PURPOSE. The Houston Martial Arts Academy ("HMAA") is a group of individuals dedicated to their  personal development through diligent study and training in the martial arts.  First and foremost, our focus is on self-defense--developing HMAA members' ability and confidence to defend any type of attack at any range. Second, we try to have FUN in our training so that we enjoy our drills and learning new techniques training methods and concepts from the diverse martial arts we study.

MEMBERSHIP.  HMAA membership is open to men and women of all ages, from beginner to advanced levels.  An interview with the instructor is required before a person can become a Member. Members of HMAA are encouraged to learn at their own pace and advancement is dependent on individual effort.

CURRICULUM.  The curriculum of HMAA comes from various sources, including Okinawan Karate, Western Boxing, Thai Boxing, Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, grappling, wrestling, judo, gung fu, kickboxing, ground fighting, JKD concepts, Filipino Martial Arts and weapons.

TRAINING METHOD. At HMAA, we study and train in the techniques and methods of various martial arts so that we are exposed to many different types of attack. We believe that, in order to defend oneself, it is critically important to understand all 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, punching range, trapping range, elbow/knee range, the clinch and grappling range.  HMAA Members seek out and train with some of the top instructors in the martial arts 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 then let Members make it their own.

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

DEVELOPING THE INDIVIDUAL. 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 understanding of the cultural aspects of the martial arts and, most importantly, develop their own personal arsenal of individualized techniques to defend any type of attack at any range.  HMAA members are encouraged to continually train, grow and improve and to use what they learn constructively and defensively, as responsible members of the community.