TAMA Martial Arts Center in Kettering, Ohio, expands with new classes in Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and kids’ martial arts. Serving the Dayton area, TAMA offers expert training for all ages and levels, emphasizing fitness, discipline, and personal growth in a welcoming, community-driven environment.
Master Martial Arts at TAMA: Kempo Karate, BJJ, Muay Thai & More in Dayton, OH
TAMA Martial Arts, founded in 1976, is a leading martial arts academy based in Dayton, Ohio, providing expert training in a wide range of disciplines. With a legacy of over 40 years, TAMA has become the go-to academy for individuals seeking high-quality martial arts education. The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students in various martial arts, including Kempo Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Tai Chi, Aikijutsu, Filipino Kali, Krav Maga, and Kung Fu. Whether seeking self-defense skills, fitness, or competition preparation, TAMA Martial Arts provides an environment where students can thrive, develop discipline, and reach their full potential.
TAMA Martial Arts stands out from other martial arts academies because of its long history and multi-discipline approach. Unlike many other schools that focus on just one style, TAMA offers training in multiple martial arts disciplines under one roof, giving students the ability to explore different techniques and find the style that best suits their goals.
Each of TAMA’s instructors is highly skilled, bringing years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the martial arts they teach. The academy’s founder, Master Taningco, has over 26 years of training under Grandmaster Gasper and is a well-respected figure in the martial arts community. He brings a rich understanding of the martial arts, combining traditional and modern techniques to create a curriculum that is both practical and effective.
TAMA Martial Arts offers eight core disciplines that cater to various martial arts interests, from striking and grappling to self-defense and traditional forms. Each of these disciplines is designed to help students not only learn techniques but also develop physical fitness, mental strength, and self-confidence.
Kempo Karate at TAMA is a dynamic and powerful martial art that combines elements of Okinawan Karate, Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu, and Jujutsu. The Kempo system at TAMA was passed down from Grandmaster Donald Fong to Grandmaster Tim Gasper and, eventually, to Master Taningco, who holds an 8th-degree black belt in Kempo Karate.
Kempo Karate at TAMA emphasizes efficient strikes, blocks, and joint locks. It is known for its fluid and fast movements, teaching students to be both physically strong and mentally focused. This martial art is especially effective in self-defense situations, as it includes techniques for both close-quarters combat and defense against armed assailants. Kempo Karate students also learn to adapt to various combat situations, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in self-defense.
Why Choose Kempo Karate?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that has become one of the most popular martial arts worldwide. BJJ emphasizes ground fighting techniques such as submissions, sweeps, and escapes. Unlike traditional martial arts, BJJ focuses on using leverage and technique to control and defeat opponents, making it effective for practitioners of all sizes.
At TAMA, BJJ is taught in a way that incorporates Kempo Jiu-Jitsu and Dan Zan-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, giving students a comprehensive understanding of grappling. The program covers various aspects of BJJ, including sport Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense techniques, which prepare students for both competition and real-life situations. The BJJ program at TAMA is perfect for those who want to enhance their grappling abilities, whether for fitness, self-defense, or sport.
Why Choose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
Muay Thai, often called the "Art of Eight Limbs," is a powerful striking martial art that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. It is one of the most effective stand-up striking arts, focusing on powerful strikes and defensive techniques. TAMA’s Muay Thai program is led by Master Manuel Taningco, who has over 20 years of experience in Muay Thai and has trained both professional and amateur fighters.
TAMA’s Muay Thai training includes both traditional techniques and modern approaches. Students learn everything from basic punches and kicks to advanced elbow and knee strikes, as well as defensive tactics such as blocking and clinching. The program is designed for both beginners and those looking to compete, with opportunities for students to join the academy's competitive Muay Thai team.
Why Choose Muay Thai Kickboxing?
Tai Chi is a gentle, meditative martial art that emphasizes slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing. Known as a “soft” martial art, Tai Chi promotes balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. Although it is often associated with physical relaxation and stress relief, Tai Chi also offers benefits for martial applications, teaching students to use relaxation and timing to overcome opponents.
TAMA’s Tai Chi program integrates T'ai Chi Ch'uan with traditional martial arts principles. It complements more physically demanding arts like Kempo Karate and Muay Thai by teaching students to cultivate internal energy (Qi) and harmony between mind and body. Tai Chi at TAMA is ideal for those seeking a calming, yet highly beneficial martial art that enhances overall well-being.
Why Choose Tai Chi?
Aikijutsu, also known as Aikido, is a Japanese martial art that focuses on blending with an opponent’s movements rather than resisting them. The primary goal of Aikijutsu is to neutralize an attacker without causing harm, using joint locks, throws, and redirection techniques. At TAMA, students practice Icho Ryu Aikijutsu, a style that emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit.
Aikijutsu is an ideal martial art for those who want to learn self-defense while cultivating mental discipline and awareness. This style teaches how to control an opponent’s energy and use it against them, making it an effective art for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Why Choose Aikijutsu?
Filipino Kali, also known as Eskrima or Arnis, is a martial art that specializes in weaponry and empty-hand techniques. This style is particularly known for its focus on stick fighting, but it also includes training in knives, swords, and other handheld weapons. Eskrima emphasizes speed, timing, and precision, making it one of the most practical martial arts for self-defense.
TAMA’s Eskrima program includes both weaponry and unarmed techniques, allowing students to learn how to defend themselves in a variety of real-world situations. It is ideal for anyone looking to improve their self-defense skills with a focus on weaponry and close-quarters combat.
Why Choose Filipino Kali / Eskrima?
Krav Maga is a modern self-defense system developed by the Israeli military. It combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, Judo, and other martial arts to provide an effective and efficient system for real-world self-defense. Krav Maga focuses on neutralizing threats quickly and decisively, making it ideal for individuals who want to learn how to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
TAMA’s Krav Maga program is designed to provide practical self-defense skills that can be used in any situation, from street confrontations to attacks with weapons. The system’s focus on instinctive reactions, rapid strikes, and quick escapes makes it one of the most effective self-defense systems available.
Why Choose Krav Maga?
Tien Shan Pai is a traditional Kung Fu style that originated in northern China. This martial art emphasizes fluid movements, strong strikes, and elegant forms. Tien Shan Pai includes both empty-hand techniques and weapon training, focusing on balance, agility, and timing.
TAMA’s Kung Fu program teaches students to integrate physical strength with mental discipline, making it a highly effective martial art for both self-defense and personal growth.
Why Choose Kung Fu?
TAMA Martial Arts offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced instructors in a supportive and challenging environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced martial artist, the academy provides the tools and guidance necessary to succeed.
With a focus on personal development, TAMA ensures that each student receives individualized attention and support throughout their training journey. The academy’s programs are designed to help students improve physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-confidence while mastering various martial arts techniques.
For those interested in competitive training, TAMA offers the opportunity to join its competition teams in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and other disciplines. These teams regularly participate in local, regional, and national tournaments, giving students the chance to test their skills against others and compete at the highest levels.
TAMA Martial Arts in Dayton, Ohio, is the perfect place to begin your martial arts journey. Whether you want to learn self-defense, improve fitness, or train for competition, TAMA offers a variety of martial arts programs to meet your needs. Visit the TAMA Martial Arts Website today to learn more about the academy’s classes, instructors, and enrollment options.
