“I promise myself to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.” –MAFA Student Creed

Everyone who passes through MAFA’s doors at Hill Center and onto the mats learns the student creed. From Tiny Ninjas as young as three years old to kids in after school programs for Little Dragons, to Black Belt Club and Master Class youth who compete, to women (of all ages, shapes, and sizes!) committed to toning up, building strength and learning how to defend themselves with confidence…all put the creed into motion, six days a week at Hill Center.

Why a Creed? Because martial arts is not just about exercise nor is it all about fighting. Becoming a martial artist is about developing confidence, self-discipline, respect for self and others, and becoming an all-around stronger and more empowered person in every aspect of life. Body, mind, and spirit.

To learn more about MAFA and the martial arts–and what makes this particular training academy a one-of-its-kind in the entire world, we invite you to explore the MAFA website. Find class schedules, Summer Camp registration information (hurry!…spots are filling fast), and get answers to questions you may have about martial arts and fitness for women and for martial arts for kids.

And check out the video of a Tiny Ninja reciting the Student Creed. We love it and think you will too!

…kids…fighting…aggression…”Aren’t Martial Arts for Children just asking for trouble?”

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We’re actually glad when this question comes up for a couple of reasons:

1) We love the answer (we’ll get right to that…)
2) It is probably the biggest fear and UN-asked question by many parents. This brings it out in the light!

So, the answer we love…

Quite the opposite is true.Children who learn and practice the martial arts become responsible in their behavior and understand better than many of their peers that it isn’t about aggression or becoming a menace to society. Martial arts teach respect–for self and others. They learn the Student Creed, and we help them live by it.

MAFA Kids Training On The Mats

And with a foundation of mutual respect, kids in martial arts also:

• Increase self-discipline
• Build self-confidence
• Practice persistence
• Develop greater ability to focus
• Learn to follow directions
• Establish lifelong exercise and nutritional skills
• Make new friends (not just at MAFA, but everywhere)
• And appreciate the rewards of accomplishment that follows hard work

Young martial artists are among some of the healthiest, most engaging, self-reliant and well-adjusted kids around. They are proud of themselves and each other and this carries over into all areas of their lives.

MAFA Kids On Spring Break Excursion

You’ll feel good knowing that they can take care of themselves in life–not so much by fighting as by knowing how to avoid conflict and handle difficult situations non-physically, non-aggressively.

To learn more about MAFA’s programs for children and youth, just fill in the form on the right and we’ll be in touch! We can arrange a time for you and your child to come by our training studios at Hill Center, for a visit and even participate in a free class.

Martial Arts Summer Camp 2012 is filling up fast! Limited spaces still available for Tiny Ninjas (3-5), Little Dragons (5-8), and Jr. MAFA (9-13). Register now!!

It is a scary thought for any of us, but all the worse if we have no skills, reflexes, or confidence for handling such an encounter.

It’s more important than ever for women to be aware of their surroundings.  Especially during the warm-weather months when we may get lulled into a false sense of security about being outdoors, even after dark.

Would you know how to defend yourself should such an unfortunate situation present itself? If not it could mean life or death.

MAFA’s Self-Defense Program for Women is grounded in mixed martial arts (MMA) classes for women, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Thai Boxing training. We will help you put together a combination of classes to meet your personal goals.

Learn real life techniques that you can use right away to defend yourself and your family.

Learn to stop a man twice your size!  Just FILL OUT THE FORM TO THE RIGHT and we’ll help you get started!

At MAFA, we are all about kids’ health–in body, mind, and spirit. Our aim with kids, as with MAFA students of all ages, is Fit. Confident. Empowered.

Want that for your kids? We sure do. Sign up on the right, to learn more about all the ways that MAFA can help.

Here at MAFA, we share the grief and shock of the community in northern Ohio, that is reeling from the school shooting incident on February 27, 2012 and it’s still rising death toll. One of the most disturbing aspects of the story is that it seems that the shooter may have been a victim of bullying, who “fought back” in the only way he knew how.

There are other ways, but no one–it seems–had been there to help him learn and develop confidence.

This breaks our hearts. But more importantly–and more empoweredly– that heartbreak quickly strengthens our resolve and commitment to be part of the solution here in our own DC neighborhoods, to help our kids become Fit. Confident. And Empowered. We call it “Bully-proofed.”

At MAFA, we help kids learn:

• how to defend themselves,
• how to take back control of their personal safety, and
• how to resolve conflict non-violently.

MAFA kids’ programs not only teach self-defense they help kids develop good self-esteem, self-respect, respect for others, increased confidence, leadership skills, and more. And kids get fit, start eating better, and become healthier in the process!

Who doesn’t want that for their kids?

No one we know.

Parents of MAFA kids often report that their children’s grades improve, their overall outlook on life is happier and healthier, and they begin to make and keep friends more easily than before.

It’s not about learning to fight so much as about learning to live more freely; less fearfully; more confidently; and with a strong sense of personal pride and capability.

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To learn more about how MAFA is leading the way in the anti-bullying movement here in DC, and on the Hill in particular, find out how parents on Capitol Hill are preparing to Bully Proof their kids in 2012 or call 202-455-4662 and get the FAQs about kids and bullying.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is predominantly a male sport, which can be very intimidating for women. I knew that women could greatly benefit from the program and that the few women at our gym could greatly benefit from some new training partners. I started training more to make sure I could be of assistance to my coach. With increased hours at the gym I found that I really loved BJJ and I told my coach that I would like to start competing.

I made the competition team after a 4 hr trial that started at 3 am! Less than a year later I won the Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championships after having my blue belt for 2 weeks. I have gained confidence, discipline,strength, and preservation. I take satisfaction in knowing I am fulfilling a need that I have to be constantly evolving and striving for self improvement.

I moved to Camp Springs Maryland to train at our team headquarters with some of the best BJJ fighters in the world. Here I will work towards becoming a black belt world champion and increasing the number of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for women–just like we have here at MAFA.

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Learn more about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts training for women at MAFA. Just fill in the handy form on the right, and we’ll help you get started!

Happy Training,
Coach Nyjah

P.s Dont forget to mark your calenders for the MAFA community day on Saturday, August 6th from 9am until 2pm. Enjoy Free self defense classes, fitness bootcamps, express yoga and specials on yearly memberships. See you there.

Research has shown that friends and families that engage in physical activities together are more likely to finish successfully. Over the past several months we have worked with families in Washington DC to teach functional fitness and self defense. One of Capitol Hill MAFA’s proudest moments was when one of our Tiny Ninjas decided to dress in their full martial arts uniform after weeks of only wearing her martial arts top. Although very attentive and sharp in class she did not want to wear her training bottoms because her brother, who is a Black Belt club member and leader in training wore pants as well. After months of watching both her mother in the women’s mixed martial arts class and her brother advancing in technique she finally decided to give the pants a try. With great success she showed up to class fully dressed with a smile and ready to train just like her mom and big brother. Later that evening she earned her very first belt and immediately ran to show her brother. We appreciate the support and the “stick-to-itivness” of her family to start her out on a great path to black belt. Congratulations! If you and your family are interested in training together, contact Capitol Hill Martial Arts at (202)455-4662.

Happy Training,
Coach Nyjah

P.S. There are even new weekend classes for Dad. Send an email to membership@capitolhillmartialarts.com to register for our Mens Only Mixed Martial Arts session.