Excel Defense

Hello, My name is Don Mason. I am the owner/operator of Excel Martial Arts and Chief instructor for Excel Defense Myself along with my wife Melissa Mason, we pride ourselves on quality personal self defense instruction with 20+ years teaching experience.

I have trained in various diciplines of martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Jiu-Jitsu, American Kenpo, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing since 1975 and have trained with pillars in the martial arts community such as Rickson Gracie, Royce Gracie and many others.

I currently hold a 5th degree black belt Master Instructor status.

In 2009 I obtained my Certified NRA Personal Protection In The Home Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor and NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer credentials and have graduated over 1000 CCW students to date.

In 2010 I obtained my Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy Firearms Instructor Certification, NRA Shotgun Instructor certification, NRA Rifle Instructor certification, NRA Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor certification, NRA Shotgun Shell Reloading Instructor certification, NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor certification and NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor certicication.

In 2012 Melissa obtained her NRA Semi Auto Handgun and Revolver Instructor Certifiaction.

I have been employed by the village of Bettsville, Ohio from 2005 to 2013 where I served as Chief of Police.

Melissa has been employed by the village of Bettsville, Ohio from 2011 to 2017. She is currently employed by the village of Green Springs.