Skip to Main Content

My Story

When I first started training I wasn't really much good. I struggled with some of the basic principles and techniques. My kicks had no power and I was constantly off balance. It took me a lot of time to learn but I had a few factors that kept me going. I wanted so bad to be good. If this sounds like your train of thought we're a lot alike. I'm super competitive and I think if you really think about different aspects of your life you are too. I believe a healthy competitive spirit is healthy and essential for all aspects and levels of success. Jeet Kuno Do is part of who I am. If you love to learn and improve yourself JKD will become part of who you are as well (assuming it hasn't already). The never ending thirst for knowledge is a great characteristic for a student.  

It's important to realize that all your instructors are constantly expanding their martial arts knowledge and skills. Sifu Carlos, Danny, Jonathan, Tony, Andre, Alfonso, Calvin, Adam, Dwayne and Peter all have a few characteristics in common. They work really hard to refine their tools and have a deep understanding or strategy/tactics. With a combined 119 years of martial art experience, they have diverse journeys but all have a deep respect for one another. They will all tell you that JKD impacted their lives in ways they didn't understand when thy first started training. Jeet Kune Do becomes a way of life. The philosophies of the art penetrate into your daily living.  

Training gives you a sense of calm and confidence while it also keeps you humble. I'm so grateful to all you students who allow me to do what I love every day. Without students, I couldn't be a teacher. More specifically I couldn't teach the best martial art in the world. I also am thankful to my father for teaching me JKD at a young age and showing me how cool the art really is. Most of you probably know my Dad and know he's got a dynamic personality. He loves the art and enjoys sharing it with those who are willing to accept it. He taught every instructor at NY Martial Arts Academy and in some ways he's been a father figure to all the Sifus. That makes the instructors my brothers. I love them all and we've shared so much together. I hope you have and continue to forge bonds with your fellow students the way I have with the gentlemen you call Sifu. 

Sincerely,

James Orfanos

Benefits of Martial Arts for Kids: Transformation and Empowerment for Life

Martial arts offer a transformative experience for children that extends far beyond the physical techniques. Beyond developing fitness and self-defense, martial arts equip young people with skills that shape their social, emotional, and mental resilience. This powerful combination of life skills is what makes martial arts more than just a sport; it’s a comprehensive toolkit that can prepare kids to face life’s challenges with confidence, respect, and discipline.

Martial Arts Will Improve Your Child’s Life

  Why martial arts will NOT make your child violent or overly aggressive: Here at NY Martial Arts Academy, we teach Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, a martial art that teaches children discipline, respect, and self-control, which are integral...

Martial Arts Influence in School

  Practicing martial arts at New York Martial Arts Academy has a profound impact on a child’s life in school, extending far beyond self-defense. It fosters discipline, focus, and instills a strong work ethic. The structured training...

Unraveling the Ropes: Boxing vs. Kickboxing

Many of us fall head over heels for combat sports after witnessing iconic movie scenes or hearing tales of legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee. Whether it's the punch-packed drama of Rocky or the adrenaline-fueled action of UFC...

Bruce Lee's Influence on MMA

Bruce Lee's influence on mixed martial arts (MMA) cannot be overstated. Despite being known primarily as an iconic martial artist and actor, his philosophy and innovative approach to combat had a significant impact on the development and...

Bruce Lee: A Game-Changer in Martial Arts

Bruce Lee, a legendary martial artist, actor, and philosopher, is widely regarded as the pioneer who revolutionized the world of martial arts. His profound impact on the martial arts community and his ability to bridge the East-West cultural gap...

How Martial Arts Boosts Confidence in Children

​Building confidence in a child’s life is a significant benefit that comes from practicing Martial Arts. Confidence is a very important factor in a child’s life when facing scenarios like bullying. A confident child is never a...

The Best Boxers of Today

By Jessica Militello The boxing world is filled with an immense amount of talented and highly skilled fighters, each with their own individual style and strength. Fans gather from all over the world to watch their favorite fighter—based on...

The Best Female Fighters in the UFC

By Jessica Militello The women's division in the UFC has grown tremendously since women first started fighting in the organization in 2013. Since then, there have been many talented fighters to grace the octagon, from Ronda Rousey to up and...

The Best MMA Documentaries to Watch

By Jessica Militello There’s a lot of great documentaries on interesting and inspiring stories from the world of combat sports and the incredible stories of the fighters who are brave enough to step inside the ring. It’s hard not to...

Francis Ngannou Fighting Technique

By Jessica Militello Francis Ngannou most recently defended the title for the heavyweight championship on February 22 at UFC 270 against the interim champion Ciryl Gane. Ngannou is known for being a knockout artist with punching power equivalent...

Bruce Lee: The Greatest Martial Artist of All Time

Originally posted on 05/29/2020 It is widely accepted by fighters and other people around the world that Bruce Lee was the most influential martial artist of all time. From his famous action movies to his unique martial art of Jeet Kune...
Page: 12345678 - All