Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Training Center in Rochester
Martial Arts America has been dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts instruction since 1980. Our three locations in Rochester, Brighton, Penfield, and Webster serve diverse communities with expert-led programs tailored to all ages and skill levels. Our team of certified instructors, including 9th Degree black belt Matt Dorsey, brings decades of combined experience in Isshin-Ryu Karate and specialty disciplines. We emphasize core values like discipline, confidence, and physical fitness while fostering a supportive environment for personal growth. Our structured curriculum ensures students develop technical proficiency alongside life skills such as focus and respect.With proven success in helping thousands of students achieve their goals, we maintain rigorous standards for instructor training and program development. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our consistent class offerings, transparent communication, and community-focused approach. We prioritize individual progress through personalized attention while maintaining group classes that build camaraderie. Our facilities are designed to provide safe, engaging spaces for learning and physical development. By combining traditional martial arts principles with modern teaching methods, we deliver effective, accessible training that adapts to contemporary needs.
Services
Kids Karate
Junior Karate
Teen Karate
Adult Karate
Fitness Kickboxing
Iaido Training
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in martial arts instruction
- Our certified instructors include 9th Degree black belt experts
- We provide age-specific programs from preschoolers to adults
- Our curriculum combines traditional techniques with modern teaching methods
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention
What people say
Boosted self confidence
More mature and poised
Improved school performance
Positive role models
Effective self-defense skills
Services
Kids Karate
Our Kids Karate program for ages 4-5 builds foundational skills through engaging, active classes. Children develop confidence, focus, and self-control while improving balance and coordination. Instructors emphasize listening skills and respect through structured activities that prepare young students for future success in all aspects of life.
Junior Karate
Designed for ages 6-12, this program develops physical fitness and character through fast-paced karate instruction. Students earn belts as they progress, building discipline and self-esteem. Classes focus on technical skill development while fostering social skills and respect through group activities and individual attention from experienced instructors.
Teen Karate
Our Teen Karate program for ages 13-17 combines physical fitness with character development. Students learn self-defense techniques while building confidence and discipline. The curriculum emphasizes goal-setting and perseverance, with instructors serving as positive role models to help teens develop focus and self-respect during critical developmental years.
Fitness Kickboxing
This high-energy fitness program combines kickboxing techniques with cardio and strength training. Teens and adults improve overall fitness while learning practical self-defense skills. Classes focus on proper form and technique while providing a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and coordination through dynamic, music-driven routines.
Iaido Training
Iaido instruction teaches traditional sword techniques using wooden and unsharpened metal swords. Students learn precise strikes, blocks, and formal patterns while developing focus and discipline. No prior martial arts experience is required, making this accessible to beginners while offering depth for continuing students interested in traditional Japanese swordsmanship.
People
Matt Dorsey
Head Instructor
Matt Dorsey, a 9th Degree black belt, has led Martial Arts America since 1980. With over 40 years of martial arts expertise, he oversees program development and instructor training while maintaining active teaching responsibilities across multiple locations.
Jon Emerson
Instructor
Jon Emerson teaches at both Brighton and Webster locations. He brings extensive martial arts experience to his classes, focusing on technical precision and character development for students of all ages and skill levels.
Kelly Williams
Instructor
Kelly Williams leads classes at the Penfield location with a focus on creating welcoming environments for new students. She emphasizes proper technique and gradual skill progression while maintaining engaging, accessible instruction for all participants.
Questions
What age groups do your martial arts programs serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 4 years old through adult classes. Specific programs include Kids Karate (4-5), Junior Karate (6-12), Teen Karate (13-17), and Adult Karate for all ages.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our programs welcome complete beginners at all ages. Instructors provide individualized guidance to help new students progress at their own pace through structured curriculum.
What should I wear for my first class?
New students should wear comfortable workout clothing. A karate uniform is included in our starter course package. We recommend clothing that allows for full range of motion during physical activities.
Are there family discount options available?
We offer family-friendly pricing structures. Contact our locations directly to discuss current promotions and multi-student discount options that make martial arts training accessible for entire families.
How often should I attend classes for best results?
We recommend attending 2-3 times weekly for optimal progress. Our flexible schedules allow students to attend multiple classes weekly while balancing other commitments, with consistent attendance yielding best results.
What safety measures do you have in place?
We maintain strict safety protocols including proper warm-up routines, technique-specific drills, and supervised sparring. Instructors emphasize controlled movements and appropriate protective gear when needed, ensuring safe training environments for all skill levels.
Reviews (5)
Catalina Vial
Jan 26, 2020
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Excellent encouraging instructors
We have worked with all the instructors for years and they have supported our daughter in her journey toward her black belt
Everyone highly professional.....nurturing...while still having high expectations of the students
Clearly they build strong disciplined motivated students
We have worked with all the instructors for years and they have supported our daughter in her journey toward her black belt
Everyone highly professional.....nurturing...while still having high expectations of the students
Clearly they build strong disciplined motivated students
Meghan Cameron
Jan 09, 2020
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We love the Dojo and the Sensei's at Martial Arts America! The instruction here helps to build confidence, respect, and focus!!!
Carrie Moretti
Jan 02, 2020
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Fantastic curriculum! Our daughters confidence and perseverance has grown so much since she started. MMA is more than just karate-its about life skills too!
Roblox With Vic
Dec 21, 2019
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All of the instructors are great, especially Sensei Matt and Sensei Kelly. Its great investment to teach your kids life skills like discipline and confidence.
Danielle Kozel
Nov 17, 2019
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Love love love. Everyone there has been really great to my kids. They dont just teach karate. They teach respect and self confidence and accountability.
