Respect & inclusion
We welcome adults and youth of different backgrounds and experience levels into a supportive learning environment.
Our story
Rooted in tradition.
Built for community.
Self-defense education in Portland, Maine since 1985.
American Martial Arts Foundation
Founded in 1985, our school has taught adults and youth at 70 Cobb Avenue in Portland, Maine since its beginning.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation, the foundation supports self-defense education, personal growth, and community well-being.
Our curriculum is rooted in Chinese Goju, combining hard and soft techniques with adaptability, discipline, and respect.
What guides us
Training with purpose.
Discipline & awareness
Training develops focus, perseverance, self-control, and practical awareness alongside physical technique.
Public benefit
Education and community involvement are central to our nonprofit mission.
Our leadership
Mark Hider
Founder & Head Instructor
8th Degree Black Belt · CEO
The foundation’s long-standing commitment to martial arts education is built on discipline, personal responsibility, and service to the community.
Get involved →Meet the foundation
Our story in motion.
From our archives
A history of practice.
What makes us distinctive
Education for the whole person.
Accessible learning
A welcoming environment for adults and youth at different experience levels.
Personal development
Build confidence, focus, discipline, and resilience through practice.
Chinese Goju
A tradition that brings hard and soft techniques together with practical awareness.
Public benefit
Self-defense education and community well-being guide our nonprofit mission.
From the original site
Our founder’s gallery.
