If you’ve trained at Impact Martial Arts for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that we do a little more than just one style. Yes, Kyokushin Karate is our foundation—but we also teach elements of Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and practical self-defense. So how does all of that fit together? And why do we do it that way?
Let me break it down.
Martial Arts Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
One thing I’ve learned in all my years of training and teaching is that no single martial art has everything. Some are great for striking, some for grappling, and some for weapon defense or close-quarters fighting. Early on in my own journey, I realized that if I wanted to prepare myself—and eventually my students—for the real world, I needed to learn from multiple disciplines.
That’s why I didn’t stop after earning my black belt in Kyokushin. I went on to earn black belts in Combat Kenpo, Shinko Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Okinawan Kobudo, and even trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Reality-Based Self-Defense. Every single style I trained in taught me something valuable—and I’ve brought those lessons into how we train here at Impact.
Kickboxing: Power, Timing, and Real-World Striking
Kickboxing is a big part of how we train our striking. While Kyokushin gives us solid basics and a powerful foundation, kickboxing sharpens the tools. It helps students learn how to use footwork, angles, head movement, and combinations in a more fluid and adaptable way.
When I was training for MMA and kickboxing competitions, I learned very quickly that movement and control were just as important as power. In fact, in one of my early smoker fights, I faced a much larger opponent—a former bodybuilder who outweighed me by over 30 pounds. I couldn’t just rely on brute strength. I had to use my kickboxing—sharp angles, movement, and lots of leg kicks—to break him down until he couldn’t continue. That kind of control and precision is what we bring to our students, whether they want to compete, get fit, or learn how to defend themselves.
Jiu-Jitsu: Control, Escape, and Confidence on the Ground
Let’s be honest—most real-world fights don’t stay standing. That’s why we teach grappling and ground defense as part of our core curriculum. Our Jiu-Jitsu training gives students the tools to stay safe if the fight goes to the ground. It’s about control, escape, and using leverage instead of strength.
After earning my black belt in Shinko Jiu-Jitsu and later training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I realized how important it was to include this element in our program. I’ve had students who were strong strikers, but the first time they were taken down, they panicked. Jiu-Jitsu helps eliminate that fear. They learn how to stay calm, defend themselves, and even reverse bad positions.
And for parents—this is big. Your child might be small, but with proper grappling skills, they can learn how to defend themselves against larger opponents, without needing to throw a single punch.
Reality-Based Self-Defense: Practical Skills for Real Life
Everything we teach comes back to one core idea: being prepared for real-world situations. That’s why our self-defense training is practical, efficient, and adaptable. We don’t teach flashy moves that only work in perfect conditions—we focus on what works under pressure.
When I trained in Combat Kenpo, the focus was on fast, direct responses to real threats. That mindset carried into everything I’ve done since. Whether we’re teaching how to defend against grabs, chokes, or more serious threats, the goal is always the same: Give students the tools to respond with confidence and control.
And for our adult students—especially those who’ve never trained before—this is often where the biggest transformation happens. I’ve seen people walk in unsure and uncomfortable, and after just a few months of consistent training, they walk out more alert, more confident, and better prepared.
How It All Comes Together
So how do we combine all of this?
We’ve designed our curriculum to be layered and practical. As students progress through the ranks, they’re not just learning punches and kicks—they’re learning how to:
✅ Strike effectively and defend themselves standing up
✅ Control a situation if it goes to the ground
✅ Apply techniques under pressure
✅ Stay calm, think clearly, and make smart decisions
We keep our training fun, challenging, and engaging, but always grounded in real-world effectiveness. Every technique we teach has a purpose—and if it doesn’t work under pressure, we don’t keep it in the curriculum.
Final Thought
What makes Impact Martial Arts special isn’t just that we offer a blend of styles—it’s that we’ve taken the most practical, powerful elements of each one and built them into a system that prepares our students for the real world.
Whether you’re here for fitness, confidence, competition, or self-defense, our training is designed to help you grow in every area of life.
You don’t need to choose between styles. With us, you get the best of what works.
See you on the mat,
Sensei Brian