Authentic Japanese Ninpo adapted for today’s world
Beginner-friendly, no ego
Taught by an experienced educator
Over 30 years of martial arts experience.
Training lineage through Mark Davis and Stephen K. Hayes.
Principles adapted for today’s world.
Suitable regardless of age, size, or athletic ability.
Focus on awareness before fighting.
Practical rather than competitive.

Learn the Skills That Matter Before You Need Them

Most people think self-defense begins with a punch.

We believe it begins much earlier.

It begins with awareness.

It grows through confidence.

It relies on good judgment, positioning, communication, and calm decision-making.

Physical techniques are important—but they’re only one part of staying safe.

That philosophy is at the heart of everything we teach.

Our training reflects the practical evolution of Japanese Ninpo championed by Stephen K. Hayes and passed to instructor Andrew Laurie through his longtime teacher, Mark Davis. Rather than preparing students for tournaments, we focus on awareness, prevention, de-escalation, and effective self-protection for everyday life.

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Meet our Instructor

Andrew Laurie

Classes are taught by a Rhode Island educator with over 30 years studying practical self-protection.

30+ years martial arts
Since 2003 under Mark Davis
Influenced by Stephen K. Hayes’ practical adaptation of Japanese Ninpo
Former educator

“I didn’t begin teaching because I wanted to own a martial arts school.

I started because I believe ordinar

Classes are taught by a Rhode Island educator with over 30 years studying practical self-protection.

30+ years martial arts
Since 2003 under Mark Davis
Influenced by Stephen K. Hayes’ practical adaptation of Japanese Ninpo
Former educator

“I didn’t begin teaching because I wanted to own a martial arts school.

I started because I believe ordinary people deserve practical skills that build confidence, resilience, and the ability to protect themselves and the people they care about.”

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Contact Us

Better yet, see us in person!

Feel free to visit Mondays 6:30p-7:30p, just ten minutes from URI and right off Route 1.
🥷The South Kingstown Rec Center is connected to a bike path leading to South County Commons, and is near the dog park and playing fields, making it easy to find and enjoy the surroundings.

🥷Wednesdays at Meshanticut Park in Cranston at the corner of Dean and Meshanticut

🥷Elevate Dojo is located right on South County Trail (Route 2) in Exeter, also ten minutes

South County Self-Protection

30 St Dominic Rd, South Kingstown, RI, USA

Hours

Today

By Appointment

🥷Mondays @ the South Kingstown Recreation Center

🥷Wednesdays @ Meshanticut Park

🥷By appointment @ Elevate Dojo

Videos of some basic ideas to get started

Why Your Hands Should Never Start at Your Waist Or as Fists

At South County Self Protection, our fighting stances tell the attacker and bystanders, we are not the aggressor but the protector.

How Smaller People Generate Real Power

You can generate knock-out power using taijutsu, even when not moving your feet very much. The natural body movement of a step is developed into stopping power

Protect Yourself Without Relying on Strength

You can still generate knock-back power using taijutsu, even when not moving your feet

more videos, follow us and smash the like button

Jesse Enkamp is a solid outside perspective

Jesse has an honest questioning and respectful learning style. this video is a great introduction to the concept of our art

Sensei Seth learns Taijutsu from Hardee Merritt

Sensei Seth does an honest dive into American Ninpo Taijutsu with the excellent Hardee Merritt

Kevin Lee learns from Sentoshi Russo

Mark Sentoshi Russo reveals the secrets of Ninpo Taijutsu to Kevin Lee

Anshu Stephen K Hayes pioneer of American Ninpo

Stephen K Hayes is the founder and head of our lineage in America, he discusses the basic intent and philosophy as he sees it in this video with Todd Norcross

Stephen K. Hayes spent decades studying in Japan before introducing authentic Japanese Ninpo to the West. Rather than preserving it only as a historical martial art, he emphasized adapting its principles to the realities faced by modern civilians, law enforcement, and military professionals. That practical mindset continues to shape how we teach today.

Build Confidence. Learn Practical Self-Protection. Train for Life.

Why Train Here?

Most people think self-defense begins with a punch.

Families only pay for two members; the rest train free. Book your Free Intro Class Now

Families only pay for two members; the rest train free. Book your Free Intro Class Now

Families only pay for two members; the rest train free. Book your Free Intro Class Now

Families only pay for two members; the rest train free. Book your Free Intro Class Now

Families only pay for two members; the rest train free. Book your Free Intro Class Now

Families only pay for two members; the rest train free. Book your Free Intro Class Now

Real stories from our students