Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Transform Your Life with Martial Arts in Cincinnati
Nishime Martial Arts has dedicated over five decades to transforming lives through martial arts, fostering health, confidence, self-defense skills, and a supportive community. Founded in 1973 by Shihan Kiyoshi Nishime, a 9th Degree Black Belt native of Okinawa, Japan, we remain a family-run institution committed to martial arts values of respect, humility, and perseverance. Our programs cater to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to world-class competitors, blending traditional and modern disciplines like Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Okinawan weaponry.With locations in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Florence, Kentucky, we serve over 20 communities, emphasizing holistic personal growth through physical and mental development. Recognized by the Japanese government and the Amateur Athletic Union, our legacy combines global expertise with local accessibility, offering a welcoming environment where families build stronger connections and individuals achieve transformative results.
Services
Adult Karate
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kids Karate
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Weapons Training
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined family expertise in martial arts instruction
- Our programs combine traditional values with modern self-defense techniques
- We maintain a family-friendly environment with intergenerational training opportunities
- Our instructors include internationally recognized black belts with competition success
- We serve over 20 local communities with accessible locations in Ohio and Kentucky
Associations and certifications
- Adopt A Cop BJJ
- We Defy Foundation
What people say
Outstanding instruction
Family-friendly atmosphere
Builds confidence
High-level expertise
Positive community
Services
Adult Karate
Our Adult Karate program develops physical fitness, self-defense skills, and personal growth through traditional Okinawan techniques. Students improve core strength, cardiovascular health, and mental focus while learning practical self-defense applications. The curriculum accommodates all skill levels, from beginners seeking fitness to competitors pursuing championship titles.
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches ground fighting techniques emphasizing leverage over strength for effective self-defense. The program includes Gi and No-Gi training, developing body awareness, problem-solving skills, and physical conditioning. Students learn positional control and submission techniques in a supportive environment that emphasizes technical proficiency.
Kids Karate
Our Kids Karate program for ages 4-13 builds character, discipline, and physical fitness through age-appropriate martial arts instruction. Children develop coordination, focus, and self-confidence while learning self-defense fundamentals. The structured curriculum balances fun activities with technical training to prevent bullying and improve school performance.
Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Designed for ages 7-12, this program teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals in a safe environment. Students develop physical coordination, self-discipline, and non-violent conflict resolution skills. The curriculum combines technical instruction with practical application to build confidence and prevent bullying through controlled grappling techniques.
Weapons Training
Our Weapons Training program specializes in Yamanni-Ryu kobudo, focusing on the bo staff and secondary weapons like sai and nunchaku. This traditional Okinawan discipline enhances body mechanics, coordination, and martial arts understanding. Training improves dexterity and strength while connecting students with martial arts heritage through dynamic, fluid movements.
People
Shihan Kiyoshi Nishime
Founder/Head Karate Instructor
9th Degree Black Belt with over 50 years teaching experience, awarded Japanese government's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998 and AAU's National Instructor of the Year in 1999. Established Cincinnati's premier martial arts academy in 1973.
Jason Nishime
Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor
4th Degree Karate Black Belt and BJJ Black Belt under Shawn Hammonds, with 10 National and 8 World titles. Holds professional cornerman license and specializes in making martial arts accessible to all ages and skill levels.
Mary Beth Nishime
Assistant Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt with 40 years of experience, combining martial arts instruction with business management. Focuses on family training programs and community development through martial arts values.
Drew Canfield
Assistant Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt with expertise in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Specializes in youth instruction and emphasizes practical life applications of martial arts principles for students of all ages.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Adult and Kids Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Okinawan Weapons Training for all skill levels.
Do you provide free trial classes?
Yes, we offer a completely free trial class with no obligation or equipment needed.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and surrounding communities including Miamitown, Harrison, and Florence.
Are family training sessions available?
Yes, our Kids Karate program allows adults to train with children aged 8+ for family bonding.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our instructors include 9th Degree Black Belts, international competition champions, and certified fitness professionals.
Do you focus on competition or self-defense?
We emphasize both practical self-defense and competitive excellence across all disciplines.
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