Are you looking for a supportive, educational, and fun activity for yourself or your child in Columbia? Columbia offers a diverse range of martial arts and fitness classes catering to all ages and skill levels. From traditional disciplines like Tae Kwon Do and Okinawan Weapons training to modern mixed martial arts (MMA) and high-intensity fitness programs, there's something for everyone.
Tae Kwon Do: A Path to Confidence and Discipline
Tae Kwon Do is a traditional Korean Martial Art known for its dynamic flying and spinning kicks. It provides a fun and progress-oriented experience that will instill a positive attitude, build confidence and self-esteem, develop character, promote the desire to learn, improve motivation and concentration and teach self-discipline and respect. We also offer a fun family class that parents and children can take together.
The Columbia Association Tae Kwon Do is proud to be the ONLY program authorized as an official member school of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF-USA) in Howard County and one of three in the state of Maryland! The ITF is the world’s original and oldest sanctioning body for Tae Kwon Do as developed by the art’s founder, General Choi Hong-Hi.
For younger children, programs like Tiny Dragons focus on balance, coordination, basic listening, following instructions and motor skills through fun drills, games and activities. Lil Dragons will help prepare children for life. They’ll learn discipline, cooperation and respect.
Many parents have seen significant positive changes in their children through Tae Kwon Do training:
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- Increased self-confidence
- Improved focus and concentration
- Development of discipline and respect
- Enhanced physical fitness and coordination
Legacy Martial Arts is truly an amazing and special place for kids and families. Our daughter has become so much more confident in the year that she has been attending. She is proud of what she learns, but also that she can focus and be a hard worker when things are tough. We love Legacy! And they throw AMAZING kids parties!
Expanding Horizons: Okinawan Weapons (Kobudo)
The Columbia Association Tae Kwon Do has recently expanded to include a traditional Okinawan Weapons (Kobudo) program featuring weapons such as the Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Kama, and the rarely seen Kusari-Kama or “Flying Kama”.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Fitness
For those interested in a more comprehensive martial arts experience, MMA programs offer training in various disciplines, including striking, wrestling, and grappling.
The gym is part of the more comprehensive fitness facility, Columbia Training Academy, and is the premier MMA training facility in Columbia, Missouri. Whether you’re a casual UFC fan who’s always wanted to get in the cage or a seasoned fighter ready to train hard, our MMA program is for you. We have a world-class team of experienced instructors leading our striking, wrestling, and grappling classes.
Other MMA and fitness offerings include:
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- Kickboxing: Perfect your stand-up game with Glen Baum’s kickboxing classes, which take a “crawl, walk, run” approach to offensive and defensive striking.
- HIT Fit: Improve your overall strength and endurance while sculpting your body in a relaxed atmosphere with Rob Hulett’s high-intensity training class.
Ground Control is the largest and most recognized mixed martial arts academy in Maryland. At Ground Control, whether you’re 4 years old or 60 years old, our premier martial arts professors will teach you MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Boxing. Whether you’re a complete newbie or ready to compete, we’ve got you covered.
From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Boxing we offer something for everyone - Bring the whole family. Developed by the Gracie family, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a martial art that uses leverage, technique, and strategy to defend against a bigger and stronger opponent. Muay Thai, sometimes referred to as “Thai boxing,” and known as the art of eight limbs, has been practiced in Thailand for hundreds of years. Boxing combines movements such as footwork, head movement and feigns to deliver powerful strikes. Proper footwork allows the boxer to keep their balance at all times and never be caught unexpectedly.
At Ground Control Columbia, your kids classes teach the foundations of self-defense in a challenging and safe environment. We offer a variety of kid-focused classes.
Why Choose Martial Arts and Fitness Classes?
Martial arts and fitness classes offer a multitude of benefits for individuals of all ages:
- Improved Physical Fitness: Enhanced strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination.
- Increased Self-Confidence: Develop a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance.
- Enhanced Mental Focus: Improve concentration, discipline, and mental clarity.
- Self-Defense Skills: Learn practical techniques to protect yourself and others.
- Community and Camaraderie: Connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships.
Your goals are our priority. We tailor our programs to help you or your child achieve those. Wether it’s confidence & focus or fitness & weight loss, we’re here to help. Our unique community is what makes your time with us so special. Our professional instructors are at your fingertips! Making sure that all classes are unique, fun, and safe is our instructors priority.
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Instructors are knowledgeable and up to date with the latest competitive strategies and techniques needed to take your skills to the next level. Give them a try.
Performance Records of Columbia Training Academy:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| MMA Team Coaching | 5-time MMA team coaching in the USA |
| Top 3 Finishes | 35 places in the top 3 out of 50-plus countries |
| Pro Fighters | Pro Fighters in UFC and other organizations |
| Training Experience | Training fighters and fighting over 25 years |
| Team Record | Team record 432 Wins and 78 Loses |