Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Training Center in Rochester
Established in 1975, the Martial Art Fitness Center has cultivated over 200 black belts through its comprehensive martial arts programs. Our instructors, including Master Fred Gommels (8th Dan Okinawa Koburyu Kobukai) and other certified experts, bring decades of experience across disciplines like Taekwondo, Hapkido, Aikido, and Kendo. We emphasize holistic development, combining physical fitness with mental discipline, self-respect, and stress relief. Our curriculum caters to children, teens, and adults, offering structured classes in traditional martial arts, self-defense, and weaponry.With flexible scheduling and free trial classes, we prioritize accessibility and personalized growth. Our leadership team, recognized by global martial arts federations, ensures rigorous training standards. We maintain a non-competitive environment focused on individual progress and community building. Our facility supports both group classes and private lessons tailored to specific skill development needs. The center's legacy of excellence is reflected in its alumni, many of whom continue teaching and practicing worldwide.
Services
Taekwondo
Hapkido
Karate
Aikido
Kendo
Muay Thai
Tai Chi Chuan
Kobudo
Self-Defense
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer free trial classes to experience our training environment.
- Our instructors hold advanced ranks from global martial arts federations.
- We provide personalized private lessons tailored to individual goals.
- Established in 1975, we have a proven legacy of martial arts excellence.
- Flexible scheduling with classes available 6 days a week.
Services
Taekwondo
Taekwondo combines powerful kicks, strikes, and blocks with mental discipline training. This Korean martial art develops physical fitness, self-defense skills, and character through structured belt progression. Our certified instructors teach traditional forms, sparring techniques, and self-defense applications suitable for ages 5 and up.
Hapkido
Hapkido focuses on joint locks, throws, and circular movements to neutralize attackers. This Korean martial art emphasizes practical self-defense against strikes, grabs, and weapons. Classes teach energy redirection techniques while building physical conditioning and situational awareness for teens and adults.
Private Lessons
Customized 45-minute sessions with expert instructors allow focused skill development. Students receive individualized attention for forms, sparring, test preparation, or specialized techniques. Private lessons accommodate all experience levels and can be split between training partners for cost-sharing.
Kobudo
Okinawan Kobudo teaches traditional weapon techniques using bo staff, nunchaku, and sai. This ancient art develops coordination, precision, and historical understanding of martial arts weaponry. Classes combine solo forms with partner drills to practice practical applications of traditional farming implements as defensive tools.
Aikido
Aikido uses circular movements to redirect attackers' energy without injury. This Japanese martial art emphasizes wrist locks, throws, and non-resistance techniques. Classes focus on blending with force rather than opposing it, promoting physical fitness and conflict resolution skills for ages 15 and up.
People
Fred Gommels
Director
8th Dan Okinawa Koburyu Kobukai with 50+ years martial arts experience. Founder of Martial Art Fitness Center in 1975. Trained in 9 martial arts disciplines including Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Judo.
Kirby Strissel
Administrator
6th Dan Taekwondo instructor with expertise in leadership development. Trained under masters in USA and South Korea. Oversees instructor training programs and curriculum development for martial arts leadership.
Gretel Quiones
Tai Chi Instructor
5th Dan Cuban International Taekwondo Federation with expertise in Kung-Fu and Taichi. Former Cuban national team member. Specializes in Yang Style Tai Chi and Shaolin Kung-Fu techniques for all skill levels.
Frank Crow
Okinawan Karate Instructor
10th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Koburyu Karatedo and Kobudo. 45+ years teaching experience. Founded Kalamazoo dojo in 1986 and Rochester's OKKR in 1999. Specializes in traditional Okinawan empty-hand and weapon techniques.
Bruce Piotrowski
Aikido Sensei
2nd Dan Aikido instructor with 25+ years experience. Trained under senior U.S. Aikido Federation instructors. Focuses on non-injurious conflict resolution techniques through circular movements and joint locks for adult practitioners.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Taekwondo, Hapkido, Aikido, Kendo, Muay Thai, Kobudo, Tai Chi, and traditional Karate with expert instructors in each discipline.
Are there classes for beginners?
Yes! All our programs welcome beginners with introductory classes. The free trial lesson helps new students find the right martial art style and class level.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We provide age-appropriate training for children (5+), teens, and adults. Private lessons allow customized instruction for any age or skill level.
Do you offer flexible scheduling?
Our schedule includes weekday evening classes, weekend sessions, and private lesson appointments to accommodate different availability needs.
What payment options exist for classes?
We offer monthly memberships, introductory packages, and tiered private lesson pricing. Payment plans available with 24-hour cancellation policy.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes, we provide free trial classes to experience our training environment and meet instructors before enrolling in any program.
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