Taekwondo
Jhoon Rhee is often referred to as the "father of American Taekwondo." He is a Grandmaster of Taekwondo and was one of the first individuals to introduce the martial art to the United States. He began teaching Taekwondo in the Washington D.C. area in the 1950s and opened the first Taekwondo school in the United States in 1964. He was one of the pioneers in making it a popular sport and self-defense system in America. He was also instrumental in the development of the modern, Olympic-style Taekwondo, and helped establish the World Taekwondo Federation in 1973. Rhee also trained many famous people including the likes of Robert Duvall, Steve McQueen, and Chuck Norris. He passed away on April 30th, 2018, but his legacy continues to live on through the many students and instructors he trained and inspired.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a military self-defense system developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that has been adapted for civilian use. It is known for its focus on real-world combat situations and its efficient and brutal counter-attacks. Krav Maga training typically includes a combination of striking techniques (such as punches, kicks, and elbow strikes), grappling techniques (such as throws and chokes), and weapons defense (such as defense against knives, guns, and sticks).
Fitness kickboxing
Fitness kickboxing is a type of cardiovascular exercise that combines elements of kickboxing, martial arts, and aerobics to provide a full-body workout. It typically involves the use of a heavy bag, focus mitts, and other equipment to simulate the physical demands of kickboxing. The workout includes a combination of punching, kicking, and footwork drills set to music, usually in a group class setting.
Fitness kickboxing is a high-energy workout that can burn a significant number of calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, and tone muscles in the arms, legs, and core. It also helps to improve coordination, balance, and focus.
To find a fitness kickboxing class near you, you can search for kickboxing gyms or martial arts schools in your area. Many health clubs and fitness centers also offer kickboxing classes or have kickboxing-inspired workout programs. It's always recommended to visit the gym and talk to the instructors to see if the class is suitable for your fitness level and goals.
It's important to note that kickboxing can be physically demanding and it's always best to check with a doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or injuries.
Modern Arnis
Modern Arnis is a style of Filipino martial arts that was developed by Remy Presas in the Philippines in the 1950s. It is based on the traditional Arnis system, but with a focus on sport and self-defense applications. Modern Arnis is known for its use of stick and knife fighting, as well as empty-hand techniques.
In America, Modern Arnis has been gaining popularity in recent years, and there are many schools and instructors that teach the style. Remy Presas' brother, Ernesto Presas, moved to the United States in the 1970s and began teaching Modern Arnis there. He introduced the style to the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies, and many of his students have gone on to become instructors themselves.
The Modern Arnis Federation of America (MAFA) is one of the main organizations that promote and certify instructors in the style. They hold annual seminars and tournaments, as well as provide instructor certification programs.
Modern Arnis is a highly effective system that can improve one's fitness, coordination, balance, and self-defense skills, it is also known for its focus on flow and fluidity in movement, which makes it an interesting style to train in.
Small Circle Jujitsu
Small Circle Jujitsu is a style of jujitsu developed by Wally Jay in the 1940s. It is based on the principles of leverage, joint locks, and pressure points, and emphasizes the use of circular, rather than linear, movements. The style is known for its focus on efficiency and effectiveness in self-defense situations, and for being adaptable to different body types and sizes.
Small Circle Jujitsu incorporates techniques from traditional jujitsu, as well as from other martial arts such as aikido, karate, and judo. It also emphasizes the use of pressure points and joint locks to control and subdue an opponent. The style is also known for its focus on fluidity and fluid movement, which makes it adaptable to different body types and sizes.
In America, Small Circle Jujitsu is taught by certified instructors through the Small Circle Jujitsu International organization. They hold seminars, camps and provide instructor certification programs. There are also many independent instructors who teach the style.
Small Circle Jujitsu is a highly effective self-defense system that can improve one's fitness, coordination, balance, and self-defense skills. It is also a great option for those looking for a martial art that is adaptable to their body type and size.
Leon Jay is a prominent figure in the Small Circle Jujitsu community. He is a direct student of Wally Jay, the founder of Small Circle Jujitsu, and is considered one of the foremost experts in the style. He is the founder and head instructor of the Jujitsu Institute in Berkeley, California, where he teaches Small Circle Jujitsu to students of all levels.
Leon Jay has been involved in the martial arts for over 50 years, and has trained and taught many students who have gone on to become successful martial artists and instructors in their own right. He is known for his technical proficiency in Small Circle Jujitsu and his ability to convey the principles of the style in a clear and effective manner. He is also recognized as the leader of the International Small Circle Jujitsu Federation and the organizer of the annual Small Circle Jujitsu International Conference.
Leon Jay's approach to Small Circle Jujitsu emphasizes the principles of efficiency, effectiveness and adaptability in self-defense situations. He is also known for his focus on the training of pressure points and the use of leverage and circular movement to control and subdue an opponent. Leon Jay's teachings are highly respected in the Small Circle Jujitsu community and many practitioners consider him to be the leading authority on the style.
Brazilian Jujitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that originated in Brazil and is based on the principles of leverage, submissions, and ground fighting. It was developed by the Gracie family, and has gained popularity in America in recent years. In America, BJJ is taught at many martial arts schools and gyms, and there are also many BJJ-specific academies and clubs.
BJJ is known for its focus on ground fighting and submissions, such as chokes and joint locks. It is also known for its use of leverage, which allows a smaller person to effectively control and defeat a larger opponent. BJJ training typically includes a combination of drilling, live sparring, and competition.
In America, BJJ is governed by the United States Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (USBJJF) which hosts many competitions and events throughout the year, including the National Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship and the Pan American Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Other organizations such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) also host events and tournaments in America.
BJJ is a highly effective martial art that can improve one's fitness, coordination, balance, and self-defense skills. It's also a popular sport, with many people competing in local, regional, and national tournaments. Many famous fighters in the UFC, Bellator and other MMA organizations have a strong background in BJJ.
A great martial arts school that encompasses all the above arts is Al Garza's Premier Martial Arts.
Al Garza's Premier Martial Arts, A Christian Martial Arts School
One team, on family, in Christ where main focus is to provide character development and personal growth through martial arts training. They offer classes for self-defense, fitness, and competition training, and also provide after-school programs, birthday parties and summer camps. The instructors are certified and trained in the organization's curriculum, which emphasizes discipline, respect, and perseverance.