Business Details
Your Trusted Martial Arts School in Rochester, MI
Founded on the principles of Zen Martial Arts (ZMA), our school integrates traditional martial arts philosophy with modern training methodologies to cultivate physical strength, mental discipline, and spiritual growth. We offer comprehensive programs tailored for adults and youth, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, T'ai Chi, and meditation, all designed to enhance self-defense skills while fostering personal development. Our experienced instructors prioritize safe, technique-based training that emphasizes cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, strength, and mindfulness.With two locations in Michigan, we serve diverse age groups through dynamic classes that balance rigorous practice with community-building values. Our approach rejects competitive pressure, focusing instead on collaborative learning and empowering students to become leaders in their personal and professional lives.
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Youth Programs
Meditation Classes
T'ai Chi Instruction
Highlights and features
- We offer 6 days/week of Zen Martial Arts training blending tradition with modern safety standards
- Our instructors hold black belts in ZMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with state-level recognition
- Programs develop four fitness categories: cardiovascular, flexibility, strength, and meditation
- Self-paced T'ai Chi classes accommodate individual learning speeds for better retention
- Youth programs build confidence and non-violent conflict resolution skills for ages 6+
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Our martial arts programs teach practical self-defense techniques covering all ranges: punching, kicking, throwing, choking, locks, submissions, and grappling. Classes emphasize safe practice environments while developing cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and mental discipline through Zen Martial Arts philosophy. Instructors focus on technique repetition to build muscle memory and personal growth.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Taught by Michigan's highest-ranking BJJ black belt, our program teaches leverage-based techniques for smaller practitioners to overcome larger opponents. Classes focus on practical self-defense applications, ground fighting, and submission holds while maintaining non-competitive pressure-free environment. Curriculum develops strategic thinking and physical conditioning for all skill levels.
Youth Programs
Age-specific programs for children aged 6-17 build respect, concentration, and confidence through Wushu and martial arts training. Classes combine physical exercise with character development, teaching non-violent conflict resolution and leadership skills. Our structured curriculum balances fun activities with technical instruction to develop discipline and positive social interactions.
Meditation Classes
Thursday night meditation sessions combine 30-minute lectures on martial arts philosophy with zazen meditation practice. Designed to reduce stress and improve mental discipline, these classes teach mind-body connection techniques applicable to daily life. Open to all belief systems, focusing on cultivating inner peace and spiritual growth through traditional Zen practices.
T'ai Chi Instruction
Self-paced T'ai Chi programs teach Yang style forms including 108, 24, and sword forms. Classes focus on slow-motion movements for stress reduction, breathing exercises, and chi energy manipulation. Our structured approach accommodates individual learning speeds while emphasizing philosophical foundations and internal benefits of traditional Chinese martial arts practices.
People
Sifu Robert Brown
Instructor
Founder of Zen Martial Arts philosophy with decades of experience teaching practical self-defense techniques. Specializes in integrating traditional martial arts principles with modern training methods for holistic personal development.
Sifu Patrick Donahue
Instructor
Senior instructor at the Rochester location, bringing extensive martial arts expertise to local community. Focuses on creating safe learning environments that emphasize partner collaboration over competitive opposition in skill development.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Zen Martial Arts (ZMA) covering all self-defense ranges, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, T'ai Chi, and Wushu. Our curriculum blends traditional techniques with modern safety standards.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes! We offer introductory classes for all ages and experience levels. Our instructors provide personalized guidance to help new students transition comfortably into regular training.
What are your Michigan locations?
We have two locations: 112 E. Second Street, Rochester, MI and 28927 Woodward, Berkley, MI. Both offer full martial arts programs with experienced instructors.
Do you offer meditation classes?
Yes, we host public meditation sessions every Thursday night at our Woodward Avenue location. Classes include martial arts philosophy lectures and zazen meditation practice.
How does your T'ai Chi program differ from others?
Our self-paced T'ai Chi instruction accommodates individual learning speeds with multiple weekly classes. We emphasize both physical movements and internal benefits like chi control and stress reduction.
