Business Details
Empowering Community Through Martial Arts in Providence, RI
Main Street Martial Arts is a nonprofit dojo dedicated to enriching lives through martial arts and related disciplines. Founded by volunteer co-owners Sherry Lee Waldman Sensei and Michael L. Werth Sensei, we provide inclusive training in Aikido, Taekwondo, Karate-Do, and Yoga. Our instructors, with 25-50 years of experience, emphasize personal growth, community, and holistic development. We foster a nurturing environment where students of all ages build physical strength, mental discipline, and spiritual awareness.Our programs integrate complementary practices like Zen meditation and offer flexible pricing to ensure accessibility. As a community-driven organization, we prioritize mutual respect, transparency, and lifelong learning, empowering individuals to apply martial arts principles beyond the dojo.
Services
Aikido
Olympic Taekwondo
Okinawan Karate-Do
Knife Defense
Swordsmanship
Yoga
Mixed Martial Arts
Wooden Weapons
Highlights and features
- We offer martial arts programs led by instructors with 25+ years of experience.
- Our nonprofit dojo provides flexible pricing and a member referral program.
- We integrate Zen meditation and healing arts into our holistic training approach.
- Our volunteer owners prioritize community impact over profit.
- We offer free trial classes with personalized guidance for all students.
What people say
Excellent instructors
Supportive community
Family-friendly environment
Improved confidence
Practical self-defense
Services
Traditional Aikido
Aikido training focuses on defensive techniques that harmonize with attackers' energy. Our program emphasizes physical conditioning, mental discipline, and spiritual growth through circular movements and joint locks. Students learn self-defense without aggression while developing balance, flexibility, and situational awareness. This practice benefits individuals seeking non-competitive martial arts that cultivate inner peace and practical self-defense skills.
Olympic Taekwondo
Olympic Taekwondo combines traditional ITF patterns with competitive training. Students master kicks, forms, and sparring techniques under certified international coaches. The program develops physical fitness, competitive spirit, and technical precision. Ideal for athletes aiming for tournament competition or those seeking dynamic self-defense training rooted in authentic Korean martial arts traditions.
Okinawan Karate-Do
Okinawan Karate-Do teaches practical self-defense through traditional kata and bunkai applications. Our curriculum emphasizes hand-eye coordination, striking techniques, and weapon training with Jo staff. Students gain strength, flexibility, and confidence while learning authentic Okinawan methods. This program suits all ages seeking effective self-defense and physical conditioning through classical martial arts.
Knife Defense
Knife Defense training prepares students for real-world scenarios without ranks or belts. The program focuses on situational awareness, disarming techniques, and non-lethal defense strategies. Participants learn to neutralize threats through practical drills and partner exercises. This no-nonsense approach suits individuals seeking realistic self-protection skills in a supportive learning environment.
Unravel Yoga
Unravel Yoga combines traditional postures with martial arts principles to improve flexibility and mental clarity. Classes emphasize breath control, body alignment, and stress reduction techniques. Students develop core strength and mindfulness that complement martial arts training. This practice benefits all fitness levels seeking physical wellness and mental rejuvenation through accessible yoga instruction.
People
Michael L. Werth Sensei
Co-Head of School
Michael L. Werth Sensei co-founded Main Street Martial Arts with 34+ years of Aikido experience. A certified Shidoin (Senior Instructor), he teaches traditional Aikikai Aikido while integrating Zen meditation and strategic practices. His community-focused approach emphasizes accessibility and personal growth.
Sherry Lee Waldman Sensei
Co-Head of School
Sherry Lee Waldman Sensei brings 36+ years of Aikido expertise to Main Street Martial Arts. As a Fukushidoin (Assistant Instructor), she creates inclusive learning environments that emphasize traditional techniques and modern applications. Her teaching philosophy centers on nurturing student development through patient guidance.
Sabumnim Abtin Timothy
Chief Instructor
Sabumnim Abtin Timothy leads Olympic Taekwondo instruction with 33+ years of experience. A 7th Degree Black Belt and international referee, he trains students for ITF/WTF competitions while preserving traditional Korean martial arts principles. His expertise includes coaching Olympic hopefuls and developing technical curricula.
Matthew MacManus Sensei
Chief Instructor
Matthew MacManus Sensei teaches Okinawan Karate-Do with 30+ years of experience. A 3rd Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate-Do, he emphasizes practical self-defense applications and traditional kata. His teaching style combines historical context with modern training methodologies for effective skill development.
Al Souza Shihan
Associate Instructor
Al Souza Shihan brings 50+ years of martial arts experience to Main Street Martial Arts. A 6th Degree Black Belt in Aiki Jujutsu and 4th Degree in Shotokan Karate-Do, he teaches traditional Okinawan techniques while mentoring students in character development and technical mastery.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Traditional Aikido, Olympic Taekwondo, Okinawan Karate-Do, Knife Defense, Swordsmanship, Unravel Yoga, and Mixed Martial Arts. All programs emphasize practical self-defense and personal development.
Are classes available for children?
Yes, we provide youth programs including Children's Aikido and family classes. Our instructors adapt techniques for different age groups while maintaining traditional martial arts principles and safety standards.
Do you offer trial classes?
We provide free trial classes with personalized guidance. Contact us via text at 401-345-9202 to schedule your trial session and learn about current promotions.
What experience do your instructors have?
Our chief instructors have 25-50 years of experience. They include certified international referees, multi-degree black belts, and specialists in traditional martial arts disciplines from Japan and Korea.
Are there flexible payment options?
As a nonprofit, we work with your budget. We offer promotional programs including one-month free enrollment and flexible payment arrangements to ensure accessibility for all community members.
What makes your dojo unique?
We combine traditional martial arts with holistic practices like Zen meditation. Our volunteer owners prioritize community impact over profit, creating an inclusive environment where students develop physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
