Our Mission
Our mission is to help students feel confident, connected, and inspired through martial arts education and prepare them for success in life.
Our Values
We believe there isn’t much one can’t do with motivation and a supporting environment.
Diversity and Inclusion
We strive to empower each of our students respecting and appreciating what makes them different, in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, national origin, and athleticism.
Inspiration
Our goal is to inspire each other towards reaching our goals celebrating each milestone along the way. We build each other up with a non-judgmental attitude and constructive peer feedback.
Impact
We aim to make a positive impact in the lives of our students and encourage our students to be leaders seeking to provide positive impact to those around them and beyond.
Our Team
Alex Tsikos
Co-Founder
Chief Instructor
- 4th Degree Black Belt Issun Ryu Karate
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt
- Gracie University Certified Jiu Jitsu Instructor
- Box n Burn Academy Level 1 Certification
- Muay Thai Fitness Kickboxing Certification
- B.S. in Operations Management degree from NC State University
Ozlem Tanik Ponarin
Co-Founder
- Brown Belt in Issun Ryu Karate
- 15+ years of dance experience including Argentine tango, salsa, swing, modern dance, and ballet
- MBA degree from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
How We Achieve Our Mission
Our program is designed to help our students build confidence, feel connected and inspired.
Confidence
Self Defense
Take control of conflict situation verbally or physically through Jiujitsu
Striving for Excellence
Rewarding and coaching along the way to excellence
Leadership Development
Students are encouraged to lead a section of a class.
Build the Body
Build strength, balance and coordination
Connect with Mind
Focus, self-discipline, awareness
Become Part of the Community
Peer feedback/support, partner work
Connection
Inspiration
Growth Mindset
Motivation to set goals and a supporting and encouraging environment to reach the goals. .
Character Development
Character development through message of the week: Topics including leadership, conflict resolution, building empathy etc.
Leadership and Performance opportunities
Performance and choreography design opportunities
Ready to begin your journey?
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