The Bronx Martial Arts academy is the premiere dojo for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Karate and Muay Thai instruction. At the Bronx Martial Arts Academy, we set high standards for ourselves and we challenge each other to achieve our best in all that we do. We believe that through the practice of martial arts, we become better people. Through effort and dedication, our martial arts training improves not only our lives, but also the lives of those around us.
Children who study martial arts learn lessons in the dojo that they carry with them to school, home, and throughout life. We take our responsibility to your children very seriously and work to maintain a respectful, family atmosphere.
Our Juniors program consists of Shotokan Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The ‘Tiny Tigers’ karate program accommodates children from ages 4 to 5. Children over 6-years-old can enroll in our BJJ program as well as karate.
We have a family friendly atmosphere with a staff dedicated to guiding through your martial arts journey to meet your goals, whether it be weight loss, self-defense, building confidence, the mental challenge, we can help you.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)is a grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that forces him to submit. Muay Thai is a combat sport of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.”
Zen Planner
Download the Zen Planner Member App to reserve your spot in class. If you have any questions about using the app, please speak with a staff member.
Bowing
Always bow when entering or exiting the mat of the Academy. Always bow to your instructor the first time you see them each day. A polite greeting such as “Yes Sensei/Sempai” is appropriate. It is also traditional to bow to your instructors outside of the school in such places as shopping centers or public events. This type of behavior exhibits respect, discipline, and humility… all important characteristics of a martial arts student. Your instructor will do the same, suggesting mutual respect between the student and the teacher.
“Yes Sensei”
Always respond with an enthusiastic “Yes Sensei/Sempai” when asked to do something. This positive response shows respect, humility, and a healthy attitude. The energy created by an enthusiastic student body makes for a terrific class.
SHHHH…..
When there is a class in session, respect the instructor, the students, and your Academy by lowering the volume of your voice. Children should be supervised until their class begins.
Personal Hygiene
Please shower or bathe before each class. Many of our drills require direct contact with another classmate. Your hair and body should smell clean and fresh, and you should wear deodorant to avoid body odor. Your finger nails and toe nails must be trimmed to avoid scratches and cuts. Maintaining personal hygiene is important because it is very uncomfortable to train with a partner who has dirty hands or feet. Coming to class directly from work or school is generally not a good idea.
Shoes in the Dojo
Shoes are not permitted on the mats. The ground outside of the school is filled with germs and bacteria that we do not want carried onto our mats. Additionally, be sure that you do not walk around the outside barefoot before class. Remember, it’s your Academy, let’s keep it clean.
Uniforms
In order to maintain a professional classroom environment, we must enforce regulations regarding school attire. The Academy Gi colors are white and royal blue. No other Gi colors are permitted. Uniforms purchased outside our Academy can only be worn if they have an official school patch on them. Modifying your uniform by rolling up the sleeves or adding non-official school patches or embroidery is not permitted. Appropriate undergarments must be worn under your uniform at all times. Colored t-shirts or sweat-clothes are not permitted. When you do receive patches from your instructor, get detailed directions on their appropriate placement to avoid having to remove and replace them. You must wash your uniform before each use. Your appearance not only reflects you, but also your Academy and classmates. Keep your uniform in good condition by removing any stains and repairing any tears which may occur. It is also important to make sure sleeves and pant legs are adjusted to an appropriate length; when either too long or too short, they can impede training and enjoyment of the class.
No Gi
Students must wear a rashguard and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shorts. For class, students must wear at least one academy item (either the rashguard or the shorts). T-shirts, basketball shorts, or shorts with pockets/zippers are not permitted. Women can wear spats instead of shorts if they prefer. Men can only wear spats under their shorts, not as an alternative.
Karate / Muay Thai Equipment
Use only sparring equipment approved by the school so that everyone has an equal level of protection. By wearing the proper equipment, we can be assured that we have a safe training environment.
Mat Etiquette
When drilling a technique or live rolling, be mindful of your surroundings for the safety of your training partner as well as your own. If you are in the proximity of a higher belt, then you and your training partner need to relocate to another area on the mats.
Languages and Attitude
Please remember that a martial arts school is a sacred place where we must constantly monitor our language and attitude. Profanity, explicit language, or negative attitudes are not permitted. You must be polite and courteous to everyone in the school. Bow when beginning or ending a training session with a partner. Be encouraging and supporting of fellow students. Come to class each day with a desire to learn something new. PLEASE DO NOT USE CELL PHONES IN THE DOJO! IF YOU MUST, KINDLY DO SO OUTSIDE. ALSO, PLEASE KEEP ALL CELL PHONES ON VIBRATE.
Jewelry
All jewelry should be removed before coming to class.
Train Regularly
In order to truly benefit from your martial arts lessons, you must train regularly. To develop flexibility, strength speed, stamina, and self discipline, you need to train at least 2 to 3 days per week. Consistent training over time will yield awesome results!
Professor Doug Pelinkovic, a life-long martial artist, holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under world-renowned professor John Danaher. During his twenty years at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City, he has trained with and studied under some of the highest authorities in the sport, members of the Gracie family, and several mixed martial arts fighters and champions.
Professor Pelinkovic is also a black belt in Shotokan Karate under renowned instructor Shihan Kai Leung. Since earning his black belt, professor Pelinkovic has continued his training with Sensei Adel Elbehiry.
A 3rd-degree black belt in Shotokan karate, professor Pelinkovic is a 3-time USA national team member, a 4-time national champion, and a multiple-time state and regional champion.
Our membership options are based on the level and time commitment of the individual. Our prices are economical. Give us a call to schedule your pricing appointment.
It is never too late to start training martial arts. It is important to remember that the journey specific to you. You can come as you are, and just get started.
Martial arts generally categorized in striking or grappling. Although there will be an element of both in most martial arts, most will learn more heavily in one over the other.
Muay Thai and Karate are striking based martial arts. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is grappling based.
Injuries happen but they should never be common place in training. Training should be safe and repeatable, allowing us to practice techniques and skill. Injuries will impede practice and skill building, which is why we focus so much on a safe training environment.
The first benefit is always confidence. Training allows you to consistently overcome challenges small and large. That success breeds confidence in everything you do.
The second benefit is usually fitness and weight loss.
They are all different in strengths and weaknesses. The best self-defense results come when you combine them, and apply situationally.