Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Norfolk, VA
Kobukan Martial Arts was founded in 2008 by Ron Manes in Virginia Beach and relocated to Norfolk in 2011. Our mission is to glorify God by building champions of character through martial arts, emphasizing strength in fitness, unity in purpose, and values rooted in family and faith. We offer programs in Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Tai Chi for all ages, from children to adults. Our veteran-owned academy fosters a family-oriented environment where students develop discipline, confidence, and resilience. With over 23 years of experience managing martial arts schools, Ron Manes combines his expertise as a retired Navy combat veteran and Stage 3 throat cancer survivor to mentor students of all ages. We partner with local communities to provide programs for youth, veterans, and individuals overcoming challenges like PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.Our instructors, including Ambassador Karate Representative Lehman, emphasize character development alongside technical skill, ensuring students earn ranks through dedication and mastery. Classes are designed to accommodate individual progress, with structured curricula that promote physical fitness, mental discipline, and lifelong wellness. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive community where students achieve personal growth and form lasting connections. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted choice for families seeking martial arts instruction on the mid-Atlantic coast.
Services
Karate for Kids
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kickboxing
Tai Chi
Adult Karate
Women's BJJ
Youth BJJ
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Veteran-owned academy with 23+ years of martial arts instruction experience
- Family-oriented environment emphasizing character development and mutual respect
- Certified instructors with black belts in Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Community programs supporting veterans and individuals with special needs
- Proven track record of student success in competitions and personal growth
What people say
Life-changing experience
Family environment
Excellent instructors
Character development
Community support
Services
Karate for Kids
Structured Karate classes for children aged 4-11 focusing on fundamental techniques, discipline, and character development. Our curriculum combines traditional Matsumura Kata with modern teaching methods to build confidence and physical coordination. Students progress at their own pace through belt ranks earned through skill mastery and teaching others.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Comprehensive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs for all ages teaching ground fighting techniques, leverage-based self-defense, and competitive grappling. Classes emphasize technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and mental resilience through live sparring and structured drills in both gi and no-gi formats.
Kickboxing
High-energy Kickboxing classes blending Wu Pass Fighting system techniques with interval training for optimal fitness results. Students learn striking fundamentals while improving cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and coordination through dynamic workout routines suitable for all fitness levels.
Tai Chi
Traditional Tai Chi instruction focusing on flowing movements to enhance balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. This ancient Chinese practice combines martial arts principles with wellness benefits, teaching students to cultivate internal energy (qi) for improved physical and emotional well-being.
Women's BJJ
Specialized Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes creating a supportive environment for women of all experience levels. Our program addresses specific self-defense needs while building physical fitness, confidence, and technical skill through women-focused instruction and community support.
People
Ron Manes
Head Instructor & Founder
Retired Navy combat veteran and Stage 3 throat cancer survivor with 23+ years managing martial arts schools. Holds black belts in Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Teaches Tai Chi at community centers and mentors youth through martial arts programs.
Lehman
Ambassador Karate Representative
Started martial arts at age 10, earned black belt in 5 years. Transformed from shy student to inspirational instructor teaching Karate programs across Norfolk. Focuses on building student confidence and mental discipline through practical application.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Tai Chi for ages 4+ with specialized programs for kids, teens, adults, and women.
Are your instructors qualified?
Yes, our instructors hold black belts in their disciplines and have decades of combined teaching experience, including veteran instructors and competition coaches.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide free trial classes for all our martial arts programs to help you experience our training environment.
How do belt promotions work?
Belt promotions are earned through skill mastery, teaching ability, and personal development at each student's individual pace with formal evaluations.
Can martial arts help children with special needs?
Yes, our inclusive programs adapt to individual needs, as demonstrated by success stories with autistic children developing confidence and discipline through structured training.
