Business Details
44 Years
experience
Empowering Families Through Martial Arts in Ellisville, MO
St Louis Family Martial Arts Academy has dedicated over four decades to empowering families through martial arts instruction. Founded in 1982 and rebranded in 1991, our academy emphasizes character development alongside physical training, teaching values like courtesy, integrity, and perseverance. Our director, Dwight Trower, brings extensive expertise from certifications under global martial arts leaders and over 40 years of local teaching experience. We offer age-specific programs for children starting at age four, teens, and adults, including specialized classes for individuals with disabilities.Our curriculum combines traditional Tae Kwon Do with modern self-defense techniques in a structured, positive environment. With thousands of families served, we prioritize individualized attention and community impact through nationally recognized programs. Our team of certified instructors maintains a commitment to safety, inclusivity, and measurable skill development, ensuring students gain confidence and discipline applicable beyond the dojo.
Services
Tae Kwon Do Classes
Karate Instruction
Little Ninjas Program
Chick Fight Club
Black Belt Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific programs for children starting at age four through adults
- Our director holds certifications from globally recognized martial arts instructors
- We provide free weekly martial arts classes for individuals with disabilities
- Our curriculum combines traditional Tae Kwon Do with modern self-defense techniques
- We maintain a structured, positive environment with certified, experienced instructors
What people say
Outstanding effort
Exceptional performance
Great examples
Progress visible
Fun to see
Services
Tae Kwon Do Classes
Our Tae Kwon Do programs teach traditional techniques while developing character and discipline. Students learn self-defense, improve physical fitness, and build confidence through structured belt progression. Classes accommodate all ages and skill levels from beginners to advanced black belts.
Little Ninjas Program
Designed for ages 4-6, this program develops focus, coordination, and discipline through age-appropriate martial arts training. Children improve motor skills and classroom behavior while learning foundational techniques in a fun, structured environment with specialized instructors.
Chick Fight Club
This women-focused program provides self-defense training in a supportive environment. Participants develop strength, confidence, and leadership skills while learning practical defense techniques tailored to women's safety needs through specialized curriculum and events.
Black Belt Preparation
Advanced students receive specialized instruction for black belt exams through dedicated preparation classes. The program emphasizes technical precision, forms mastery, and sparring skills while maintaining traditional martial arts values and progression standards.
Special Needs Programs
Our inclusive martial arts program offers free weekly classes for individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. The curriculum adapts traditional techniques to develop motor skills, confidence, and social interaction in a supportive, accessible learning environment.
People
Dwight Trower
Owner & Director of Instruction
With over 40 years of martial arts experience, Dwight Trower has led the academy since 1982. Certified by global instructors like Jim Smothers Sr. and Dan Inosanto, he developed the nationally recognized special needs program and maintains traditional Tae Kwon Do standards.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We primarily teach traditional Tae Kwon Do with influences from Karate, Muay Thai, and Filipino martial arts systems.
Do you offer family discounts?
Our programs are designed for whole families with flexible pricing options available for multiple family members.
What age can children start training?
Children can begin in our Little Ninjas program at age four with specialized age-appropriate instruction.
Are there special programs for women?
Yes, our Chick Fight Club offers women-focused martial arts training with specialized safety and self-defense curriculum.
Do you offer special needs accommodations?
We provide free weekly martial arts classes specifically designed for individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities.
How often are black belt exams held?
Black belt exams occur monthly, typically on the first Friday of each month at our Ellisville location.
Reviews (3)
Laura Helton
Jan 16, 2020
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Mr Trower is absolutely the best teacher for these kids. Its been great watching my 5 year old grow and develop a sense of presence and focus!
Lucas K.
Jul 23, 2018
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I recommend this place as a great starting place for martial arts and have enjoyed taking classes there myself... very great place to start and I find it fun to be there with others now that I have gone there many years... I would recommend having someone else that the people going know so that if they get nervous they can have someone to back them up. There are drills that we do, we get a good workout, and can learn many things along the way including forms, kicks, stances, blocks, and how to defend yourself if you were attacked. They also have a push-up system that we follow where every
Danni Eickenhorst
Jan 16, 2017
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My son loves it here... and I love watching him each week. Great staff teaching much-needed focus, self-discipline in such a way that it encourages and motivates too.
