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Leadership. Comraderie. Accountability partners. Empowerment. Self defense skills (emotional and technical). Community of experts. These are attributes of JGMAA that have built a successful business where the customers..the students, come first. One's life will never be the same after joining the JGMAA family. Hanshi John Geyston has a way of reaching stuudents aged 3 to 73+. This academy integrates a variety of martial arts styles while keeping art disciplines pure. Worthy of 5 stars for sure.
Want to learn to defend yourself ? This is the place ! Self defense from the best ! This Academy is a Royce Gracie self defense based academy ! I have been with this academy for six years and will always be involved. This is a home!
Our Son Conner started at John Geyston's academy nearly 8 yrs ago. This is his thing, he loves it.
The training is truly amazing, it's helped Conner become confident in many aspects. The academy has been like family to us for many years. John & his staff take pride in all the students. We absolutely love John Geyston's academy & plan to spend many more years with them.
I've loved my fitness kickboxing experience! John knew my name when I arrived and made sure to see if I was comfortable the whole class. The instructors were so helpful and welcoming! Can not wait for the next class.
I love the fitness kickboxing classes! The energy is great and the instructors help keep me motivated. The workouts have really helped me improve my running, and I look forward to the classes every week. Thanks for a great program!
The absolute best for martial arts. I've been a student for over 5 years and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Mr. Geyston and his staff are professional, caring, and go above and beyond to bring the very best to their students.
Hanshi John Geyston brings the best martial arts to Illinois. Not only does his academy have top level Royce Gracie Jiu-Jistu and martial arts, they do everything in a fun family atmosphere! I felt at home and welcome the first time i stepped into this academy! If you are you looking for a school for your child to learn respect and confidence or you are looking for great self-defense then look no further than Empowered Martial Arts Academy!
Best place to train. The staff is great and best of all the owner John is always a phone call or text away to answer all questions. John teaches the adult classes so that tells you he is there for the passion he has martial arts.
My son Carder started here late last year and is still new to karate but I have seen such a difference in his attitude, commitment to things he starts, and the way he handles his responsibilities. I love the fact that he gets excited every day about karate but also understands that we don't use karate to fight or show off but as needed and in a respectful manner. Thank you to all the amazing teachers and staff at JGMAA for giving my son a great example and another role model in his life!
My son, Skyler (age 6) is very into sports, but unsure which he wanted to pursue. We did the 6 week program--not knowing what to expect. We were treated like family from the first time we walked in the doors. The instructors had the children engaged and focused the whole time. It is a very well structured class. As a parent, it was fascinating how much my son learned in such a short time--while having a great time doing so. The opportunity to earn the attitude stripes --encouraged both respect and extra nightly reading at home ---another plus! He loved going each week. If our schedules weren't so busy, we would be full timers! If you or your child are even slightly interested in martial arts, I would absolutely recommend trying this academy. Nothing but a positive experience for us!
Our son Braden has been a student of Hanshi John Geyston since 2010. The knowledge, skills, and mental attitude he has obtained in that time is amazing. We are grateful to Hanshi John and all of his instructors. They are not only great teachers but great role models. The academy is wonderful. The youth program is outstanding.
Our son attends the youth classes here and it has made a world of difference in him. He has so much more confidence in himself and really enjoys the academy. The staff is fantastic!
I dropped in for the Saturday morning class, everyone was friendly and the instruction from John was top notch, if you're looking for a place to train in Springfield this is a great place with a great group of training partners.
The hardest part was walking into the academy and having no idea what to expect or do. It is one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. Since day one I've always felt welcomed, encouraged, and motivated by every person in the building. Not only have I improved physically and mentally, I have gained a 2nd family and found something to be proud of.
Todays JGMAA Parenting Tips Raising kids is one of the toughest and most fulfilling jobs in the world — and the one for which you might feel the least prepared. The last 38 years of teaching children and working side by side with child behavior experts we have defined 10 steps that we use both […]
It is sadly alarming to say the least to see post after post of child abductions and missing children. My mission since 1982, has been to empower the lives of my members and our community through sharing the martial arts and safety tips. I pray and hope for a more safe, more healthy, and more […]
Martial Arts Teaches More Than Just Fighting Skills Parents these days have a lot to worry about when it comes to their kids. Bullying is an increasing problem and many kids are in danger of being the victim of a bully or becoming one themselves. Parents often sign their kids up for martial arts classes […]
Getting fit and healthy can be a challenge for a number of complex reasons that go deeper than simply calories-in versus calories-out. What you associate with “pain” and “pleasure” may be blocking your fitness success. You’re avoiding the WRONG pain. We are programmed to avoid pain and to seek out pleasure. Unfortunately, this can block […]
How Ignorant are you? Okay I don’t think you are stupid. Relax lets talk a bit. Have you ever asked yourself that serious question? I was listening to a Podcast the other day when I was traveling and they asked what is the Ignorance Tax Rate you pay each year? The premise of this question […]
Do you find it hard to Commit to Change? You have to make a decision to take the First Step. Step in and Go Change does not happen quickly but the first step only takes a minute. Change does not have to mean it is bad to good, could be from Great to Greater. […]
How to Avoid Being a Victim of Bullying Bullying has become an epidemic in recent years. Yes, there have always been bullies, and yes, those bullies have always caused serious and lasting damage to their victims; however, bullying in the 21st century has changed – and not for the better. According to Pacer’s National Bullying […]
The Shopper’s Self Defense Guide Holiday shopping can be a thrill. In a good way and even in a bad way. Adding a little self defense mentality can go a long way. Self Awareness You have society on your side. Potential criminals (for the most part) won’t just obnoxiously run up to you in front […]
5 Presidents Who Studied Martial Arts The term“Martial Arts” is a relatively broad expression that encompasses a variety of different disciplines. Typically, when we hear the words martial arts, the first ideas that come to mind are one or more of the techniques that have developed in Asian countries. However, the martial arts are […]
Anything and Everything is Possible; Yes – Anything and Everything is Possible! This is the mindset we need to be in. We need to truly believe that anything and everything is possible, because without that belief, we are going to be stuck in a life full of doubt, negativity, suffering, and depression. Filled with I […]
