“Symbols over substance.”
The martial arts industry has always been obsessed with titles, ranks, councils, and associations—while the real game-changers focus on what actually matters: making an impact, changing lives, and building a legacy for their students families.
Growing up with this industry, I’ve seen this firsthand. As an adult, I fell in love with martial arts andI tagged along with my instructors to events, and Taekwondo, Karate and Hapkido seminars. One thing stood out—the rooms were filled with people more concerned with how tattered their belts were and how faded their gis (uniforms) looked than the impact they were making.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There were legends in those rooms—Dave Kovar, Ernie Reyes Sr., Bill Wallace, Chuck Norris, John Pellegrini, David Rivas, Mark Gridley and many others who fully embodied what it means to be a martial artist and a leader. They were the real deal. But the problem? They were the minority.
Most school owners were too busy debating lineage, styles, and rank to focus on what actually serves their students.
At Ankeny Martial Arts, we believe in a different approach:
At Ankeny Martial Arts, we take a no-nonsense approach to training—focusing on practical application over memorization and realistic self-defense that works, even against larger, stronger opponents.
Training That Prepares You for Reality
Many martial arts schools focus on memorizing forms, practicing rigid techniques, and following traditions that don’t hold up in real-world situations. While respect for tradition has its place, we prioritize what actually works—self-defense skills that can be applied under stress, against resisting opponents, and in real-life confrontations.
Self-Defense That Doesn’t Rely on Strength
We teach leverage-based techniques that use physics and biomechanics to overcome size and strength differences. Whether it’s a child dealing with a bully, a teen navigating social pressures, or an adult facing a real-world threat, we ensure that our students develop skills that are based on efficiency, not brute force.
- Joint locks and escapes that work against stronger opponents.
- Redirection of force to use an attacker’s strength against them.
- Striking methods that maximize power through technique, not muscle.
- Scenario-based training that conditions reflexes under pressure.
Beyond Technique—Understanding Violence and Avoidance
Self-defense isn’t just about fighting—it’s about awareness, de-escalation, and smart decision-making. We teach:
- How to spot and avoid danger before it happens.
- How to handle verbal confrontations and intimidation.
- How to escape and survive when violence is unavoidable.
More Than Martial Arts—A Life Skill
Our goal is to build strong, capable individuals who can protect themselves and their loved ones while gaining confidence that extends beyond the mat. We train for what really matters—not just for belts, tournaments, or outdated traditions.
If you’re ready to train smarter, not harder—join us at Ankeny Martial Arts.
