Business Details
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Williston, VT
At ONTA Studio, we believe martial arts is more than physical trainingit's a pathway to personal growth, community connection, and self-empowerment. Founded by Zach Stevens and Lauren Ballard, our dojo combines decades of global martial arts expertise with a deep commitment to inclusivity. We offer tailored programs for children, teens, adults, and individuals with special needs, emphasizing respect, responsibility, and holistic development.Our instructors bring diverse backgrounds in disciplines like Karate, Judo, Sanda Kickboxing, and Healing Tao, creating a dynamic learning environment. Whether you're a lifelong martial artist or a curious beginner, our mission is to make martial arts accessible, transformative, and life-affirming for every family.
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Mixed Martial Arts
Kids Classes
Special Needs Classes
Ninja Science Camp
Summer Camps
Self-Defense Training
Karate Instruction
Teen Programs
Family Fitness
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed instruction for children and adults with special needs.
- Our instructors have trained globally in 8+ martial arts disciplines.
- We integrate environmental science and ethical education into our camps.
- Our teen girls' self-defense program addresses real-world safety scenarios.
- We combine 20+ years of collective teaching experience with personalized attention.
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Our core martial arts programs teach traditional Karate, Mixed Martial Arts, and self-defense techniques for all skill levels. Students develop physical strength, mental focus, and confidence through structured curriculum. Classes emphasize respect, discipline, and practical application of techniques in safe, supportive environments.
Special Needs Classes
Tailored martial arts instruction for children and adults with developmental disabilities and sensory sensitivities. Our trauma-informed approach adapts techniques to individual needs while promoting body awareness, coordination, and social skills. Instructors use visual aids, modified pacing, and positive reinforcement to create inclusive learning experiences.
Ninja Science Camp
Week-long day camps combining martial arts, parkour, and environmental science education for ages 5-15. Activities include Karate drills, board breaking, sword techniques, and nature-based lessons on topics like entomology and ecology. Camps run during school breaks with limited 20-student enrollments to ensure personalized attention.
Teen Girls Self-Defense
Empowerment-focused self-defense program teaching situational awareness, boundary setting, and physical defense techniques for teen girls aged 13-23. Curriculum addresses modern safety challenges while building confidence, assertiveness, and risk assessment skills in practical training scenarios.
Mixed Martial Arts
Integrated MMA training blending striking, grappling, and ground defense techniques from multiple disciplines. Programs for teens and adults emphasize practical self-defense applications, physical conditioning, and martial arts philosophy. Classes maintain small instructor-to-student ratios for technical precision and safety.
People
Zach Stevens
Co-Founder & Head Instructor
Karate black belt with 20+ years of training in Goju-Ryu, Judo, Sanda Kickboxing, and Healing Tao. Holds MA in Economic Anthropology and specializes in adaptive martial arts instruction for special needs populations.
Lauren Ballard
Co-Founder & Instructor
Trained in Theravada meditation and Healing Tao System. Graduate of Oxford University with expertise in educational philosophy and cross-cultural learning methodologies. Focuses on ethical martial arts education and curriculum development.
Izzy Grae
Instructor
Certified instructor in multiple martial arts with 4 years of security experience. Combines street self-defense practicality with mental resilience training. Also active in local theater and performing arts community.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Karate, Mixed Martial Arts, Sanda Kickboxing, Judo, and Healing Tao System practices in our curriculum.
Do you have classes for children with special needs?
Yes, we provide adaptive martial arts instruction specifically designed for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Are there summer camp options available?
Our Ninja Science Camps combine martial arts with environmental education, running weekly during summer breaks for ages 5-15.
What safety measures do you have in place?
We maintain small class sizes, use trauma-informed teaching methods, and require all instructors to complete safety certification programs.
Can beginners join your classes?
Absolutely! Our programs welcome all experience levels, with dedicated beginner tracks and personalized instructor support.
How do I register for classes?
Visit our website to schedule a free trial class or register for ongoing programs through our online booking system.
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