“Had the opportunity to take a private self defense class with Shawn and it went great! He provides a very comfortable, judge-free zone. I learned lifelong skills in just one class and I can’t wait to keep practicing! Would 100% recommend.
Janee Schrader
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“Shawn came and taught a self defense class for our library and it was FANTASTIC! Excellent written materials, excellent demonstration and teaching of how to practice self defense moves. Shawn gave realistic expectations of what a one time class would offer and things that one could practice in order to improve.”
Whitehall Public Library
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“I had a private lesson with Shawn and learned so much more than I could have imagined. He is incredibly intelligent and teaches in a way you will not just remember but understand. He brings knowledge from different experiences so you can relate to and apply the content. If you are looking for someone honest, down to earth, authentic and to learn at your own pace – I HIGHLY recommend calling Combined Fighting Systems.”
R.S.
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“My background is as a Police Officer for over 30 years. I am now a Security Specialist involved in the training of Security Officers. In my Law Enforcement career as well as currently in my role as a Security Specialist, I have depended on Shawn McCarthy for training both personally and professionally. While I was a member of the Swat Team, Mr. McCarthy trained the team in edged weapon awareness training. The entire team was extremely impressed and spoke of how much they learned. Currently as a Security Specialist I have drawn upon Mr. McCarthy’s skills and expertise for training our Security Officers in everything from verbal skills, to awareness, to physical skills. Having known Mr. McCarthy for several years, I have come to know that he is completely dedicated to keeping our Law Enforcement and Security Professionals safe by increasing their knowledge and skills in their everyday contacts with people from all walks of life. I would highly recommend Mr. McCarthy for any training involving self defense, Law Enforcement, Security, and any type of defense training.”
Donn Adams, PCI
Security Specialist-Investigations/Training
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Not only is Shawn one of my closest friends but one of the best martial arts instructors I know. My wife Cindy and I cannot thank him enough for teaching and coaching our children to be some of the top rated fighters in the country. He would not accept nothing but perfection from our children which in doing so enabled them to be ranked highly and at times feared by their opponent. I would highly recommend anyone to allow Shawn to train you as you will get the best there is.
Thank You Shawn,
Dave & Cindy Savage
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I have been training with Shawn for 3 years. He is an amazing instructor, with boundless knowledge of the fighting skills he teaches and the history behind the many arts he has combined into one very effective system.
Scott Lingerfelt
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I’ve been a wrestler and coach for about 50 years and have also taken different martial arts training, so have been exposed to many coaching and teaching styles. Shawn combines vast fighting knowledge and experience with excellent teaching skills, even for old guys like me! His approach is also very practical and useful. All substance and no wasted motion or fancy tactics that won’t be used in a fight, or brawl, which usually takes place in reality. You will be prepared to defend yourself!
Kurt Mattison
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I had a private lesson with Shawn and learned so much more than I could have imagined. He is incredibly intelligent and teaches in a way you will not just remember but understand. He brings knowledge from different experiences so you can relate to and apply the content. If you are looking for someone honest, down to earth, authentic and to learn at your own pace- I HIGHLY recommend calling Combined Fighting Systems.
Rae Marie
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Combined Fighting Systems does an incredible job teaching martial arts and self defense. I’m an event coordinator for a student organization at UWEC, and Shawn and his team were so welcoming to all of our members. I think every girl learned something after attending their class. We had a great experience, and I think everyone will at Combined Fighting Systems!
Zoey Neils
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It’s so cool, they’ve got me buying merch.
Combined Fighting Systems (CFS) has been an incredible community from the start. The members of this group are kind, knowledgeable, and it’s easy to integrate yourself into these classes. The instructor, Shawn McCarthy, sets that tone and has created an atmosphere where anyone can try a class and feel they learned something useful each night.
Shawn is incredible at breaking down what seem like difficult concepts and movements into teachable combinations. He takes the time to nail technique for any age and apply it to real-world situations with options in your “toolbox” to react to scenarios.
Some of my favorite things to learn is the history of the several different martial arts Shawn teaches (zoom in on the sweatshirt). He teaches the moves, how they’ve adapted and grown from different cultures, and how they’re applicable today. If you’re looking for a beginner class because you’ve always wanted to try, you’re looking for a new kind of workout, or you’re looking to stay sharp in some of your past training, this is the place.
Kate Larson
