Today we’d like to introduce you to Zane Forrest.
Hi Zane, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve dedicated the past eight years to studying and training in self protection, combatives, and traditional martial arts. My school began from a desire to use these skills to inspire understanding of personal self protection rights, while promoting a love of God to have a positive impact on my community starting with the children I teach.
I’ve received mentorship and training primarily from Lee Morrison (Urban Combatives), I’ve also learned from Matt Larsen (US Army), and Craig Douglas (Shivworks). Their teaching helped me develop a balanced approach that combines realism, safety, and adaptable tactics. In traditional arts, I hold a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Aikijutsu and continue to expand my study into combat psychology, trauma medical response, survival skills, and self-defense law.
As an instructor, I deeply value pedagogy and understanding why people train and how to reach them best. With children, for example, providing graspable context and keeping engagement are crucial. My classes balance discipline with fun to demand self control while boosting learning and enjoyment.
My current mission is to serve others through my practical study of protection science, both armed and unarmed. I help everyday people gain the capability and confidence to counter real world violence. What sets my work apart is the blend of realism and approachability merging the structure, discipline, and character development of traditional martial arts with the functional effectiveness of modern combatives.
My faith in Christ keeps me grounded in understanding, forgiveness, and the warrior ethos. These are qualities our culture needs to rediscover. My greatest measure of success is watching students grow in every way. Looking ahead, I plan to expand my school locally and online, continuing to learn, teach, and serve wherever I’m needed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My school, Greenville Combatives Academy ‘GCA’ has been growing quickly since we started almost two years ago and I want to give a special thanks to our local partner, Christ Church Episcopal School ‘CCES’ for boosting that growth through their special programs that allow us to teach kids there especially Summer Encounters camps which are always packed full and a great way for us to reach and help more people!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We were very excited recently to cooperate with Greenville City and Blank Canvas Mural Co to bring a new piece of artwork to the city. The mural on our building located at 6 Rutherford Rd showcases the past and current history of the location which was the original Shaw’s Pharmacy many years ago. A cool history note is that Albert Einstein would occasionally stop in for ice cream back in the day when visiting his son who lived close by at the time.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Have and keep a good heart and tell others about it. You’ll naturally find who will boost your mission that way!
Pricing:
- Kids Monthly Tuition $150 (unlimited classes)
- Father & Son Forge Lesson $100
- Private Lesson $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greenvillecombatives.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenvillecombatives
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17WNcNAsnK/
