Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts Training Center in San Diego
Founded in 2009 by Master Sam Forsythe, Dynasty Martial Arts (DMA) has grown from a self-defense training initiative into a comprehensive martial arts training center. In 2012, we expanded our curriculum to include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing, complementing our traditional Tae Kwon Do instruction. After operating from community centers for several years, we established our dedicated La Mesa dojo in 2015. Our programs emphasize holistic development, combining physical training with character-building principles such as discipline, respect, and self-confidence. As an affiliate of the Southwestern Association of Martial Arts, we actively participate in regional competitions and martial arts events. Our experienced instructors hold multiple national championships and bring decades of combined expertise in martial arts instruction, youth development, and competitive training.We offer specialized programs for children as young as 3 through adults, with flexible attendance options to accommodate different training goals. Our curriculum integrates practical self-defense techniques from Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and boxing, ensuring students develop well-rounded martial arts skills. We maintain strict safety protocols and personalized attention to help students progress at their own pace. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted choice for martial arts training in the San Diego region.
Services
Tae Kwon Do
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Boxing
Kickboxing
Self-Defense
Children's Classes
Advanced Combatives
Charter School Program
BJJ Competition Training
Youth Development
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer comprehensive martial arts training including Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Boxing
- Our instructors hold multiple national championships and 20+ years of combined teaching experience
- Flexible class schedules available 3-4 days weekly for maximum training benefit
- We accommodate students with prior martial arts experience at appropriate belt levels
- Specialized programs for children aged 3-4 through advanced adult practitioners
Associations and certifications
- Southwestern Association of Martial Arts
Services
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do focuses on high kicking techniques, striking, and blocking fundamentals. Our curriculum develops flexibility, coordination, and footwork while emphasizing self-discipline and mental focus. Students learn traditional forms (poomsae) alongside practical self-defense applications. The program builds physical fitness and instills core values of respect, perseverance, and self-control.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches ground fighting techniques, positional control, and submission holds. Our dual approach covers both sport competition and practical self-defense scenarios. Students develop problem-solving skills and learn to defend against larger opponents through leverage and technique. The program emphasizes safety and progressive skill development.
Boxing Fundamentals
Boxing fundamentals develop hand-eye coordination, striking defense, and proper punching technique. Our training includes bag work, pad drills, and partner exercises to improve reflexes and defensive awareness. Students learn footwork, head movement, and the importance of maintaining distance in defensive situations while avoiding unnecessary confrontations.
Self-Defense
Self-defense instruction combines techniques from Krav Maga, BJJ, and boxing for real-world scenarios. We teach threat assessment, verbal de-escalation, and practical techniques to create escape opportunities. The program emphasizes situational awareness and boundary setting while maintaining strict safety protocols during training exercises.
Children's Programs
Children's programs develop motor skills, coordination, and impulse control through age-appropriate martial arts instruction. For ages 3-6, we focus on foundational techniques and character development. Older students progress through structured curriculum building physical abilities and self-confidence while learning the core values of martial arts discipline.
People
Master Sam Forsythe
Lead Instructor
Master Forsythe has 20 years of martial arts experience, including Tae Kwon Do and BJJ. A 5th-degree black belt and multiple national champion, he focuses on youth empowerment, character development, and competitive training. His approach combines traditional martial arts values with modern teaching methods.
Bryant Lamar
Charter Schools Head Instructor
Mr. Lamar holds black belts in American Kenpo Karate and Tae Kwon Do while studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With extensive experience in youth development programs, he specializes in integrating martial arts principles with educational curriculum as SDGVA TKD Program director.
Samaji Akili
Assistant Instructor
Mr. Akili is a 2nd-degree Tae Kwon Do black belt with 8 years of martial arts training. Combining his business expertise with martial arts instruction, he focuses on technical development and helping students achieve their full potential through structured curriculum progression.
Professor Jose Urbina
BJJ Instructor
Professor Urbina brings diverse martial arts experience including boxing, wrestling, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With over 5 years of BJJ study, he teaches advanced techniques while emphasizing the discipline's practical self-defense applications and physical conditioning benefits.
Professor Vincent Colcol
BJJ Oversight Instructor
Professor Colcol specializes in advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction and curriculum development. He oversees our BJJ program's technical standards while teaching Saturday advanced classes, ensuring consistent quality across all skill levels in both sport and self-defense applications.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Boxing instruction for all skill levels.
Can beginners join your classes?
Yes, our programs accommodate all skill levels with dedicated beginner classes and experienced instructors.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear athletic attire that allows comfortable movement. No special equipment needed for your first session.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, try one week of free drop-in classes with no obligation - perfect for experiencing our programs.
Are there family/military discounts?
We offer special pricing for families and active military personnel - contact us for details.
Can I continue with my current belt rank?
Yes, experienced martial artists can maintain their existing belt rank and adjust to our curriculum.
Reviews (6)
Pks L.
Aug 19, 2020
Report
If you are looking for a place to learn it's a must that you come here! We have tried another boxing facility and another martial arts facility and by far this place is a true hidden gem. It's more than just learning to protect yourself, getting exercise- he teaches character! Don't sleep on this!
Victor Soto
Jun 25, 2020
Report
Amazing place. Best teachers, kids learn a lot and have a blast at the same time. Stop by and check it out. Join the family.
Nicole M.
Feb 20, 2020
Report
I absolutely love this studio and Sam is an amazing teacher! I highly recommend this place, whether you're a child or an adult. Sam is very good a teaching martial arts. If I wasn't moving away, I would definitely keep training here. I miss it already! Thank you Sam and the wonderful students that go there as well
Merlyn H.
Feb 15, 2020
Report
I have a 8 year old and a 3 year old that both take classes here. They loved it so much that their father has started taking classes too. Master Forsythe is extremely patient and works well with children. We love this school and highly recommend it for kids and adults. Def a great place to try classes at and their rates are really affordable in comparison to other TKD and martial arts schools.
Muna D.
Dec 25, 2019
Report
I just adore bringing my son here. Master Forsythe trains not just the body but minds of each student. My son is autistic and can sometimes find it hard to process instructions in group setting ( it can be overwhelming), but the teaching at this estabilishment is very catering to all abilities, which is why I would give this a 6/5 stars if I could. It's just sooo refreshing to find out that the instructor is knowledgeable on ABA practices (applied behavioral analysis) and actually utilizes their methods. My kid gets a good workout and feels included, which as a mom makes me feel so happy
Avos Utlaoreet
Oct 17, 2019
Report
I bought a Groupon for two private classes and absolutely loved them. This was for two private self defense classes and I was able to schedule the 45 minute sessions on two days back to back. The instruction was step by step and very clear even for a novice like me. The philosophy of the instructor was amazing as well and we were able to learn at least the basic skills to get away from an attacker in just two hours. The instructor was also super flexible on when we could book our classes with him and I am pretty sure we went over the 45 minutes/class we paid for but all the instructor wanted to
