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Fit. Confident. Focused.
 

Empowering Kids Through Martial Arts


At NY Martial Arts Academy, we've been shaping confident, disciplined, and skilled young martial artists since 1985.

Our Children's Program, available at our Astoria, Little Neck, Greenpoint, and Glen Cove locations, teaches Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee's martial art, with a focus on self-defense, discipline, and confidence-building.

Our Little Dragons (ages 4-6) and Young Dragons (ages 7-12) programs help children develop essential life skills while learning effective self-defense strategies against bullies and potential threats. With expert instructors (each with 10+ years of experience), a structured curriculum, and a fun, supportive environment, your child will grow physically and mentally—all while making new friends!

Give your child the best after-school activity that instills confidence, respect, and practical self-defense.


At NY Martial Arts Academy, we are looking to develop the champions of tomorrow. We are able to achieve this by teaching our children:

Self-Discipline: The ability to do things without being told.
Inner Strength: The ability to trust themselves and say NO to peer pressure and drugs.
Mental Focus: The ability to perform well in school.
Self Confidence: The ability to feel good about themselves and & their potential.


I was looking for a safe and nurturing environment for my kids to learn martial arts. We've tried other martial art schools but they never wanted to stay after the trial periods. When my kids tried it out here, they had a great time. Kids know. They get great workouts, terrific instruction and they are around good people. They've been coming to NYMAA since 2006. After watching my kids for a year, liking not only what they were taught but how they were taught, I wanted to do JKD too. I was a bit unsure of myself in the beginning but the instructors and the students all made me feel welcome. I am so happy I joined up. I feel stronger, healthier and more confident, This is a great school! - Mother and Student of NY Martial Arts Academy

Mother and Student of NY Martial Arts Academy


How Martial Arts Can Improve Your Child's Life

A focused child holding nunchaku at NY Martial Arts Academy

Increase Your Child's Focus

Almost every day for the past 29 years parents have called us to help their children become more focused. Children have so many distractions these days (much more than when you were a child). Ipads and video games tend to be two common distractions for kids that not only hinder their performance in school, but also limit interaction with other children. Years ago kids used to play outside and stay active. Today, the digital world seems to be killing kids ability to interact in a social setting. We are here to help!

 

A student using a nunchaku during training at NYMAA

Increase Your Child's Discipline

Parents, NY Martial Arts Academy will partner with you in making your child more disciplined. Discipline is essential to success in school and ultimately in life. We have various protocols for increasing your child's discipline and the first step is defining discipline in a way children understand. Your child is like clay and your child's role models are very important in each stage of development. Our age specific programs allow your child to thrive and look up to instructors who were model students and are extremely successful in multiple aspects of their lives. Children with discipline do well in school and don't have a problem doing their chores at home as well.

 

 

Three children in fight stance at NY Martial Arts Academy

Bully Prevention

Bullying is one of the worst things that can happen to a child because of the long term psychological effects. There has been an increase in bullying over the last decade because many children are lacking confidence. Bullies prey on children they perceive to be weak and unconfident. Confidence is the best defense against bullies. We teach non-violent approaches to deal with bullies but will also teach your child the self defense skills needed if he or she is ever attacked. Violence is always the last resort.

 

 

Children doing warmups for fitness at NY Martial Arts Academy

Fitness For Children

Children at NY Martial Arts Academy are fit, confident, and focused. Fitness for children differs from fitness for adults. We push our students enough where results are not only achieved, but sustainable. We will get to know and understand the specific fitness needs of your child and guide him or her through the program. You will see an increase in your child's strength, flexibility, and endurance within two months! Martial arts is also great cross training for other sports because of the fitness benefits involved.

 


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Skills That Last a Lifetime:

Fill out our contact form for more information about our programs and to see if this is right for your family. If it is, great! If it is not, we will be happy to point you in the right direction. We will even suggest another activity or martial arts school if we cannot fulfill your needs. You have nothing to lose, and this experience might change your child's life forever!


Bullying Prevention & Self-Defense Classes for Kids in New York


The Growing Problems Of Bullying

The issue of bullying has been around since the dawn of time. And since it won't be going anywhere anytime soon, it is up to us to train both ourselves and our children to learn the best ways to avoid chances for bullies to be verbally or physically abusive.

No matter how many bullying prevention strategies schools and other organizations come up with, there will always be people who are determined to put others down.

All too often these individuals target those who:

  • Are smaller than them
  • Appear weak or soft
  • Lack self-confidence
  • Have different religious or cultural beliefs
  • Are intelligent and creative

The reality is that if your child falls into any of these categories, they are instantly vulnerable to those who would try to hurt them. Bullies are always looking for others with these types of character traits as a means of exploiting them. Often this is due to the bully's own insecurities, entitlement, feelings of unimportance, or even problems they are experiencing at home.

Prevent Bullying By Boosting Confidence

Parents, teachers, and other educators are constantly trying to find ways to prevent bullying within their school systems. But with no clear way out of this mess, it is up to children to learn how to defend themselves against bullies and others who seek to do them harm. The NY Martial Arts Academy's self-defense classes for kids are the most effective way to assist with bullying prevention and self-preservation.

Our school is dedicated to training kids on how to handle various bullying situations to end the problem right then and there.

First and foremost, the main goal is to boost your child's confidence to make them a less likely target for other kids. Certain things can be said or done to make a bully leave them alone right then and there. We teach this along with other strategies that your son or daughter can use to avoid a bullying situation without any need for a physical encounter.

On the other hand, we also teach self-defense techniques in case your child is unable to get away and is forced to defend themselves. This training and knowledge of martial arts only add to their confidence.


Kids Self-Defense Classes

Self-defense for kids is often different than it is for adults as the situations are generally different at school than they are in the outside world. With helpful self-defense training, kids can know the best ways to escape.

Much of bullying prevention is about simply avoiding situations that make it easier for bullies to cause trouble. While it is important to learn how they can fight back against aggressors, we focus on teaching kids how they can avoid dangerous or threatening scenarios first.

But if the need arises to stand up for themselves, our self-defense classes for kids train them in the art of Jeet Kune Do. From quick punches and fast kicks to elbow strikes and knees, children can develop the most effective self-defense techniques they need.

Benefits of Our Self-Defense Classes For Kids

If you want your kids to know how to prevent bullying, we teach them how to get away first, followed by self-protection tactics. Our self-defense classes for kids offer advantages to both the physical and mental health of your children.

  • Protect Themselves: As parents, we always want to be by our kids' side, keeping them safe and out of trouble. But between school and other extracurricular activities, we all know that simply isn't possible. Our self-defense classes for kids give you peace of mind as we teach your children how to protect themselves whenever you're not around to guard them.
  • Build Confidence: Kids all over the world struggle with self-esteem issues that are further hindered by bullies who degrade and humiliate them. By attending any of our self-defense schools, your kids will be taking their first step toward respecting themselves and realizing their true potential. By learning the most powerful ways to prevent bullying, they can greatly boost their self-confidence.
  • Stay Active: Too many kids spend too much of their time in front of screens nowadays playing video games or watching YouTube. If you're looking for a fun way to get your kids out and away from the tv, tablets, or computers, our self-defense classes for kids in NYC are the perfect answer. They'll develop strength, stamina, and flexibility, all while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Join the Best Self-Defense School for Kids in New York 

On the search for self-defense classes for kids near you? NY Martial Arts Academy has four amazing self-defense schools in New York that offer great programs for children:

  • Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY
  • Little Neck, Queens, NY
  • Astoria, Queens, NY
  • Glen Cove, Long Island, NY

We offer fun, engaging self-defense for kids who are dealing with bullies or who simply want to learn how to protect themselves. The self-defense techniques we teach through the special martial art of Jeet Kune Do are ideal for bullying prevention and building self-confidence.


To learn more about our top-rated self-defense classes for kids, call us today at 347-721-3288 or complete the contact form on this page!

Read Reviews from Our Students

My son has been training at New York Martial Arts Academy for a few months and absolutely loves it! The students learn to focus, follow directions and coordination all while having fun with other kids their age! The children also have discussions about topics such as discipline, politeness, respect, etc. If you are looking for a martial arts school that respects all students and works one to one with them to help them improve their form, look no further. I highly recommend New York Martial Arts Academy! Phyllis Trilivas Phyllis Trilivas's Rating
My son has been attending classes here for two years and I only have the best to say! He has learned so much and loves going each time which is a testament to the amazing coaches and staff. We will be going for years to come! Dimitra Stellatos Dimitra Stellatos's Rating
I am truly honored to have my daughter attend here, I am satisfied with the teaching here, the instructors teach with passion, the place is welcoming, I love the bully prevention, the defense moves, and the confidence she is gaining. My daughter enjoys coming here, I highly recommend! Thank you guys and keep up the great work???????????????? popping up popping up's Rating
My daughter and I couldn’t be happier with our experience at NY Martial Arts Academy. She is treated with respect and also shown how to treat others with respect along with learning important self defence which I’m sure will lead to boosted confidence in the long run. Such a great place for kids to attend! Kimberly Ross Kimberly Ross's Rating
My son has been attending NYMAA for over a 1.5 year and overall he has gained more confidence, discipline, and love his classes. We had the pleasure of working with many of their Sifus and they are all amazing. Special thanks to Sifu Chuck, Sara, Carlos, James and everyone else that my son has worked with. We started doing private classes and then switched to group classes. Great place to have your child gained discipline and learned martial arts. Marcia S Marcia S's Rating
I am extremely pleased with instructors Sifu James, Sifu Carlos and Sifu Dino. My son has participated in their classes for the past 3 months now. have noticed a great change in my son's school work and how motivated he is to come to class! They are the best of the best!!!!! Would recommend for all ages! Víctor Santamaria Víctor Santamaria's Rating
My daughter loves it here, and I can see improvements in her character. Lenny Lam Lenny Lam's Rating