The Houston Martial Arts Academy ("HMAA") established in 2002 specializes in real life self-defense training.  We are dedicated to developing our members' confidence and ability to defend any type of attack at any range.  We also make sure to have fun while we are training so that we actually enjoy practicing the techniques, drills and concepts from the diverse martial arts we study.

Unlike many other schools, our focus is on the individual.  Our functional-based approach to martial arts ensures that each of our members knows what works for them in a real-life confrontation.  We have no ranking system in our school since an attacker in the street doesn’t care how many black belts you have or what techniques you know.  HMAA members have confidence because they truly know what they can do under pressure and have been able to make their techniques work against a resisting opponent.  Martial arts is our advocation---we do not make our living from charging students for martial arts lessons.  Rather, we train in martial arts to ensure that we can protect ourselves, our families and our loved ones.

Our members come from diverse backgrounds and many members have training in various empty hand, grappling, and weapons-based systems, some have no prior training.  HMAA membership is open to men and women of all ages, from beginner to advanced levels.  Members of HMAA are encouraged to learn at their own pace and advancement is dependent on individual effort.

At HMAA, we explore techniques and training methods from various martial arts.  The curriculum of HMAA comes from various sources, including Western Boxing, Thai Boxing, Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Okinawan Karate, Grappling Arts, Freestyle Wrestling, Judo, Kung fu, Kickboxing, Ground fighting, JKD concepts, and the Filipino Martial Arts.

We believe that, in order to be able to defend yourself, you must be aware of and  understand the many types of encounters that a person may be exposed to in today's environment.  HMAA members train in all ranges of combat, including weapon range, kicking range, boxing range, the clinch and grappling range.  HMAA members seek out and train with some of the top martial arts instructors in the world.  The ultimate goal of HMAA is enable its members to gain an understanding of martial arts principles, learn to apply those principals in a realistic setting, and allow members make it their own.  If members want rank in any of the Arts we study, it can be earned from the Grand Master, Master or Sensei of that system.

At HMAA, we follow the JKD philosophy of exploring all martial arts, accepting what is useful, using the utmost efficiency in application and using what works in combat.  HMAA members train realistically, but in a safe and controlled training environment, to achieve their individual goals.

At HMAA, we believe that, through diligent study and realistic training in the martial arts, HMAA members will become self-empowered, develop self-confidence, enhance self-esteem, enhance their cultural awareness through the martial arts and, most importantly, develop their own personal arsenal of individualized techniques to defend themselves.  HMAA members are encouraged to continually train, grow and improve and to use what they learn constructively, as responsible members of the community.

Our group and private classes take place inside The Downtown Club at Houston Center, located at 1100 Caroline Street, at the top floor of the First City Tower Parking Garage, in Houston, Texas.  We hope to see you in one of our classes soon.

          info@houstonmartialartsacademy.com                        (713) 550-6575