Welcome to the captivating world of the Legendary Irish Blackthorn Shillelagh. It is an indelible and iconic symbol of Irish heritage renowned the world over. It is also a weapon steeped in centuries of history.
With its origins dating back to ancient Celtic times and Irish Faction Fights, the Shillelagh has become an enduring symbol of Irish resilience, strength, and cultural identity.
Join us as we delve into this storied weapon, exploring its enduring legacy in the hearts and minds of people around the world and discover how we are bringing its use as a martial arts weapon into the modern age.
Welcome to the World of Shillelagh Irish Stick Fighting!
All those years ago, I never imagined I would get this far. My original goal of becoming a Black Belt seemed light years away and I felt like I would never get there, much less getting to Master Level in multiple martial arts.
But I persevered. I ground out the hard work. I invested time, money, blood, sweat and tears. I traveled around the world to train with master instructors.
Then I did it again. And again. And again. And again. (I am STILL doing it!) And I did it while managing a full-time career and raising a family (4 crazy kids!).
Amazing.
Life gets in the way. Another business trip. Schedule conflicts. Kid's sporting events, practices and summer camps.
I get it. I know, because I've been there. There was always something that gets in the way of chasing your dream if you let it.
But if I did it, so can you!
It's hard to find the time. I've lived it. And that is EXACTLY why we designed our program as a Distance Learning Course. Available 24 x 7, Anywhere, Anytime.
The Modern Age has seen the rise of Remote Learning Models. And when we launched our Irish Stick Fighting System several years ago, we built it from the ground up to take full advantage of technological advances in content delivery and learning methodologies.
At it's heart, our Learning System is all about helping YOU Study and Learn an incredibly effective & unique martial art no matter where in the world you may happen to be.
A Complete System from beginner all the Way Up to Master Level
We spent 4 intensive years codifying the study material, the lesson structure and rank requirements of the Combat Shillelagh System. This means that you, the student gets access to a WEALTH of study material that is well thought out and designed to instill the critical defensive skills of utilizing a Shillelagh. Our program is comprised of study Levels from beginner all the way up to Master (Green Belt, Brown Belt, Black Belt, Assistant Instructor, Instructor and Master Levels). This gives you a clear path so you can take this as far as you want to go!
Based upon 35+ Years of Dedicated Training in Staff and Blade Martial Arts.
The Combat Shillelagh system was created based upon 35 years+ of dedicated staff, stick and edged weapons training studies. All of that incredible experience is now embedded into the heart of the Martial Art of Shillelagh Irish Stick Fighting. Combat Shillelagh is a modern-day application of Irish Stick Fighting focused on the ancient weapon of Ireland, the Shillelagh.
You are Supported by a Cadre of Instructors All Along the Way
We want you to be successful in your journey to Blackbelt. My cadre of Instructors are here to help you all along the way. From tips and tricks on how to maximize your training, to feedback and Skills Audits, as well as a constructive Rank Testing Process. You are never on your own. We also offer remote video testing for Level I and Level II as an option.
Hybrid Learning Model - Exclusive Access to Online Learning AND Live, In-Person Events
We designed our system to offer the best of both worlds: Distance Learning and Live Instruction. As a hybrid learning model, you not only get the benefit of training remotely at your own pace and in your own location, but you ALSO get exclusive access to our live events as well. This maximizes your opportunity to learn and grow and provides flexible choices on how you want to study and train. And if you can't make it to our live events, we record them and then make the videos available to our Black Belt Bundle Students.
Packages Designed to Meet Your Needs
Whether you want to start with the Green Belt Introduction Bundle, or the Black Belt Monthly Subscription Option, or you are ready to go all in on the one-time Black Belt Bundle package purchase, we have options that fit your training needs and budget. Our packages are offered in modular options as well, so you can grow as you go.
Will C. - PA
"Dedicated instructors who continuously share their wealth of experience. Not only are they experts in martial arts and self defense, they are adept at teaching and transmitting that information to you in an organized manner. A rare combination!"
Alex A. - NY
"Wonderful environment for learning. Practical lessons delivered in an incredible distance learning format."
Rich C - NJ
. "The program has been a blast! The material is very well structured, and the ability to access it any time I want has made it very convenient for training and learning."
Angus T. - Australia
"I have been looking for something unique in a martial art, and I found it with Combat Shillelagh! The approach is very well put together, and there is a TON of study material to work with. I chose the Black Belt Bundle. It was the easy button!"
John C. - CA
"I wasn't sure at first. So I purchased the Green Belt Bundle Introductory package. Man oh man, once I got into the program, I was amazed at the depth of the instruction offered. The instructors have been very helpful all along the way. Now I am ready to move up to the next level."
Henry M. - TX
"These guys have been a one stop shop. Not only do they offer a great Irish Stick Fighting study program, but they offer training items that help you take full advantage of your training. Everything has been first class quality. These guys are doing it right."
David B. - NC
"Two thumbs up! I purchased the Black Belt Bundle when it first launched, and over time, they have been there every step of the way. I can reach out to their instructors whenever I have a question, or if I am stuck on a concept. The quick responses and access to the top guys in the system has been very beneficial in my studies."
Jim A. - MI
"Best Decision I have made in a long time. The quality of the material and instructions is top notch. I should have pulled the trigger earlier."
Ed W. - Ontario, CA
"Training with the Shillelagh is simply badass!"
Tim D. - Germany
"Definitely high marks from me, I’m impressed! Thanks for being so good with communication, it’s a rare thing these days."
Nick C - OH
"How much fun can one guy take? The Combat Shillelagh program has been an absolute blast!"
Patrick F. - MA
"Had a chance to go to one of their in-person seminars. The day was jam packed. My brain was melting by the end of the day!"
* A DEDICATED User Membership portal Accessible 24 x 7
* 146 Page Full Color Student Black Belt Reference Manual
* Green Belt Level I Course
* Brown Belt Level II Course
* Black Belt Level III Course
* 1st Year Student Federation Membership
* 1st Year Student Federation Certificate
* Combat Shillelagh Embroidered Rank Patch
* Student Federation Embroidered Membership Patch
* FREE BONUS #1 - How to Find Success as a Student Video Course
* FREE BONUS #2 - Top 20 Training Tips Video Courses
* FREE BONUS #3 - Top 25 Training Tips PDF E-Book
* FREE BONUS #4 - Copies of our Most Recent Live Webinars
* FREE BONUS #5 - An additional 12 HOURS of Seminar Training Footage
* FREE BONUS #6 - Training Workout Schedule Tool
* FREE BONUS #7 - Self Defense Myths PDF E-Book
* FREE BONUS #8 - "Module Zero" - Understanding Real World Violence Course
* Exclusive Access to Members Only Content
* Exclusive Invites to In-Person LIVE Events and Masterclasses
* Exclusive Access to Discounts and Special Offers on Training Gear & More
Full Lifetime Access, NO Extra Monthly Costs
All available 24 x 7 so you can train Anywhere / Anytime
"Is it Practical for Self Defense?" - Our curriculum is based upon 36 YEARS of training and studying martial arts, with a specific focus on staff and blade combative applications. The Combat Shillelagh System is ALL practical. No fluff and no BS.
"What if I am a Complete beginner?" - We designed our system to support and guide you all along the way. We were beginners once too, and this is our chance to give back and assist those coming up the path behind us. You are surrounded by a cadre of senior instructors who are invested in your success EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
"I am Not Sure What I Need to Own to be Able to Train" - All you need is a positive attitude, some free space to practice in, and willingness to try. We offer you everything else you might need, including quality sourced practice training items, reference material and the full curriculum.
"Can I Really Learn This Way?" - The world has changed. Organizations all over the world have realized that remote sessions and distance learning models WORK. All you have to do is look at the explosion of YouTube, Patreon etc. as people learn online and expand their skill sets. Our system is a robust Hybrid Distance Learning program with multiple learning "modalities" designed specifically to give you the skills you need.
"I Live too Far Away" - You can train from anywhere in the world you might be. On your own time, at your own pace. The online materials are available to you 24 x 7.
Live Events and Seminars
Robust, Well Researched Reference Material
Step by Step Instructions and a Clear Path for Growth
Support from Senior Instructors Every Step of the Way
Books, E-Books and Reference Charts
Live Webinars for Continuous Learning
Authentically Sourced Training Items (REAL Shillelaghs from Ireland and more)
This is a chance for me to give back. So many people helped me on my path over the decades and now my instructors and I can help you. The material is jam packed, but it is methodically laid out step by step so you can follow it, train in it and internalize it. We are here with you EVERY STEP OF THE WAY because we want you to be successful.
My only ask? That you want it for yourself as much as I want it for you.
Founder, Brent Earlewine
Combat Shillelagh - Ancient Weapon, Modern Times
6901 Lynn Way, Suite 205 Pittsburgh, PA 15202
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