$300 4-week course

Classes are held one night a week for two hours, over the course of four weeks.

EMPOWER.

BUILD.

DEFEND.

Smart Defense for Men is a self-defense education and training program designed to increase bystander awareness and teach intervention techniques. Guided by trained professionals, Smart Defense for Men combines three martial arts—Krav Maga, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—for a strength-based approach that educates and empowers men with the tools to protect their lives and families, to build stronger and safer communities, and to end the cycle of abuse.

All skill levels welcome.

For more details, please contact us at marcus@esfsmartdefense.com

For more details, please contact us at marcus@esfsmartdefense.com

Email Us

Meet Our Trainers


Instructor Marcus Johnson

Lead Male Instructor and Co-Director, Smart Defense for Men

Blackbelt, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

NRA Certified Pistol Instructor

Marcus has been a student of self-defense and a practitioner of martial arts for well over a dozen years, beginning with Hapkido and then Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. For the last three years, he has been the lead male instructor for Smart Defense, working with hundreds of women to teach them self-defense and situational awareness. He has also worked with one of Utah’s largest security firms as a member of their Executive Protection team, providing personal security for high-value individuals and local business owners.

Marcus Johnson

  • Lead Male Instructor and Co-Director, Smart Defense for Men

    Blackbelt, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

    NRA Certified Pistol Instructor

    Marcus has been a student of self-defense and a practitioner of martial arts for well over a dozen years, beginning with Hapkido and then Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. For the last three years, he has been the lead male instructor for Smart Defense, working with hundreds of women to teach them self-defense and situational awareness. He has also worked with one of Utah’s largest security firms as a member of their Executive Protection team, providing personal security for high-value individuals and local business owners.

Male Instructor and Co-Director, Smart Defense for Men

Certified crisis counselor

Brent is a certified crisis counselor with over 5 years of direct experience supporting survivors of sexual assault and connecting them with critical community resources. Formerly the Chair of the Salt Lake County Sexual Assault Response Team and the Director of the Salt Lake Rape Recovery Mobile Response Team, Brent has led efforts to provide trauma-informed, on-scene advocacy and crisis intervention. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work, class of 2026, he interns at a family counseling center where he continues deep clinical work with individuals and families navigating complex emotional challenges. A dedicated community leader, Brent serves on the boards of multiple non-profits focused on healing, advocacy, and systemic change. A proud father of 3 incredible daughters and husband to a wonderful wife, Brent is committed to creating a world where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered—both at home and in the community. Brent’s happy place is creating positive change for those seeking a better situation.

Brent Brague

  • Lead Male Instructor and Co-Director, Smart Defense for Men

    Blackbelt, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

    NRA Certified Pistol Instructor

    Marcus has been a student of self-defense and a practitioner of martial arts for well over a dozen years, beginning with Hapkido and then Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. For the last three years, he has been the lead male instructor for Smart Defense, working with hundreds of women to teach them self-defense and situational awareness. He has also worked with one of Utah’s largest security firms as a member of their Executive Protection team, providing personal security for high-value individuals and local business owners.