Mark Harrell began training in the martial arts under his father when he was only a small child. Since that time more than 35 years ago, he has gone on to study many different martial art systems from some of the world's leading experts and teachers. He has become an accomplished martial artist in his own right in a number of martial arts systems, including Kali, Eskrima, Kuntao, and Pentjak Silat to name a few.

Mark is "interested in the philosophy, the cultures, the physics of movement and dynamics of power, health and fitness, self discipline, and practical self-defense." Mark uses his martial arts, as he explains, "as a vehicle for self-discovery, personal growth, and transformation." He cites Bruce Lee, Wally Jay, Gene LeBell, Ed Parker, Dan Inosanto, Larry Hartsell, Ben Largusa, and Angel Cabales as major sources of inspiration and influence in his own martial arts journey.

Mark has achieved numerous accomplishments within his study and practice of the martial arts. He has over 35 years of comprehensive study and experience in Chinese, Indonesian, Filipino, Thai and Japanese martial arts' systems, with numerous instructor certifications, two of which are recognized and ranked, at the master level.  Mark is the only individual known to have earned the very rare and prestigious advanced teaching certificates from both Grandmaster Ben Largusa of Villabrille-Largusa Kali and the late Founder and Grandmaster Angel Cabales of Serrada Eskrima. He is considered to be one of the worlds leading experts and teachers of martial arts and practical self-defense.

Mark holds many distinctions within the world of the martial arts. He conducts seminars teaching the systems of Kali, Eskrima, Kuntao, Silat, and practical self-defense to martial art academies, professional associations, educational institutions, and the general public. Mark also teaches defensive tactics to law enforcement agencies and officers throughout Northern California.

He was inducted into the "Martial Arts Gallery of Fame" in Cleveland, Ohio in 1997 for his lifelong dedication to the martial arts, outstanding skills, and for his contributions to the martial arts' community. Mark was also inducted into the "International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame" in the year 2000 for recognition of his outstanding dedication, diligent study, and instruction of the martial arts.

Mark is the Founder and Chief Instructor of the Härrell Academy of Martial Arts and is also the current President and Director of Training for Martial Arts International.

Scholarship within the martial arts is another of Mark's contributions. He is the author of several training manuals for Martial Arts International members, including studies of Kali and Largo Mano Eskrima. He co-authored along with Dr. Andre KnustGraichen the book "Pentjak Silat: Martial Art of Indonesia", Volume I. Additionally, he has written and produced several instructional video tapes, including: "Kali Fundamentals" and "Tai Chi Kung for Health and Relaxation."

As Mark explains, "I love to teach because I can help my students actualize their own potential, especially in the area of fitness, health, and self discipline. The creative problem solving, and research and development, as well as the personal interaction is so exciting that I look forward to every moment. I really enjoy helping others to help themselves. I truly believe that through the process and interaction of teaching that I am the real student. I have learned so much about life, people, and myself through this wonderful journey."