Southern School of Martial Arts and Rivers Edge Bujinkan DojoBeginner Black Friday Sale Starts Friday November 28thNow Enrolling New Students, Both Adults and ChildrenThe Federation Seminar for this weekend has been cancelled.
Please scroll down further down the page for Sensei Murdock's credentials and his lastest achievements.
At Southern School of Martial Arts and at the other Casarez Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu Federation dojos in TN, KY. WV. and OH. teach Casarez Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu which is a real world approach to Martial Arts and Self Defense. There are no competitions or tournaments. We teach a very practical, dynamic and effective blend of martial arts, which include: Modernized Classic Japanese Ju-Jitsu (our base art) with a blend of Specialized Ninjutsu, Combative Judo, Small Circle Aikido (a more combative form of Aikido), Karate, Eskrima and Kali. We also teach a mixed striking art called KoGeki Manabi-Masho-Ryu which is a mix of several techniques from Karate, JKD, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Kick Boxing and a few select Silat techniques. We have a lot of training equipment at the dojo. You only need to buy any personalized protective equipment like mouth pices or groin protectors. We have two adult/teen and two children’s sparring sets available at the dojo. You can buy your own personalized size of sparring equipment from Amazon at great prices if you want to bring your own. Our students learn from a high ranking Grandmaster, 10th degree black belt with many years of experience and black belts in multiple styles. The Grandmaster is also the “Soke,” which means the head of the system. This means you get the Grandmaster, head of the system and the top instructor of the art teaching you all the material. At the Southern School of Martial Arts, you get the best of the best! On May 16, 2026 Southern School of Martial Arts will celebrated its 30th year in business in Johnston County, NC.
Soke Murdock is now accepting private students and small groups for private training. Please call for availability and the hourly cost.
We train the mind besides the physical training. It’s important to learn values and morals to go along with the physical aspects of the training. To schedule a free week trial, please visit the link or call 919-753-7964.
Please scroll past the quick links for more information on our programs.
Scroll down the page for more information and pictures
1996 to 2026, Celebrating 30 years in business.
Our Dojo's 30 Year History
Little Ninja
The Little Ninja is for preschool ages. This program's main focus is to build motor skill, balance and hand and eye coordination at the early ages of 3 and at ages 4 and 5 with basic punching and kicking. Children 5 will focus more on the basics of Kobushi-Do and Ninjutsu. This includes punching and kicking with basic level throws and basic weapons (padded). The Little Ninja Program prepares children for the Kobushi-Do Program at age 6. This is a fun class for young children. It builds their hand and eye coordination, develops more precise motor skills and balance. They will learn basic punches, kicks and grab escapes while gaining self confidence and the ability to train and get along with others their age.
Little Ninja, Preschool ages 3 to 5
Children's Kobushi-Do class
Kobushi-Do is a Jr. version of our adult martial art, Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu. Those students learn effective martial arts and self defense. They learn techniques from Ju-Jitsu, Ninjutsu, Aikido, Judo, Karate, Krav Maga and Eskrima. During their training they gain self confidence, self esteem, self control and self disciple while being respectful and kind. They continually learn valuable life lessons and goal setting while they develop good character and morals. Kobushi-Do is a great school age children's programs, for children ages 6 to 14. This program is a very effective Martial Arts and Self Defense program.
Children and Teen's ages 6 to 14
Teen Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu Class ages 14 to 16
The Teen Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu class is for teens ages 15 to 17. This class goes beyond what the Kobushi-Do class taught. They will learn more on the adult level and more adult level techniques with more advanced material not taught in the Kobushi-Do class. They will learn when and when not to use damaging strikes or joint locks in a self defense situation. This class is great for teens and helps them meet new people and make new friendships while setting goals and becomeing more self confident and disciplined.
Teen Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu ages 15 to 17
Adult Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu Class ages 18 and up
The Adult Program is for adults of any age or physical shape. You can go at your own pace and we will modify the program for those with disabilities or limitations. Our adult martial art is a modernized classic Ju-Jitsu style with a blend of Specilaized Ninjutsu, Small Circle Aikido, Combative Judo and Karate with select techniques from JKD, Krav Maga, Eskrima and Kali. Our adult class is a fun and exciting way to get some simple exercise. We aren't a gym so our training won't be excessive and exhausting. Our students get personalized one-on-one training from a highly skilled instructor. With us you learn a skill that will stay with you for a lifetime and someday could save your life. Several of these techniques require only minimal strength to perform (finger locking techniques), and they will still work when you're older or if you are out of shape. Why not learn something interesting and fun? The adult class (ages 18 and up). Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu is based in specialized self defense and reality martial arts. This is a great martial art for those wanting self defense without all the sports and competition. Why not give it a try!
Adult Martial Arts and Self Defense ages 17 and up
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Ninjutsu Training
We teach authentic Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (ages 16 and up). This is the authentic Japanese martial art of Ninjutsu.This is a great martial art for self defense, self protection and for mental refinement, life fulfillment and goal setting. This martial art will help you achieve a great sense of awareness, focus, and personal wellbeing. In the Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) style, there’s striking, throwing techniques, grappling, joint locks with throws and takedowns, ground techniques, weapon techniques and disarms, exotic weapons not normally seen in other martial art styles and the use of stealth and survival training, and besides the physical aspects of the art are the mental refinement aspects that are taught. Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) encompasses the Body, the Mind and the Spirit.Currently, we’re teaching Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) and the Ju-Jitsu class on the same nights on separate mats.
Adult Bujinkan Ninjutsu Training ages 17 and up
Below Our Head Instructors information,
his credentials and organization memberships
and his Awards and acomplishments
Soke Mark Murdock, Owner and Head Instructor
Soke Murdock is the Head Instructor of the Dojo. He also is the head of the entire Manabi-Masho Ju-Jitsu system with instructors and their own independent dojos in five different states. OH, NC, KY, WV, and TN. Please see our black belt board page for their information. Soke Murdock is also a Shidoshi in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and is the head instructor of Rivers Edge Bujinkan Dojo. He teaches 98% of all classes at both dojos.
Soke Murdock was awarded Best of Benson Award
Soke Murdock was just awarded the Distinguised Teaching Award on February 29, 2024. "Dear Colleagues,We are excited to share that you have been named Best Martial Arts Center by DistinguishedTeaching.com in 2024, placing you among the select few recognized winners.We scored 146 Johnston County Karate Training schools across a variety of salient criteria, and Southern School of Martial Arts and Rivers Edge Bujinkan Dojo has been recognized as the Top Martial Arts Center in Benson. We want to reward your outstanding success and commitment to excellence". Best,Klaus SchneiderGeneral Manager
Best of Benson Page
Police Tactics
Supplement your BLET training and learn effective police tactics and self defense to help keep you safe on the job.
Law Enforcement Officers and Military Police Officers 18 and up
Soke Murdock is a member of the World Head of Family Sokeship Council
Soke Murdock is a Grandmaster member of the World Head of Family Sokeship Council and It's International Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Soke Murdock is now a member of the Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors
In January 2024 Soke Mark Murdock was inducted into the Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors. There are several legendary martial artists in this Hall of Honors. Here are a few: Stephen Hayes, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Cynthia Rothrock, Kathy Long, Joe Corley and several others.
Soke Mark Murdock
Soke Murdock received the World Head of Family Sokeship Council's Grandmasters Leadership Award on May 24, 2025 at the World Head of Family Sokeship Council's awards banquet. This is one of their most prestigous awards.
Soke Murdock is a Certified Level 7 Police Tactics Instructor
On March 18, 2025 Soke Murdock was elevated to a level 7 Instructor and received his Level 7 Instructor certification. Soke received his first certifation on September 14, 2023 as a level Level 5 Police Tactics Instructor under GM Danny Lane. Danny Lane is Chuck Norris's top instructor and best friend. If you are a Police, Highway Patrol or a Sheriff's officer you could supplement your BLET with our program. Call us to get started.
Soke Mark Murdock is featured in the 2023 Who's Who in the Martial Arts Cynthia Rothrock Tribute Biography Book
Soke Mark Murdock is featured in the latest 2023 Who's Who in the Martial Arts Cynthia Rothrock Biography Book and recognized by the American Martial Arts Alliance Foundation. "It is an honor to be included in this book among the top Martial Artists in the world", Soke Murdock.
Soke Murdock is a member of the American Martial Arts Alliance Foundation
In September of 2023 Soke Murdock was inducted into the American Martial Arts Alliance Foundation Hall of Honors. Soke was awarded a AMAA Legacy Award. Soke's bio was also featured in Cynthia Rothrock's Who's Who in the Martial Arts Tribute Book.
Soke Murdock with Cynthia Rothrock and Don "The Dragon" Wilson
This photo was taken at the Action Martial Arts Mega Weekend January 2024.
Soke Murdock with GM Stephen K. Hayes and Rumiko Hayes
This photo was taken at the Action Martial Arts Mega Weekend February 2025.
Soke Murdock Receives the Golden Life Achievement Award from The Prestigious World Head of Family Sokeship Council
Soke Murdock received the Golden Life Achievement award for over 40 years in the martial arts from the World Head of Family Sokeship Council on May 26, 2023. Soke Murdock has been attending the WHFSC events since 1996. He became a Master member of the Masters Division in May 2006 and a Grandmaster Member in May 2017.
Soke Murdock is a member of the UFAF
The UFAF is Chuck Norris's Federation. It is an honor to be a part of this orginization.
Soke Mark Murdock and Grandmaster Chuck Norris
Soke Murdock is a member of Chuck Norris's UFAF. Both grandmaster Chuck Norris and Soke Mark Murdock are members of the World Head of Family Sokeship Council.
Soke Mark Murdock is a member of the UFAF Krav Maga Organization
Soke Murdock's Grandmaster rank is recognized by the United Fighting Arts Federation and he is a member of the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF) Krav Maga Organization, founded by Grandmaster Chuck Norris.
Soke Mark Murdock Was Awarded The UFAF Sheep Dog Award
Soke Murdock as awarded the Sheep Dog Award on November 12, 2023 from the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF) Krav Maga Organization, founded by Grandmaster Chuck Norris.
Soke Mark Murdock and the cast of Cobra Kai
Soke Murdock with Martin Cove, William Zabka and Ralph Macchio of the Cobra Kai TV show. Ralph was also in a leading roll along side Jackie Chan in the new Karate Kid, Legends movie May, 2025.
GM Zhaang Yaun Ming and Soke Murdock
GM Ming in a Chinese Ambassador to the UN.
We are BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
Our dojo store front
Located at 27 Annette Dr. Suite 101, Benson, NC. 27504 in the McGee's Crossroads area.