A burglar breaking into a California church on Thanksgiving did not expect to face Pastor Nick Neves, trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Responding to an alarm, Pastor Nick confronted the intruder, who had smashed a window with an axe. Despite the weapon, Pastor Nick restrained the man after a physical struggle until police arrived.

‘When the burglar saw his wicked deeds had been discovered he decided to fight with the pastor instead of repent,’ the Antioch Police Department wrote on Facebook, praising the pastor for his bravery.

The 46-year-old leader of the First Family Church in Antioch has been training in martial arts since high school. He said he acted in self-defence and aimed only to prevent the suspect’s escape.

Speaking to NBC News, Pastor Nick said: "I was able to pin him to the ground and he got up and try to get away several times...But basically [I was] just trying to wear him out because I knew I could outlast him.”

"It was never my goal to hurt the man or to do him harm," he added.

The burglar, who caused thousands of dollars in damage, faces charges of burglary, robbery, and battery. Despite the incident, Pastor Nick welcomed him to return for a church service, saying he’d gladly share the gospel.