Since its establishment in 1995, Martial Arts USA has been meeting the tae kwon do and fitness needs of the Petaluma community, serving students as young as four years old. It offers three tae kwon do groups divided by age: 4-6, 7-12 and 13 and up, otherwise known as little dragons, dragons and teens/adults. Additional programs include the Black Belt Club, Leadership Team, Fitness Kickboxing and Personal Defense Readiness. Groups can request private defense training sessions. Martial Arts USA recently relocated to its spacious new studio just down the road from its old location.
Redwood Empire Gymnastics is a locally owned and operated school for tumbling and gymnastics, creative dance and trampoline. Its students range in age from preschool to adults. Summer day camps and birthday parties for kids are available, too. Visit Redwood Empire's website for a schedule of classes.
In business since 1979, Petaluma Academy of Martial Arts teaches a variety of defense arts: Kenpo Karate, Latosa Escrima, tai chi, kickboxing and self-defense. Instruction is available in both empty-hand fighting techniques and weapon training. PAMA also offers yoga, meditation, Reiki healing and guidance to help students apply what they learn to everyday life.
Echelberger's ATA Black Belt Academy teaches Taekwondo and is a member of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). It believes Taekwondo to be the best martial art in the world and acknowledges that every student has different physical abilities and strength levels. The academy is interested not just in teaching self-defense, but in the complete personal development of each student. Individual attention is given to each student in every class, and the instructors take their responsibilities very seriously. Program levels include Basic, Tiny Tigers, Karate 4 Kids, Teens & Adults and the Black Belt Club.