At Kokoro Martial Arts, our primary focus is empowering students with real-world self-defense skills that prepare them to protect themselves and their loved ones when necessary. While every class is designed to strengthen the mind, body, and spirit, our training emphasizes practical techniques and strategies for personal safety in any situation. By blending traditional martial arts principles with modern self-defense methods, we equip students with the confidence, discipline, and physical readiness to navigate challenges and ensure peace of mind. At Kokoro, self-defense is not just a skill—it’s a mindset and a commitment to safeguarding one’s life and well-being.
American Kenpo (Karate & Jiu-Jitsu)
American Kenpo is a dynamic and practical martial art founded by Ed Parker, often called the “Father of American Karate.” Known for its powerful striking techniques, fluid movements, and emphasis on self-defense, American Kenpo blends traditional martial arts principles with modern applications to create an adaptable and effective system.
At Kokoro Martial Arts, our American Kenpo lineage traces directly back to Ed Parker through Senior Master of the Arts, Paul Mills, one of Mr. Parker’s most dedicated and innovative students. Paul Mills refined and expanded upon the system while preserving its core principles, passing on a legacy of practical techniques and a deep understanding of Kenpo’s unique philosophy.
Our American Kenpo program emphasizes self-defense, efficiency, and personal growth, providing students with the tools to protect themselves while building confidence, discipline, and physical fitness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced martial artist, American Kenpo offers something for everyone.
Discover the power and versatility of American Kenpo at Kokoro Martial Arts and become part of a lineage that continues to inspire martial artists worldwide.
Yoshin-Ryu Ju-Jitsu
Yoshin-Ryu Ju-Jitsu is a traditional Japanese martial art with a rich history rooted in the practices of the ancient Samurai. Meaning “Willow Heart School,” Yoshin-Ryu emphasizes adaptability, resilience, and the balance of strength and softness—qualities symbolized by the willow tree bending without breaking. Developed for close combat on the battlefield, this art focuses on efficient techniques such as joint locks, throws, strikes, and submissions, making it an effective system for self-defense.
At Kokoro Martial Arts, our Yoshin-Ryu Ju-Jitsu program blends this traditional art with modern applications, creating a well-rounded system that also incorporates techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ground fighting. This combination provides students with a comprehensive approach to self-defense, seamlessly transitioning between stand-up techniques and ground grappling.
Training in Yoshin-Ryu Ju-Jitsu at Kokoro Martial Arts offers students the opportunity to connect with centuries of martial tradition while building practical skills, physical fitness, and mental discipline. Join us to explore the legacy of the Samurai and develop the tools to protect yourself in any situation.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a more modern martial art that focuses on ground fighting and grappling, emphasizing technique and leverage to overcome larger and stronger opponents. Born from traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu and Judo, and then modified and refined in Brazil, BJJ revolutionized martial arts with its focus on positional control, submissions, and practical self-defense.
At Kokoro Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu complements our Yoshin-Ryu Ju-Jitsu program by adding specialized techniques for ground combat, including sweeps, escapes, and submissions like armbars and chokes. While Yoshin-Ryu emphasizes traditional Samurai techniques for stand-up combat, BJJ focuses on dominating opponents on the ground, making it an essential component of a well-rounded martial arts education. However, both of these arts leverage the same, or very similar, techniques, locks, and grappling; thus Yoshin-Ryu shows us how to use these effectively while standing on our feet, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shows us how best to apply these when we may find ourself in a situation on the ground.
Train with us to experience the versatility of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its proven effectiveness for self-defense, fitness, and personal growth.
Tai Chi / Qigong
Tai Chi and QiGong are ancient Chinese practices that focus on cultivating balance, energy, and harmony within the body and mind. Tai Chi, often called “moving meditation,” combines slow, flowing movements with deep breathing to improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. At Kokoro Martial Arts, we teach Sun Style Tai Chi, known for its smooth, flowing movements, and gentle and upright postures, making it accessible to practitioners of all fitness levels.
QiGong, meaning “energy work,” emphasizes breathing techniques, simple movements, and mindfulness to enhance the body’s natural energy flow (Qi). Together, these practices promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall health and well-being.
Whether you’re looking to improve your physical fitness, relieve stress, or explore meditative movement, our Tai Chi and QiGong program offers a peaceful and supportive environment to help you achieve your goals.