Martial Arts Schools in Gainesville

“My family and I have been attending this school for over four years now.The staff is courteous, knowledgeable, and patient. I have watched them learn from my son and I how we best absorb the curricula, and when the occasion arises provide the personalized touch required to help us understand it our way.I look forward to continuing our journey together with the instructors at this school.“

“We've had a great experience at Pro Taekwondo. We've seen a noticeable difference in our kid's focus in just the first month of lessons.“

“Great instructors and great environment. Can’t say enough good things about this gym. I’m a 47 year old beginner in Jiu Jitsu and this team has welcomed me in and helped comfort me in my awkwardness of starting so late in life.“

“AMA is FANTASTIC! We live in High Springs but commute to AMA because the people here are just wonderful. Chief Master Valino and the team provide excellent martial arts instruction, but I suspect many schools do that. What has really set AMA apart for us had been the personal attention and personal connection they have with each student. They genuinely care about each student's success, not only in class on their martial arts journey, but in life. They teach practical, confidence-building self defense strategies and tactics- real skills for the real world, but they also do an excellent job preparing students for the formality of tournament competition. The instructors push students to achieve their best, but they do so through positive affirmation and positive reinforcement. I really can't say enough good things about the Valinos and AMA! We are so glad we found this school 2 1/2 years ago and we look forward to many more years of training with them!!“

“Aikido of Gainesville's Sensei Tom Huffman trained in Japan for six years under the legendary Morihiro Saito Sensei. Now he teaches Iwama and Nishio Styles of Aikido here in Gainesville, FL. Whether you like his style or not, you will find no one more dedicated to the art. He teaches children or adults alike with minute attention to detail and takes time to explain the meaning of Japanese terms used in Aikido. If the class is small, Sensei Tom will give the neophyte personal attention to show and explain exactly how a technique works with minimal effort and maximum effect. He also offers classes in Iaido, the art of drawing the katana. Gainesville residents have this incredible resource at their doorstep like few other communities can boast.Unlike other fighting arts like karate or taekwondo, injuries are uncommon in Aikido where its principles of compassion are applied in practice so no one gets hurt. I have been training with Sensei Tom Huffman since 2016 after previously training for years in Michigan, California and Germany starting from the 1970s, so I am no stranger to Aikido. Now in my seventies, I attribute my fitness in no small part to my weekly practice of Aikido under Sensei Tom Huffman, who deserves kudos for preserving and transmitting this profound art to anyone who is willing to put forth the effort to learn it.“

“Great experience at Okito! We had a girls night/self defense class at Okito with Mr Millan and Mr Walker and they were great! Highly recommend!“