Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts School in Cincinnati
Established in 1992, US Martial Arts Academy has been Cincinnati's premier destination for martial arts education. Our experienced instructors offer Kempo Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Cardio Kickboxing, and Flow Yoga programs tailored to students of all ages and skill levels. We emphasize structured learning through our belt system while fostering discipline, confidence, and community engagement.Our staff maintains rigorous training standards to ensure quality instruction, and we provide a supportive environment where students develop physical coordination, focus, and respect. With flexible class options and a family-friendly atmosphere, we help individuals achieve personal growth through martial arts practice.
Services
Youth Martial Arts
Junior Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Cardio Kickboxing
Flow Yoga
Special Events
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of martial arts instruction experience with certified black belt instructors
- Our curriculum combines multiple disciplines including Kempo Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Family-friendly environment with youth and adult programs under one roof
- Structured belt system promotes measurable progress and goal achievement
- Focus on practical self-defense applications and character development
What people say
Great with kids
Loves the classes
Gained self-esteem
Positive environment
Professional instructors
Services
Youth Martial Arts
Structured programs for ages 3-9 develop physical coordination, focus, and respect through Kempo Karate techniques. Our Grasshoppers (4-5 years) and Youth (6-9 years) classes emphasize safety awareness and goal-setting while maintaining fun, active learning environments that improve classroom behavior and social skills.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Comprehensive grappling programs for all ages focus on ground control techniques and submission holds. Certified through Vitor Shaolin Ribeiro's association, our classes build physical fitness, problem-solving skills, and self-defense capabilities while emphasizing perseverance, respect, and strategic thinking in both competitive and practical contexts.
Adult Martial Arts
Self-defense focused programs for ages 16+ combine traditional Kempo Karate with modern practical applications. Classes improve confidence, physical fitness, and situational awareness while connecting students to a global martial arts lineage that spans centuries of cultural exchange and technical evolution.
Cardio Kickboxing
High-energy group workouts blend martial arts strikes with boxing techniques to improve cardiovascular health and muscle tone. Led by certified instructors, these classes develop coordination and endurance through choreographed routines set to music, accommodating all fitness levels with modified movement options.
Flow Yoga
Instructor-led flow yoga sessions enhance flexibility and circulation through continuous pose transitions. Certified instructor Kristen Cowan teaches accessible classes that complement martial arts training, focusing on joint mobility, balance, and mindful movement for students of all experience levels.
People
Senior Master Dave Tester
Founder/Lead Instructor
With martial arts experience since 1978 and a 7th degree black belt in Kempo Karate, Master Tester established US Martial Arts Academy in 1992. He holds multiple black belts including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Vitor Shaolin Ribeiro.
Jason Reynolds
Chief Instructor
Third degree black belt in Ryu Kyu Kempo with 19 years of martial arts experience. Former A/V and electrical specialist who transitioned to full-time instruction, serving as dojo vice president since 2012.
Matthew Rowland
Instructor
Third degree black belt in Ryu Kyu Kempo with continuous service since 2001. Combines engineering expertise with martial arts instruction to teach students of all ages while maintaining technical precision.
Kym Smith
Instructor/Administrator
Eight-year academy member and nearly-black-belt in Ryuku Kempo. Manages office operations while teaching classes, balancing martial arts instruction with her professional accounting career.
Sam Collier
Instructor
Former Marine with six years at USMAA, specializing in youth development. Credits martial arts training for building personal confidence and overcoming challenges, currently preparing for black belt testing.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Kempo Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Cardio Kickboxing, and Flow Yoga with a curriculum combining Korean, Okinawan, Filipino, and Japanese traditions.
Do you accept students with prior martial arts experience?
Yes, we assess transfer students' skills and place them at appropriate belt levels based on our curriculum.
What are your instructor qualifications?
All instructors undergo monthly training meetings, staff workshops, and maintain strict teaching standards with ongoing professional development.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide a no-risk free introduction period to help students experience our programs before committing.
Can adults participate in multiple programs?
Adult students may attend both martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, with yoga and cardio options included in fitness memberships.
