"He who fears loss has already been beaten."
- Jigoro Kano
(Creator of Judo)
Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes from judo and it offers a great way to improve your cardio fitness, your agility, and your coordination, while learning self-defense strategies and control techniques found in no other sport.
And you don’t need to be built like Tarzan to be adept at it: all you need is determination, a willingness to learn, and the heart and mindset to make it yours. Over 5 million people in the world are estimated to play Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Karate
Sensei Shimamoto taught Alex hard-style, aka “fighting”, which underscores the importance of balance through using one’s entire body. Traditional kicking, punching, kata, and blocking will be emphasized, as well as sparring for students who are interested and ready.
Judo
Judo means “The Gentle Way”. Its philosophy includes maximum efficiency, minimum effort and mutual benefit and welfare to all.
Judo was developed from Japanese Jiu Jitsu by Dr. Kanō Jigorō. And from Judo stemmed Brazilian jujitsu, emulating the choking and arm-bar aspects, taught in judo at the higher levels. Judo is incredibly dynamic because of the standing element whereby a fight can be won by throwing or tripping the opponent directly to their back. Judo players (“judokas”) therefore are trained to become experts in safely and painlessly taking falls.
In 1946, Judo was the first martial art to become an Olympic sport. In 2000, tae kwon do was the next (and final) martial art that became an Olympic sport. The fact that judo has been an Olympic sport for so long evidence its international reputation and popularity. Judo is regulated so the belt and practice systems are consistent throughout the globe. Judoka from 55 nations from every continent except Antarctica have won Olympic medals. over 30 million people are estimated to play Judo.
Fencing
Fencing is a refined martial art known for its speed, precision, and tactical depth—often compared to physical chess. Originating from European sword dueling traditions, it uses three distinct weapons (foil, epee, sabre), each with unique strategies. Fencers develop lightning-fast reflexes, sharp footwork, and mental agility, making it a powerful cross-training discipline for MMA, BJJ, or kickboxing. With its strong emphasis on discipline and respect, fencing aligns well with traditional dojo values while offering a fresh, elegant approach to combat. Fencing is also an olympic sport.
Muay
Thai
Muay Thai is a traditional martial art from Thailand known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. It combines powerful striking techniques with clinch fighting and has deep cultural roots in Thai history. Muay Thai is both a national sport and a key discipline in modern mixed martial arts (MMA) due to its effectiveness, toughness, and emphasis on conditioning, timing, and technique.
MMA
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a hybrid combat sport that blends techniques from striking and grappling arts like boxing, wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, and judo. It’s celebrated for its adaptability—fighters must fluidly switch between stand-up exchanges and ground control, making it one of the most comprehensive and realistic fighting systems today. MMA develops physical endurance, mental resilience, and strategic thinking, challenging practitioners to master range, timing, and transitions. Its all-encompassing nature makes it a powerful core discipline for any dojo focused on modern martial performance and well-rounded self-defense.
Martial
Boxing
Martial boxing is a combat sport and self-defense discipline that blends traditional martial arts techniques with modern boxing. It emphasizes both striking skills—such as punches, jabs, and uppercuts from boxing—and martial arts elements like kicks, blocks, and footwork. Unlike standard boxing, martial boxing may also incorporate elbows, knees, and defensive maneuvers from disciplines like Muay Thai, kickboxing, or karate. It's often practiced for competition, fitness, or self-defense and focuses on speed, power, technique, and strategy. Martial boxing is attended for self-defense and hits to the head are avoided.
Wrestling
Wrestling is a combat sport focused on grappling techniques such as takedowns, holds, throws, and pins. It involves two competitors aiming to gain control over each other and either pin their opponent’s shoulders to the mat or score points through successful moves. Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world, with styles like Greco-Roman and freestyle featured in the Olympics. It builds strength, agility, discipline, and strategy. Wrestling is also an olympic sport.
Olympic Fencing! New to the studio as of Summer 2024
Fencing will be led by formerly NATIONALLY RANKED competitor and referee, Ned Sands!
