About
501C3 Non Profit dedicated to Research, Development, and Instruction of Self Defense Methods. We currently teach four different styles of martial arts and lease mat time to a 5th style. Please visit www.umasda.com for more information.
American Martial Science(TM) is street focused, anatomically compliant street self defense. Best categorized as the study of human anatomy optimized for self defense purposes.
Peaceful Journey Martial Studies or PJMS is a mixed lineage blend of karate, aikido, Jujutsu, tai chi, and Japanese weaponry.
IKCA Chinese Kenpo is a striking heavy art designed to deal with multiple attackers and develops spontaeity with solid basics.
Enshin Itto Ryu Battojutsu is a traditional samurai sword art from Japan.
My life's work is about learning, growing, and helping others to do the same. Nothing gives me more reward than when I can see the "light bulbs" go on and people reach past their self limiting boundaries to find a new level of excellence for themselves.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Alberto R.
Art P.
James D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We offer a two week trial for the four main arts we teach. Come different nights, experience what we offer and meet all the instructors. Our focus is helping each student find their potential. We exclusively teach adults in small group classes (10 max per class) and work with select youths in private lesson formats.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Executive Director holds a MS in Leadership & Coaching and a BS in Sales and Management and has been actively teaching martial arts since 2003. He holds black belts of various levels in 7 different lineages, teaching credentials in 4.
All of our staff is volunteer, we teach because we love helping people and through the study of martial arts we have found immense personal connection to numerous benefits in daily life.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
All UMASDA banner classes are bundled together. Participants can attend all or any classes taught by UMASDA instructors under one monthly fee, or pay by class if necessary. All tuition is a tax deductible donation to our non profit corporation.
note: Seibukan Jujutsu is a separate program with their own rates.
How did you get started teaching?
I was asked by my teacher to work with someone and help them learn. I found I had an aptitude for teaching martial arts and a love for helping people, so I enrolled in the instructor certification program and have continued to do so throughout my career.
I have spent over twenty years in various lineages and today spend my primary focus empowering and training others.
What types of students have you worked with?
I prefer to teach adults as I find we connect well and I can impart information in much different levels of discussion than I can teaching youths.
In my career I've taught as young as 4 and as senior as 70. Everyone can learn. It takes patience, dedication, and commitment to achieve real skills.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I see my students mental "light bulbs" flip on every single class since we started UMASDA in 2005. It drives all of our staff to see students progressing and growing.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Visit as many schools as you can. What matters far more than the material is how well can you connect with those instructing the material. If you can learn from the instructors you have a great opportunity. If you cannot click with the instructors it's going to be a long hard road to achievement of knowledge which leads to skill set development.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are you looking for?
What stimulates your interest in training?
What experience do you have?
Training in physical combatives is inherently risky - while we stress control, when the adrenaline is pumping sometimes people get bruised, take harder impacts than they're ready for, or land oddly taking a fall. Injuries can and do happen despite all precautions - can you accept that the risk is worth the personal growth potential?