matt lamphere : about
The Martial Arts originally appealed to me as simply an alternative method of physical fitness & self improvement. I had no idea what a diverse culture I would be stepping into. I also had no concept of what a tremendous positive effect my choice of paths would have on my life.
It was not long into my studies that it became much more than just a “class” that I attended a few days a week. It became to me a way of life. A unique method of thought and individual expression.
I quickly became very hungry for any new material that I could get my hands on. The “system” to which I was indoctrinated was no longer enough. I needed more. My thirst for knowledge has guided me through personal discovery of several different disciplines, and is just the beginning.
As a video producer by trade, it was natural for me to begin combining my two greatest vehicles of expression ... Video Production and The Warrior Arts. This is where the inspiration for Defense Craft was conceived.
Initially just a way of linking my 2 great passions, I shared this notion with others of like mind and the “idea” immediately became a blend of even more.
Thus the creation of the Defense Craft brand, an umbrella that encompasses this website, a method of training, a video product, a community, and most importantly an ideal; an ideal that endorses the open fusion of ideas, systems, and methods with the ultimate goal of improving the Warrior Arts as a whole, as well as driving my dream of blending the visual arts and the combative arts in a way not yet done. Train hard, smart, and often. - ml
systems of study
Base Arts Kuntaw, Boxing, Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, Modern Arnis, Natural Spirit International
Other Arts Studied: Modern Arnis, Silat, Renegade Jeet Kune Do, Comtech Draw Point, Tai Chi, QiGong, Non Classical Gung Fu, Yoga, Kuntao Silat, Tactical Knife Techniques
Currently Studying: Boxing, Kuntao, Modern Arnis, BJJ, NSI