Our Programs & Classes

Students and enthusiasts of martial arts have many reasons for their interest in the martial arts. Some are drawn to the physical fitness and weight-loss aspects of training. Others seek to add discipline and self control to their lives. While still others are concerned about safety and self-defense.

Whether you are interested in our programs for mental or physical well being, La. Martial Arts Academy offers a number of programs that will fit your developmental needs and your busy schedule as well. Click here to view our Weekly Class Schedule.

RCJ Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu In the early 1900's a Japanese man named Mitsuyo Maeda also known as "Count Koma", immigrated to Brazil. The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu derived from the efforts of Grandmasters Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie. Carlos Gracie began to train with Koma from the time he was fifteen until he was twenty-one years old. Koma showed Gracie many secets of the sport unknown outside of Japan at the time. After Koma's return to Japan, Gracie began to develop the art in a way that would change Jiu-Jitsu forever. He did not rely on the traditions of the Japanese and experimented and expanded the art for pure effectiveness. Helio Gracie, as a young boy was very frail and weak. Helio spent days at his brother Carlos' Academy, watching classes. As well, Helio contributed to the development , as he was frail and weak, by studying and experimenting with different leverages and adjustments. Eventually, Helio became an instructor at the academy, and changed Jiu-Jitsu forever as expaned the game with his innovative ways for the smaller man to overcome a larger adversary. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that works on principle of action and reaction. That is the beauty of the art; rather fight against force, a Brazilian Jiu-Jistu practioner learns to use the opponents power against him. Once starting, it is important to understand the nature of Jiu-Jitsu training in comparison with other martial arts. Other systems, students develop basics, forms, and sparring against an opponent. Unfortunately, only one involves interaction with another live opponent. Any physical effort that involves two people is twice as difficult because one must rely on developing one's own abilities as well as responding to another and countering. This is the most important part because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques must be applied against live opponents. Thus, training requires an opponent, after years of study, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner has a much higher level of practical application as compared to students of other arts. Professor Carlos Machado is the oldest of five brothers and the nephew of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu founder Grandmaster Carlos Gracie. Professor Machado studied with Carlos Gracie, Carlos Gracie Jr., Helio Gracie, and many other members of the Gracie family as they are related as cousins. Our program is directly derived from Professor Carlos Machado as our instructors train with him consistently refining their techniques. One of our philosophies is not to prove or impose our styles onto other systems or martial artists. The main concern is to share what we have, always with our minds open for new ideas.

Junior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Mixed Martial Arts(MMA)has become very popular in the recent years as a means of self defense witht the increasing popularity of events such as The Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC) and other octagon/cage events. In conjunction with our Junior Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program, I feel it is very important for our Junior BJJ students to possess the ability to defend themselves while standing up, not on the ground. Hence, I have inserted a complete Childen's MMA curriculum to help their ground grappling training. The children will learn punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes to greatly enhance their self defense skills. As well, the children will learn confidence, discipline, and self-control skills just like traditional Asian Martial Arts. The class is held on Tuesday/Thursday from 5:10PM-6:00PM with the Junior Machado BJJ Junior class. Come on by and see why we're different!

Hapkido What is Hapkido? Hapkido translates into the way of coordinated strength and harmony. Sometimes it is referred to as the way of coordinated power. Hapkido is a comprehensive martial arts system comprised of the study of empty hand techniques, the study of weapons, the study of Ki, and the study of martial arts philosophy. Hapkido was created by Master Choi, Yong-Sul; however, Master Ji, Han-Jae is credited with giving the art the name of Hapkido. The Hapkido system at our school is divided into four major divisions for balance. Yuh Kwon Sul- Study of Empty Hand Techniques; these techniques encompass basic kicking and striking, joint manipulation, sweeps and throws, and Free Sparring. Mu Ki Sul- Study of Weapon Techniques; Students are exposed to a number of martial arts weaponry through the course of their training. Students begin training with offensive weapons such as staff and sword. As well, defensive weapons are learned such as the rope, cane, and the fan. Son Do Sul- Study of Ki; Students learn eternal energy such as breathing exercises that stimulate the flow of Ki through the body. Later students learn to accumulate and circulate Ki through the body. Han Chul Hak- Study of Philosophy; Hapkido philosophy is divided into three fundamental concepts: Harmony Theory, Water Theory, and Circle Theory We stress traditional training with modern day applications in our men, women, and childrens' training programs so as to fit 21st century needs such as fitness and standing technique self defense.

Haganah F.I.G.H.T. Program The Fierce Israeli Guerilla Hand to Hand Tactics(F.I.G.H.T.) program uses one of the most effective self-defense systems available today-Haganah. The Haganah advanced combat system is based on both Israeli martial arts, Krav Maga and Hisardut, and Israeli military tactics as used by Israeli Special Forces operatives in extremely hostile situations. All tactics are combat proven. F.i.G.H.T. is designed for worst case scenarios, when escaping from the situation may not be a viable option. Best of all, just about anyone can do it, regardless of strength, size, or physcial fitness. Haganah's F.I.G.H.T program is taught to women, civilans, law enforcement, and other professionals across the country. TECHNIQUES OF SELF DEFENSE: In F.I.G.H.T you will learn, Defense against punches, kicks, and other strikes Escapes and releases from chokes, bear hugs and other grappling techniques Defenses against knive, guns, and other weapons Defense against multiple attackers. FAST, PRACTICAL TRAINING: Unlike many other systems which teach according to a belt level curriculum, adding techniques according to the rank of the student, Haganah exposes you to the core system in just four months. We have carefully picked the eighteen most common street attack scenarios and a variety of knife defenses and gun disarms to work from. Training is conducted in a 4 month rotation sytem-you can start right away and cover the whole system in just 4 months. By limiting the variety of combat strategies, your learning time is accelerated and your depth of understanding and skill level are increased. You become adept at quiukly reacting to attacks and if necessary, improvising to achieve your desired result. See www.fight2survive.com for more information!

Little Ninjas Kindergarten Hapkido Karate Our specialized Little Ninja'a Hapkido Program is an age specific curriculum that is professionally designed to teach children important life skills in a fun, exciting, and enriching manner. Our secret to teaching your child coordination, concentration, and self control is a unique method we like to call "edu-tainment." This uses the excitement and fun of the Little Ninja martial arts skills to teach key life lessons you would want your child to know. It's true that Little Ninja's activities will keep your child physically fit and that many of the group activities show children the benefits of good behavior. But, best of all, your child's class curriculum will also help them see the value of teamwork, good manners, and trying their best outside of the classroom. The main life skills that are taught in the Little Ninjas's program are focus, memory, teamwork, discipline, self-control, fitness, balance, and coordination. Many of the same concepts you are teaching your child at home will be consistently reinforced through classromm discussions in your child's programs. Topics such as: good manners(which include keeping hands and feet to themselves), respect for one's self and others, and following directions the first time and more! Valuable personal development lessons have been built into the Little Ninja's curriculum. Your child will participate in discussions on "Stranger Danger", "When to call 911' "Fire Safety", "Street Safety", and more. Little Ninja's will improve your child's basic motor skills through basic martial skills such as falling safely, kicking, punching, and self-defense techniques. These skills will help your child enter society with a confident and enthusiastic outlook. Your child will become a better student in school, a better listener at home, and feel more ambitious towards his/hers future goals. We believe the time between ages four and six are the most important years of a child's development. Let us enhance your child's mental and physical development in a fun, positive, and motivating way. Enroll your child today and help prepare them for life! Classes sizes are limited, call now to reserve your child's space. Parents, remember the Little Ninjas train one day per week, so pick the most convenient day per week that fits your schedule.

Please Contact Us if you have any questions about our programs or would like to know about other programs that may not be listed here.