Martial Arts Schools in Gainesville

“Our daughter joined AMA in 2021 and it was the best decision! All of the instructors are excellent and make time for each student -no matter their level. Our daughter has learned not only self defense but also discipline, self confidence, and self-respect. We love our AMA (GTMA) family!!“

“I highly recommend this Taekwondo school to anyonr who wants to start or continue martial arts. My 12 year old son has started attending it this summer and I already see a positive impact on his behavior and school work. The instructor Enrique is great, he works really well with kids, motivates them and fosters a safe learning atmosphere.“

“Great instructors and great environment. Can’t say enough good things about this gym. I’m a 47 year old beginner in Jiu Jitsu and this team has welcomed me in and helped comfort me in my awkwardness of starting so late in life.“

“We have been going to Pro Taekwondo for over a year now. The instructors and staff are so friendly and encouraging. My son has really excelled in his focus and discipline. He has been so excited to join black belt club and is always ready for class each week. Our family has felt very welcomed into this community and I cannot wait until my daughter is old enough to join as well!“

“Okito America has been such a wonderful environment for our child. The staff is phenomenal—caring, supportive, and always going the extra mile. We’ve seen so much growth and joy in our child.“

“Aikido of Gainesville's Sensei Tom Huffman trained in Japan for six years under the legendary Morihiro Saito Sensei. Now he teaches Iwama and Nishio Styles of Aikido here in Gainesville, FL. Whether you like his style or not, you will find no one more dedicated to the art. He teaches children or adults alike with minute attention to detail and takes time to explain the meaning of Japanese terms used in Aikido. If the class is small, Sensei Tom will give the neophyte personal attention to show and explain exactly how a technique works with minimal effort and maximum effect. He also offers classes in Iaido, the art of drawing the katana. Gainesville residents have this incredible resource at their doorstep like few other communities can boast.Unlike other fighting arts like karate or taekwondo, injuries are uncommon in Aikido where its principles of compassion are applied in practice so no one gets hurt. I have been training with Sensei Tom Huffman since 2016 after previously training for years in Michigan, California and Germany starting from the 1970s, so I am no stranger to Aikido. Now in my seventies, I attribute my fitness in no small part to my weekly practice of Aikido under Sensei Tom Huffman, who deserves kudos for preserving and transmitting this profound art to anyone who is willing to put forth the effort to learn it.“