Business Details
Premier Martial Arts Training in East Tennessee
Progressive Martial Arts Academy has been a leader in martial arts education since the late 1980s, founded by Bruce Corrigan, a 10th Degree Black Belt and developer of FILKENJUTSU. Our academy integrates Kenpo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Filipino Martial Arts, and Jeet Kune Do into a comprehensive curriculum designed for all ages and skill levels. With over 100 combined years of martial arts experience among our instructors, we emphasize character development, self-defense, and physical fitness. Our mission is to empower students through disciplined training while fostering community growth and preserving martial arts traditions.We offer tailored programs for adults, teens, and children, including private lessons and fitness coaching. Recognized by world champions like Felipe Costa, our system combines practical techniques with modern training methodologies. Located in Oak Ridge and Knoxville, Tennessee, we provide a supportive environment where students achieve personal growth and mastery.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kenpo Karate
Filipino Martial Arts
Jeet Kune Do
Private Training
Children's Martial Arts
Self-Defense Classes
Fitness Coaching
Nutrition Guidance
Character Development
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of martial arts expertise from our founder Bruce Corrigan, a retired Navy officer and 10th Degree Black Belt.
- Our curriculum integrates multiple disciplines including FILKENJUTSU, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Jeet Kune Do for comprehensive training.
- We provide age-specific programs for children, teens, and adults with certified instructors holding advanced martial arts ranks.
- Our academy has trained law enforcement, military personnel, and medical professionals in practical self-defense techniques.
- We combine traditional martial arts philosophy with modern fitness methodologies for holistic personal development.
What people say
Life-changing confidence
Expert instructors
Supportive environment
Practical self-defense
Family-friendly atmosphere
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops ground fighting expertise through structured curriculum. Students learn submission techniques, positional control, and strategic grappling. The training builds physical fitness while teaching practical self-defense applications for real-world scenarios.
Filipino Martial Arts
Filipino Martial Arts instruction focuses on weapon-based combat techniques adaptable to empty-hand situations. Students master stick fighting, knife defense, and disarming strategies while developing coordination and situational awareness through traditional drills.
Children's Martial Arts
Age-specific martial arts programs for children aged 4-12 develop discipline, focus, and physical coordination. Our curriculum combines character education with fundamental self-defense techniques in an engaging, play-based learning environment that builds confidence and respect.
Private Training
Customized one-on-one training sessions address individual goals and learning paces. Instructors create personalized development plans focusing on specific martial arts disciplines, fitness objectives, or specialized self-defense scenarios for optimal skill acquisition.
Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do instruction emphasizes Bruce Lee's philosophy of adaptive combat. Students develop fluid movement patterns, trapping techniques, and strategic thinking through drills that combine striking, grappling, and footwork in dynamic, unpredictable scenarios.
People
Bruce Corrigan
Founder & Chief Instructor
Retired Navy officer with 22 years service, 10th Degree Black Belt, and developer of FILKENJUTSU. Recognized martial arts expert with military and law enforcement training experience, featured in multiple publications and training videos.
David Corrigan
Owner & Chief Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt in FILKENJUTSU, certified in multiple disciplines including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Jeet Kune Do. Holds BA in Organizational Leadership and oversees academy operations while teaching advanced classes.
Felipe Costa
BJJ World Champion
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion who endorses our training system. Provides technical guidance for our BJJ curriculum while maintaining global teaching commitments and competitive achievements.
Terry Alcorn
Certified Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt in FILKENJUTSU with extensive experience teaching martial arts and fitness. Specializes in combining traditional techniques with modern training methodologies for effective student development.
Brittany Corrigan
Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt in FILKENJUTSU with additional certifications in yoga and suspension training. Focuses on making martial arts accessible to diverse students while maintaining technical excellence in instruction.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach FILKENJUTSU (Kenpo), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Filipino Martial Arts, Jeet Kune Do, and Integrated Kickboxing through a structured curriculum.
Do you offer beginner classes?
Yes, we provide free introductory lessons and beginner-friendly classes for all ages with experienced instructors guiding your martial arts journey.
Are private lessons available?
Private training sessions are available for personalized instruction tailored to your specific goals and learning pace with one-on-one attention.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We offer programs for children (4-7), juniors (8-12), young adults (13-17), and adults (18+), each with age-appropriate curriculum and instruction.
Do you have self-defense focus?
Our training emphasizes practical self-defense techniques applicable to real-world scenarios across all disciplines and programs for effective protection.
What are your facility locations?
We have two locations: 1375 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 and 215 Center Park Drive Suite 550, Knoxville, TN 37922.
