When are the classes and what ages are taught? What styles do we teach? What is the cost?  
Where are we located? How do I get started?

Instruction for all ages in separate age appropriate classes.

Martial Arts Classes in Maumee and Toledo at the Martial Arts Center

The Masters who created the greatest Martial Arts of all time had three intentions.

1st: To create strong, flexible, healthy bodies.

2nd: To teach practical self-defense, skills that are effective regardless of your size, gender or strength.

3rd: To teach students how to concentrate and control their breath, and consequently control their thoughts, making them masters of their minds and lives.

Where have all the dojos gone?

Have you seen a real dojo featured in a documentary or a movie and thought: "I wonder if something like this really exists?" These days it seems like there are more and more Martial Art "Places" but very few real dojos! If you look around, you are left with two unfortunate choices; you can go to a highly commercialized "kids" school with low standards and high sales tactics, or you can go to a place that has a competitive, aggressive, gym type atmosphere. You probably thought "Isn't there something deeper to this whole martial arts thing?"

Missing Secret Ingredient

Martial Arts is about so much more. What makes the martial arts incredible is not just technique. It's not simply what a martial artist does that makes them special; it's how they do it! The way a martial artist moves, breathes, and even thinks is what makes him or her truly special. In the martial art world the name for this magical, invisible ingredient is "mindfulness". Without "mindfulness", martial arts is reduced to just another sport or activity. With "mindfulness", martial arts truly becomes a work of art.

What is "mindfulness"?

Mindfulness happens when a student learns to place full attention on the present moment and let go of every unnecessary thought or action. The consequence of "mindfulness" in a dojo is an atmosphere where the students realize that the battle is always "within". When "mindfulness" is present, all of the need to compete with others or impose our will on others dissolves. The ego begins to melt, and a student learns to practice the art just for the art's sake. What you are left with is a culture of people helping each other to improve. We teach "mindfulness" in each of our classes, and it's this secret ingredient that makes our dojo so unique and so much like the dojo you've dreamed of.

But technique does matter...

If it's technique you want; we've got plenty of that too! Movements that were held secret just a generation ago are now readily available to you! Skill sets from the arts of Karate, Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Judo, Aikido, and more. These are the exact techniques featured in mixed martial arts events like UFC, Strike Force, Pride and in documentaries like Fight Quest and Fight Science. But you don't have to travel the world to get this instruction. You don't have to wait outside the gates of the temple in the rain for days begging to be let in. This material is available to you right here, right now, in our safe, courteous and non-competitive dojo! - (With easy access from Maumee, Whitehouse, Monclova, Perrysburg, BG, Sylvania and of course Toledo. Click here to see our location!)

But what if I'm out of shape?

Real martial arts is for everyone! We have people who have never exercised in their lives who have come to our dojo and started on the path to better health. Regardless of what your physical condition, you'll see people just like you, all progressing at a pace just right for them.

The intention of the Masters of the arts was not to create a sport, or to train only those that were superior athletes. Their intention was to help everyone who wanted to truly learn. We have the good fortune of seeing people every week who have gotten out of shape, or have never been in shape, and help them to finally live the life of health and happiness they so richly deserve. No matter what your physical limitations, we have no higher purpose than to help you discover that you can do the martial arts and do them well.

But what if I am a great athlete?

Sometimes we are blessed with students who come to us who are terrific athletes. Some wonder, will I be able to be challenged and pushed to my limits too? Some are interested in getting involved in competition to test themselves. The reality is, if you are one of these lucky individuals, our dojo may be just right for you too. I've spent some time with some of the greatest Martial Athletes alive today. If you get them alone and ask them what they are looking for, they will tell you the same story. They'll tell you they want exactly what everyone else does. They want to be in a dojo that allows them to push themselves to the highest levels, but they also want the courtesy and atmosphere of real martial arts. These athletes may want to challenge themselves with physical competition, but they also realize that the dojo is a place where they can blend in and enjoy improving without ego trips. At our dojo we are lucky to have many of these wonderful athletes as students. While they have diverse backgrounds, they blend in and practice with everyone. I'm proud to say that these incredible athletes are some of the best and most gentle partners we have. You might find yourself meditating, learning , and practicing side by side with an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts in Toledo) fighter and not even know it!

Would this program work out for my son or daughter?
Our classes are age specific. Our children and teen programs are taught separately from our adults. What that means to you is that your child will learn along side students their own age. We teach three different age brackets for our youngsters so that there always is a class that will fit your child's maturity and growth level. We think the attention to detail we place on working with kids is second to none. Because of the atmosphere we've created children can improve focus, concentration, coordination and learn the self-confidence and self-esteem that can only come from setting and achieving goals for themselves.

Are we right for you?

Have you ever wanted to get in better shape, but traditional workouts just didn't seem right for you? Have you been interested in understanding meditation? Have you ever wanted to learn mixed martial arts technique but were afraid of getting hurt? Did you worry that maybe you wouldn't fit in, or be in good enough shape to participate? Do you have an old injury that you thought would prevent you from being able to do martial arts? Maybe you're just looking for that missing piece in your life, or that missing piece in your fitness plan. No matter who you are, or what your story, we've created a dojo for you.

You will learn the most advanced MMA technique available, but also you will experience what it’s like to practice in the culture of a real dojo-- where etiquette and respect are the everyday norm. You will be taught authentic Martial Arts in the atmosphere, and with the intention of the Masters who created them. Self-Discipline, Self-Control, Courtesy, Patience and a strong Work Ethic are what it takes to be successful. These are the attributes our program will develop. Our martial arts in Toledo and Maumee include the most effective material ever created from the arts of karate, muay thai kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kung fu, judo, aikido and more. Most important of all, you learn the martial arts in a culture of self-discipline and mutual respect.

Over the years, Martial Arts Center in Toledo and Martial arts Center in Maumee has had a unique goal; to take your martial arts practice back to its roots – to help you on your path to spiritual and personal growth. Our program ties your Martial Arts training with the goals that you have set as a person. Our passion is helping making our students be the best they can be. Hundreds of students just like you pass through our doors every week to learn how to live more peaceful and meaningful lives through this practice.

So what's the next step?
If any of this sounds interesting to you then the next step is to get started.
Go to our getting started page to find how to begin classes.

Sometimes people are not sure they are ready to start until they find out more. We recommend you check out these frequently asked questions:
When are the classes and what ages are taught?
What styles do we teach?
What is the cost?  
Where are we located?
How do I get started?

You can also enter your search in the search box at the top of any page on this site. And of course if you still can't find what you're looking for feel free to call us seven days a week at 419-385-1000 and we'll do our best to try and help.

Sensei Joseph Hurtsellers

Click to Listen to a live talk with Sensei Hurtsellers

I don't need any more information - I just want to sign up already!!