Experienced tutor in Martial arts in Springfield, Michael offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Master Payne was incredibly knowledgeable and very relatable. His explanations on how to perform certain self defense movements were easy to understand. I highly recommend signing up and taking a class. You will leave there feeling more confident and more capable than before!

Mr. Payne is an amazing self defense coach. He taught me as a child and I learned so much more than just how to defend myself. Perseverance, self respect and self discipline is at the heart of everything he teaches. He had a huge hand in making me who I am today. I can’t wait for my kids to take classes with him!

The vast knowledge he has about what actually works in threatening situations. He backs his teaching up not only with examples, but with funny personal experiences.

I trained under Mr. Payne from the ages of 8-10. As a 23 year old woman, I still think of the things he’s taught me. From self defense techniques, to remembering not to fold your thumb inside of your hand while punching, his lessons have stuck with me for over a decade. Mr. Payne is a kind, strong and wise instructor. if i lived near him, i would still love to attend his classes. i cannot recommend him enough!

As a kid, I learned self respect, perseverance and pride in hard work!

I have known Mike Payne for well over 30 years. I began training in martial arts under him as a kid, eventually earning my black belt from him. Mike Payne completely changed the trajectory of my life in the most positive way. His teaching instilled in me the virtues of confidence, toughness, respect, dedication, perseverance, and so many other qualities. He is an absolute expert and genius in teaching martial arts. I am forever grateful for him and it is an honor of a lifetime to have him as friend and teacher.

He makes learning fun and accessible to everyone. From the experienced pro to the beginner, everyone can learn from him.

The atmosphere was always fun and happy

Great personality Humble stern
Competitive intelligent
Great Kamaina
Mahalo and Aloha

Mike Payne is highly experienced, very talented, and very patient with his students. Highly recommended!

Mike is one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever met. He is a knowledgeable professional an extremely skilled martial artist as well. He made me and my family feel like part of his and he catered to the specific needs of each of my two children. When my daughter earned her black belt, he made sure that the final test was tough but fair. She knew she had earned it and it wasn't something just given to her. My son was a challenging child (ADHD and Autism Spectrum); Mike was always patient and caring with him. He was also firm and helped my son learn discipline outside of what you would normally get in a martial arts class. My kids learned under Mike from the time they were about 8 to when they were about 13. They are in their 20s now and we all still have fond memories of working with Mike. He didn't just teach them martial arts; he helped teach them how to be good people. He invested in my family and helped both of my kids grow up to be the people they are today. I recommend him without hesitation.

Mr. Payne is on of the greatest and most knowledgeable guys I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He is patient when teaching new things and encouraging when reviewing the old things. He makes classes fun while also making sure we learn as much as we can. 10/10 would recommend taking a class.

Mr. Payne is an excellent instructor, patient, kind, humorous and serious when needed! Mr. Payne takes time to teach his knowledge, wisdom & understanding of each level of self defense & martial arts until the student is ready for next level of learning! He’s a well known, loved (and missed) instructor of self defense & martial arts in San Antonio and surrounding area! So excited to know Mr. Payne is back doing what he does best, taking time to teach self defense, preparing us for any scenario and to build our confidence! Well done Mr. Payne!!

My daughter was a student of Mr. Payne’s for many years in Texas. He is an awesome mentor, leader, instructor, and all round person. Though the Academy of Martial Arts Samantha earned her First Degree Black Belt. She also gained, confidence in herself, as well as the endurance, but physical and mental, to see a goal through to completion. Mr. Payne has been a big part of our lives for 16 years. I thank him for all he has done, and highly recommend him to others.

Professional, courteous & caring, Master Payne offers world class instruction and is a true martial artist able to help others truly develop self confidence & self esteem within themselves. As a lifelong student of the Martial Arts, I would highly recommend Mike Payne.

Great instructor, very knowledgeable. If you're looking to learn some self defense or to improve upon your self defense skills, I would definitely recommend Payneful Self Defense.

He worked with two of my kids for years. He treated them like family while training them for a harsh world. I am very grateful for the lessons he imparted with patience, love, and discipline.

Mike Payne is so knowledgeable, friendly, and informative. He knows the ins and outs of self defense and martial arts. Has a heart of gold. Makes learning m.a fun. I wouldnt have had the great fhildhood i had without having Mike payne and making me feel like im part of the family for over 20 years now!

Level of expertise, he was a great teacher and role model to my son.

I’ve never met someone who has the patience and can connect with kids. He taught both my kids and not only is he know a great friend but someone I have the upmost respect for.

His ability to cater to the needs of every student. He knew exactly what to do and say to bring out the best in every student. Also, his knowledge of self defense and martial arts is very impressive.

Mr. Payne is awesome! He took my daughter in and treated her like family! She was able to take what she learned and apply it to her everyday life. I am eternally grateful. Thank you so much 😊

Excellent learned a lot. Very patient and encouraging instructors. There no one like Master Payne. No Payne no gain!

You will NOT find a BETTER instructor!!! Trained under Mr. Payne for years. Everytime you are with him you ALWAYS leave a better person.

My daughter (Baylee) was a student here in Texas. She was 11 when she received her junior black belt. Mr. Payne was one of the most patient, friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable instructors we had the pleasure of knowing. She is away at college, but has told me that she remembers lessons that Mr. Payne taught her to this day. I feel she is better equipped to defend herself should they need arise! We are grateful for all he taught her!!

I was a student of Master Payne back in the Mid 90s. Without a doubt, some of the best times of my life! Master Payne has so much passion for what he does it just pores out into his students! 💯 recommend!!!

Master Payne is a great teacher and leader. He is great with all ages, from beginners, to adult classes. He is the best at teaching discipline , listening and learning skills, as well as self defense and survival skills.

I worked with Michael Payne about 15 years ago. He has to remained a life-long mentor, friend, and inspiration.

His attention to detail is remarkable. He’s demonstrated patience and understanding to his students time and time again without hesitation or question. He makes sure to go the extra mile to ensure that his students have a full understanding of whatever task he teaches them.

I’ve had the honor of knowing Master Payne for the past 15 years and our friendship continues today and for our lifetime. My son Keoni started as a timid young man at Master Payne’s school at the age of 5 and a little dragon. Through the next 3 years, he was instrumental in helping my son gain confidence, Leadership skills and self defense and driving him to earn his Junior Black Belt at the age of 8. These traits were a big part of helping mold my son into a great young man and Leader. Master Payne has had an immense influence on many young people over the years as well as his self defense classes for not only women but others that needed help. I highly recommend Master Payne to others to learn some great self defense tactics and also some good life lessons!

I loved the thoroughness. Mike is always teaching. Would not want to learn under anyone else.

I spent many years under master Payne’s tutelage. Many of which were in my adolescence. Master Payne is the real deal. He helped mold me from a spaced out kid being smacked with a bamboo stick, to a silver medal winner in a national championship.
I owe many unforgettable experiences and life long friendships to master Payne.
If you are in the market for quality self defense training, you can do no better than Mike Payne’s “Payneful Self-Defense”!!

Mr. Payne is one of the top Martial Arts instructors in the nation! If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to train with him, don’t miss it! He will teach you practical ways to defend yourself at any age or fitness level. He has impacted 1000s of great martial artist over the past 30yrs. Give his classes a try and you will benefit in more ways than I can explain.

Mr. Payne takes his real life experience to provide EXCELLENT instruction and explantations. His holistic approach to self defense will teach you how to defend yourself but also build your confidence and self esteem, which is equally, if not more important, than learning the striking.

Mr. Payne is patient, knowledge, kind and funny! He works so well with children and knows exactly how to talk to them and motivate them.
The classes are well structured and engaging, keeping one on one's toes. We love the compassion behind his practice.

Mike did a phenomenal job teaching my children jiu jitsu! His unending patience and wealth of knowledge certainly helped them instill exceptional skill and confidence. Highly recommend!

Incredible instructor! Learned so much in terms of skill, attitude, and life! Vast knowledge and good people