Business Details
19 Years
experience
Top Martial Arts Training in Southern Pines, NC
Founded in 2007, the Martial Arts Academy of Southern Pines has established itself as a premier martial arts institution in North Carolina. Our academy offers world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Combat Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, and Filipino Martial Arts, delivered by a team of highly respected instructors with decades of combined experience. We prioritize a safe, family-friendly environment where students of all agesfrom children as young as 4 to adultsdevelop self-defense skills, physical fitness, and mental discipline.Our curriculum emphasizes practical techniques, character development, and real-world applications, ensuring students gain confidence and resilience. With a state-of-the-art facility and personalized attention, we remain committed to fostering growth, respect, and community through martial arts education.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Combat Hapkido
Tae Kwon Do
Filipino Weapons Defense
Tiny Tigers TKD
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer expert instruction in multiple martial arts disciplines for all ages.
- Our programs emphasize practical self-defense and real-world applications.
- Family-friendly environment with personalized attention for every student.
- Instructors include Grandmasters and certified professionals with decades of experience.
- State-of-the-art facility designed for safe, effective martial arts training.
Associations and certifications
- United States Chung Do Kwan Association
- International Combat Hapkido Federation
What people say
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly environment
Effective self-defense
Builds confidence
Structured programs
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches grappling, ground fighting, and submission techniques. Students learn to use leverage and technique over strength, making it ideal for self-defense. The practice builds physical fitness, mental resilience, and strategic thinking through partner drills and controlled sparring.
Combat Hapkido
Combat Hapkido focuses on practical self-defense through strikes, joint locks, pressure points, and weapon disarming. This versatile system prepares students for real-world scenarios while emphasizing situational awareness and de-escalation techniques in a structured training environment.
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do classes emphasize kicking techniques, physical fitness, and character development. Students progress through belt ranks while learning discipline, respect, and coordination. The curriculum combines traditional forms with practical self-defense applications for all skill levels.
Filipino Weapons Defense
Filipino Martial Arts training includes stick and knife techniques combined with empty-hand self-defense. Students develop coordination and situational awareness while learning traditional Filipino weapon systems adapted for modern practical applications in a controlled setting.
Tiny Tigers TKD
Tiny Tigers introduces preschoolers to martial arts fundamentals through fun, age-appropriate activities. The program builds focus, balance, and respect while developing motor skills and confidence in a playful, supportive environment for children aged 4-5.
People
Dan Dorton
Grandmaster (8th Dan)
With over 30 years of martial arts experience, Grandmaster Dan Dorton co-founded the academy in 2007. He leads Combat Hapkido instruction and holds black belts in multiple disciplines.
Melanie Wyatt
Grandmaster (9th Dan)
Grandmaster Melanie Wyatt, a 9th Dan black belt, directs Tae Kwon Do programs and brings decades of competitive and teaching experience to the academy's leadership team.
Roy Marsh
Co-Founder
As one of the original founders, Roy Marsh helped establish the academy's community-focused approach and continues to support its growth and operational excellence.
Jeremy Underhill
Instructor
Certified instructor Jeremy Underhill specializes in Combat Hapkido techniques and assists in developing practical self-defense curricula for adult and teen students.
TJ Willcox
Instructor
Instructor TJ Willcox contributes to Combat Hapkido instruction and focuses on creating engaging, effective training sessions for students of all experience levels.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Combat Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Filipino Martial Arts, and Tiny Tigers TKD for preschoolers.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes! All programs welcome beginners, with age-specific classes from preschoolers to adults.
What are the benefits of martial arts training?
Training improves self-defense skills, physical fitness, discipline, confidence, and mental focus.
Who are your instructors?
Our team includes Grandmasters Dan Dorton (8th Dan) and Melanie Wyatt (9th Dan), plus certified Black Belt instructors.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes, we provide family-friendly pricing options for multiple members training together.
