Business Details
15 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Niceville, FL
School of Combat Arts was founded in 2011 by Professor Michael Gioe with a mission to bridge the gap between sport and self-defense through comprehensive martial arts training. Our academy specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, DeRobio Eskrima, and Modern Urban Combatives, empowering students with real-world combat proficiency. With over 35 years of combined experience, our instructors emphasize practical application, safety, and personal growth.We serve diverse communities in Northwest Florida, offering programs for adults and children that build confidence, discipline, and physical fitness. Our facility in Niceville, FL, provides a clean, supportive environment where students of all skill levels achieve their goals through expert guidance and structured curricula. We maintain transparency in pricing and operations while fostering a culture of integrity in martial arts education.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Modern Urban Combatives
DeRobio Eskrima
Kids Martial Arts
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of combined martial arts expertise from certified instructors
- Our curriculum bridges sport techniques with real-world self-defense applications
- We maintain transparent pricing with no hidden fees or initiation costs
- Our facility serves as a community hub for martial artists of all experience levels
- We provide specialized training for law enforcement, military, and competitive athletes
What people say
Tapping people out regularly
First place Destin Copa America
Leaps and bounds ahead
Excellent school for self defense
Professional and dedicated instructors
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches practical self-defense techniques focusing on leverage and positional control against larger opponents. Students develop physical strength, mental discipline, and competitive skills through structured drills and partner work. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications while maintaining traditional grappling principles for both gi and no-gi environments.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
BattleReady Muay Thai instruction develops elite striking skills using fists, elbows, knees, and shins for maximum effectiveness. Our program builds cardiovascular endurance, explosive power, and rapid reflexes through traditional Thai training methods combined with modern combat conditioning techniques for self-defense and competition preparation.
Modern Urban Combatives
This comprehensive program integrates striking, grappling, and weapon defense techniques for urban threat scenarios. Students train in realistic environments to handle multiple attackers, disarms, and restraint escapes while developing situational awareness and stress inoculation for high-pressure situations.
DeRobio Eskrima
Our Eskrima classes focus on fluid weapon-based combat using sticks, knives, and empty-hand applications. The curriculum emphasizes footwork, angle manipulation, and counterattacks while preserving traditional Filipino martial arts principles through structured drills and partner exercises.
Kids Martial Arts
Designed for ages 6-12, our youth program builds confidence, respect, and focus through age-appropriate martial arts instruction. Small class sizes ensure individual attention while teaching self-defense fundamentals, character development, and physical fitness through engaging games and structured learning activities.
People
Michael Gioe
Head Instructor
3rd-degree BJJ blackbelt with 35+ years of martial arts experience, specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Catch Wrestling. Former law enforcement officer and founder of School of Combat Arts in 2011.
Aran Middleton
Black Belt Instructor
Certified black belt instructor with expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. Provides personalized training focusing on technical mastery and practical application for students of all skill levels.
Josh Scott
Eskrima Instructor
Specialist in DeRobio Eskrima and Filipino martial arts with extensive experience in weapon-based combat systems and practical self-defense applications for real-world scenarios.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Modern Urban Combatives, DeRobio Eskrima, and Kids Martial Arts programs with expert instruction in each discipline.
Are your instructors qualified?
Our instructors hold advanced ranks including 3rd-degree BJJ blackbelts and certified expertise in multiple martial arts systems with extensive real-world application experience.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide 3 trial classes for $19.99 allowing new students to experience our programs before committing to regular membership.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We offer programs for children aged 6-12, adults of all experience levels, and specialized training for competitive athletes and professionals.
Are there hidden fees?
No, we maintain transparent pricing with no initiation fees, hidden costs, or mandatory equipment purchases to ensure clear value for all members.
How do you approach self-defense training?
Our Modern Urban Combatives program focuses on real-world scenarios including weapon defense, restraint escapes, and situational awareness for unpredictable urban threats.
