Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Training Center in Lincoln, NE
Founded in 1972 by John Roseberry Shihan, Lincoln Martial Arts Center has been Lincoln's premier destination for traditional martial arts training for five decades. Our dojo offers Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, Kodokan Judo, Aikido, and Matayoshi Kobudo under the guidance of experienced instructors who have trained extensively in Japan, Okinawa, and the United States. We prioritize student safety through our Safe Sport program while maintaining the authentic teachings of our founders.Our team includes certified experts with decades of competitive experience, including former law enforcement defensive tactics instructors. With a focus on mind-body-spirit development, we provide structured programs for both youth and adults in a welcoming environment that fosters discipline, respect, and personal growth.
Services
Karate Instruction
Judo Training
Aikido Classes
Kobudo Weapons
Youth Programs
Adult Martial Arts
Testing Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- 50 years of continuous martial arts instruction in Lincoln since 1972
- Instructors with international training experience in Japan and Okinawa
- Certified in Safe Sport program for youth protection
- Offering four traditional martial arts disciplines under one roof
- Instructors with law enforcement defensive tactics expertise
Services
Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate
Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate combines hard linear techniques with soft circular movements. Our program develops physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental discipline through traditional kata and kumite practice. Students learn from instructors with decades of experience training in Okinawa and Japan, maintaining authentic teaching methods while adapting to modern training needs.
Kodokan Judo
Kodokan Judo instruction focuses on throwing, grappling, and submission techniques. Our curriculum emphasizes safe practice through controlled randori and kata training. Students develop physical coordination, competitive spirit, and understanding of leverage-based techniques. The program accommodates both recreational practitioners and competitive athletes.
Matayoshi Kobudo
Matayoshi Kobudo teaches traditional Okinawan weapons including bo, sai, and nunchaku. Our program preserves historical techniques while emphasizing modern safety practices. Students learn weapon forms and applications under instructors certified by the Matayoshi Kobudo Kenkyukai International organization.
Youth Karate Classes
Structured youth karate programs for ages 5-15 develop confidence, discipline, and physical coordination. Classes incorporate age-appropriate techniques and character-building principles. Parent participation is encouraged for younger students, creating a family-friendly training environment that emphasizes respect and perseverance.
Aikido Instruction
Aikido training focuses on defensive techniques that redirect attacker momentum without injury. Our program teaches joint locks, throws, and weapon forms while emphasizing conflict resolution principles. Classes maintain traditional Japanese martial arts philosophy while adapting techniques for modern self-defense applications.
People
Brad Siebler
Head Instructor - Karate
With martial arts experience since 1977, Brad Siebler holds advanced certifications in Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. He has taught nationally and provides medical support for martial arts tournaments. As co-owner, he maintains the dojo's technical standards and community outreach programs.
David Beggs
Head Instructor - Judo
A 40+ year Judo expert and certified USA Judo coach, David Beggs served as Lincoln Police Department Captain. He combines law enforcement defensive tactics expertise with traditional Judo instruction. As co-owner, he oversees safety protocols and instructor training programs.
Brian Gorman
Head Instructor - Kobudo
Brian Gorman has trained in martial arts since 1980, specializing in Matayoshi Kobudo since 1993. He directs the Cornhusker State Games Karate Tournament and serves on the organization's board. His technical expertise ensures authentic weapons training preservation.
Joe Ethridge
Instructor - Youth Karate
Joe Ethridge has led youth programs since 2010, developing age-appropriate curriculum that builds confidence and discipline. With ranks in Judo and Daitoryu Aikijujitsu, he creates engaging classes that maintain traditional martial arts values for younger students.
Scott Spaulding
Instructor - Aikido
Scott Spaulding brings 45 years of Aikido experience, training under masters in Hawaii and California. His instruction combines traditional techniques with practical applications, emphasizing conflict resolution and technical precision in a safe training environment.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, Kodokan Judo, Aikido, and Matayoshi Kobudo under certified instructors with international experience.
Are there classes for children?
Yes, we have youth Karate classes for ages 5-15 with parent participation encouraged for younger students.
What are your safety protocols?
We maintain a Safe Sport program with trained instructors, concussion awareness, and first aid certification for all head instructors.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes, family memberships start at $95/month for two members with incremental pricing for larger families.
Can I try a class before committing?
We offer a free first week of classes with no contracts required for new students.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our instructors hold advanced black belts, have trained internationally, and include former law enforcement defensive tactics experts.
Reviews (4)
John Bailey
Mar 26, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
This is a place that my daughter and I work out together. This family environment is a place I feel safe learning and making mistakes. My daughter loves it for all the fun classes and friends.
This is a place that my daughter and I work out together. This family environment is a place I feel safe learning and making mistakes. My daughter loves it for all the fun classes and friends.
Patrick Hart
Oct 20, 2019
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Best dojo in America. Training the body, mind, and spirit. So much variety. So many classes. So many instructors. It's not just family friendly. It truly becomes a part of your family.
Benjamin Nelson
Nov 23, 2018
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Cheapest full family activity in town. Multiple classes available. Teaches kids respect and discipline, can be a good workout too. Parents can join the kids class then hang out after for adult classes. Owners are very flexible and will work with you on goals. They have plenty of fun but will direct towards a serious practice and forms for competition if wanted.
Joe Ethridge
Aug 16, 2018
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My wife, daughter and I trained here for many years. Traditional training for the whole family @ an affordable price. No contracts
