ONTA Studio

Welcome to Onta Studio, your friendly neighborhood Karate and Mixed Martial Arts Dojo. We are a place for families, a place for individuals of all skill levels and abilities, a place for anyone interested in learning and growing through martial arts. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where students can develop their physical abilities, mental strength, and a sense of community.

Onta Studio was founded by Zach Stevens, a lifelong martial artist with a passion for sharing his knowledge and experience with others. Growing up on a farm in southern Vermont, Zach studied and earned black belts in Goju-Ryu Karate and Nihon Jujutsu, competed in folkstyle wrestling, and trained in Judo, Sanda Kickboxing, Tai Chi, and Chi Kung. He has also studied Pekiti Tirsia and Dogbrothers Kali, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and is a certified instructor in the Healing Tao System of Chi Kung and Tao Yin. Zach holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Chicago and a M.A. in Economic Anthropology from the London School of Economics. He has over a decade of experience working with children and adults with special needs.

Lauren Ballard, a dedicated and passionate educator, grew up in the dojo watching her father train and compete as an American Kickboxer. She later learned Theravada meditation in the temples of the Thai and Laos communities of northern California. Together with Zach, they traveled to Thailand where she studied Chi Kung and Tao Yin under Grandmaster Mantak Chia, becoming a certified instructor in the Healing Tao System. Lauren holds a B.A. in English from the University of California at Berkeley and a M.St. in English and American Studies from Oxford University.

Izzy Grae is a martial artist with experience in Western Boxing, Tang Soo Do, Chinese Kenpo, and the Nigerian boxing and wrestling arts of Dambe and Laamb. He has also worked as a bouncer and security guard in the greater Burlington area for almost four years, where he learned the importance of mental strength and responsibility in martial arts. Izzy is also an accomplished local actor and artist, appearing in regional musical theater productions and performing stand up comedy.

Services Offered

At Onta Studio, we offer a variety of classes for both adults and children, including:

• Adult Classes: Our adult classes include Tai Chi and Chi Kung, focusing on strength, energy, and cultivation. We also offer Mixed Martial Arts classes, combining various martial arts techniques for a comprehensive self-defense and fitness program.
• Kids Classes: Our kids classes include Ninja classes, which teach children practical self-defense skills and build confidence. We also offer Kids Mixed Martial Arts classes, providing a fun and engaging way for children to learn self-defense, discipline, and respect.
• Special Needs Classes: Our special needs classes provide a unique and supportive environment for children and adults with special needs, including those with autism and developmental disabilities. These classes focus on building skills, confidence, and community.
• Ninja Science Camp: Our Ninja Science Camp is a unique and exciting summer program for children, combining martial arts, science, and adventure.
• Camps: We offer various camps throughout the year, including summer camps and workshop intensives, for both kids and adults to deepen their practice and community.