Business Details
Empowering Self-Defense Training for All Ages in Maplewood
American Jiu Jitsu of Maplewood is a family-run martial arts studio dedicated to empowering individuals through scenario-based self-defense training. Founded on principles of physics, balance, and human anatomy, our programs cater to children, teens, and adults, emphasizing practical techniques for real-world situations. With over four decades of collective experience, our instructors prioritize non-competitive skill development, teaching students to respond to threats with minimal effort and maximal effectiveness.We foster confidence, discipline, and situational awareness while promoting anti-bullying philosophies and community safety. Our curriculum includes weapon defense, ground techniques, and specialized seminars for women and teens, ensuring a holistic approach to self-defense. Recognized for our tailored instruction, we serve Maplewood and surrounding areas with classes designed to build mental resilience and physical capability across all age groups.
Services
Kids Self Defense
Teen Empowerment
Adult Self Defense
Women's Seminars
Private Lessons
Highlights and features
- We offer family-run instruction with decades of martial arts expertise.
- Our non-competitive environment focuses on practical self-defense scenarios.
- Instructors train local law enforcement and security personnel.
- Specialized programs for anti-bullying, women's safety, and teen empowerment.
- Curriculum integrates weapon defense and physics-based techniques.
What people say
Excellent instructors
Confidence building
Practical techniques
Non-competitive environment
Anti-bullying focus
Services
Kids Self Defense
Our Kids Self Defense program teaches 3rd-5th graders practical anti-bullying techniques in a fun, disciplined environment. Students develop focus, discipline, and confidence while learning scenario-based responses to threats. The curriculum emphasizes respect, goal-setting, and physical safety without competitive elements.
Teen Empowerment
Teen Empowerment classes equip young adults with self-defense skills and mental resilience. Through age-specific scenarios, students learn confidence-building techniques, verbal de-escalation, and physical defense against grabs and attacks. The program fosters peer support and personal growth in a non-competitive setting.
Adult Self Defense
Adult Self Defense focuses on physics-based techniques for real-world threats. Students train in ground defense, weapon scenarios, and situational awareness without relying on strength or speed. Classes emphasize practical application over competition, preparing adults for unexpected attacks.
Women's Self Defense Seminars
These seminars teach women mental and physical strategies to prevent and respond to sexual assault. Topics include boundary setting, verbal de-escalation, and physical techniques targeting vulnerable areas. Participants gain confidence through role-playing and expert-led discussions on safety psychology.
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer tailored self-defense instruction for individuals or groups. Sessions cover customized scenarios, weapon defense, and skill refinement with expert feedback. Available for law enforcement, real estate groups, or personal development, ensuring adaptable learning for all experience levels.
People
Tony Avila
Head Instructor
Shihan Tony Avila, a 5th-degree black belt, founded American Jiu Jitsu of Maplewood in 1994. With over 30 years of experience, he trains law enforcement and security personnel while teaching children's anti-bullying programs.
Dara Avila
Co-Owner
Sensei Dara Avila, a physical therapist and 2nd-degree black belt, co-owns the Maplewood dojo. She integrates body mechanics into instruction and runs her own physical therapy practice in the community.
Ed Tall
Instructor
Sensei Ed Tall, a 2nd-degree black belt and biology professor, teaches adult and kids classes. He promotes women's self-defense courses and has trained under OSensei Joe Puleio since 2003.
Mia Avila
Instructor
Sensei Mia Avila, a black belt since 2019, teaches children's programs. They began training at age six and now lead self-defense seminars while studying biomedical engineering at Case Western University.
Jelani Roper
Instructor
Sensei Jelani Roper, a 1st-degree black belt, teaches teen and adult programs. A practicing lawyer, he combines AJJ training with Sanuces Jiu Jitsu experience to deliver practical defense techniques.
Questions
What age groups do your classes accommodate?
We offer programs for children (3rd-5th grade), teens, and adults, with specialized curricula tailored to each age group's developmental needs.
Do instructors have real-world self-defense experience?
Yes, our instructors train law enforcement, Homeland Security agents, and military cadets, ensuring practical, field-tested techniques for real scenarios.
Are classes competitive?
No, our non-competitive environment focuses solely on self-defense skills, avoiding sport-based sparring to maintain realistic threat preparation.
Do you offer women-specific self-defense programs?
Yes, we provide an 8-part women's empowerment series covering verbal de-escalation, boundary setting, and physical defense against sexual assault.
Can I try a free introductory class?
Yes, we offer free trial classes for all programs. Visit our website to register for a kids, teen, or adult session.
Are private group lessons available?
Yes, we host customized private lessons for groups like real estate teams, universities, and friend circles with pricing based on group size.
