American Kickboxing Academy San Diego South Bay Youth Martial Arts Program
American Kickboxing Academy San Diego South Bay, 937 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91913
About
American Kickboxing Academy San Diego South Bay Kids & Teens Martial Arts Program offers training in TaeKwonDo, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, MMA, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate-Do, boxing taekwondo, self-defense, and fitness. The program takes place in a family friendly, full service MMA gym that provides top-quality instruction in a safe, fun, and supportive family environment, with students able to learn multiple martial arts styles under one roof.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Friday afternoons and evenings, plus Saturday morning classes
Blue Dragon Martial Arts, which is connected with this program, has been serving the Chula Vista community for 27 years and has taught more than 12,000 students of all ages. American Kickboxing Academy was founded in 1985 in San Jose, California, and for over 20 years has been recognized among the top martial arts academies worldwide, with the past 20 years always ranked among the top 10 academies in the world and, as of 2024, ranked #1 in the world and described as the #1 MMA academy on the planet. The kids program in Chula Vista is described as ranked #1 in Jiu-Jitsu.
The leadership team includes Professor Anthony as owner, along with Javier Mendez as the esteemed owner and head coach of AKA and one of the foremost MMA trainers in the world today, and Anthony Caravelli providing expert guidance, with over 40 years of teaching experience stated. AKA San Diego South Bay is the only licensed AKA program in San Diego and the only AKA licensed academy and program in San Diego to teach the AKA “Curriculum of Champions Program,” with a flexible schedule of 40 classes per week and programs for all ages, including Little Champions (ages 3½–6) and a Teens Program (ages 12–17). The program is described as a family gym, a family friendly, full service martial arts academy, a non-profit kids after school program, and a premier martial arts academy renowned globally and at the pinnacle of martial arts education, with battle-tested and time-tested methods, world-class instructors, and a comprehensive curriculum.
The stated goal and mission are to inspire, empower, and transform lives, with a focus on cultivating “Champions in Life” through martial arts and helping students reach their full potential both on and off the mat. The philosophy described is that martial arts is a holistic approach to personal development that nurtures mind, body, and spirit, with an emphasis on resilience, respect, and confidence so students can face challenges on and off the mat.
The program’s credentials include producing champions such as UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC Champion Islam Makhachev, former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez, UFC Champion Daniel Cormier, and Bellator World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov. Unique features listed include affordable rates for high-quality martial arts lessons, a family friendly environment that caters to beginners from age 4 to 65+, and a non-profit kids after school program.
Parent testimonials describe Sensei Tony (Professor Anthony) as an amazing instructor with a well-rounded curriculum that includes jiu-jitsu, boxing taekwondo, and many other martial arts, and note that he takes a personal interest in helping students. One parent reports that their three children love the studio and calls it the best in town, while another former student shares that seven years of training there taught many things that have stayed with them and helped shape who they are today.
Last updated July 8, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Friday afternoons and evenings, plus Saturday morning classes
Blue Dragon Martial Arts, which is connected with this program, has been serving the Chula Vista community for 27 years and has taught more than 12,000 students of all ages. American Kickboxing Academy was founded in 1985 in San Jose, California, and for over 20 years has been recognized among the top martial arts academies worldwide, with the past 20 years always ranked among the top 10 academies in the world and, as of 2024, ranked #1 in the world and described as the #1 MMA academy on the planet. The kids program in Chula Vista is described as ranked #1 in Jiu-Jitsu.
The leadership team includes Professor Anthony as owner, along with Javier Mendez as the esteemed owner and head coach of AKA and one of the foremost MMA trainers in the world today, and Anthony Caravelli providing expert guidance, with over 40 years of teaching experience stated. AKA San Diego South Bay is the only licensed AKA program in San Diego and the only AKA licensed academy and program in San Diego to teach the AKA “Curriculum of Champions Program,” with a flexible schedule of 40 classes per week and programs for all ages, including Little Champions (ages 3½–6) and a Teens Program (ages 12–17). The program is described as a family gym, a family friendly, full service martial arts academy, a non-profit kids after school program, and a premier martial arts academy renowned globally and at the pinnacle of martial arts education, with battle-tested and time-tested methods, world-class instructors, and a comprehensive curriculum.
The stated goal and mission are to inspire, empower, and transform lives, with a focus on cultivating “Champions in Life” through martial arts and helping students reach their full potential both on and off the mat. The philosophy described is that martial arts is a holistic approach to personal development that nurtures mind, body, and spirit, with an emphasis on resilience, respect, and confidence so students can face challenges on and off the mat.
The program’s credentials include producing champions such as UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC Champion Islam Makhachev, former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez, UFC Champion Daniel Cormier, and Bellator World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov. Unique features listed include affordable rates for high-quality martial arts lessons, a family friendly environment that caters to beginners from age 4 to 65+, and a non-profit kids after school program.
Parent testimonials describe Sensei Tony (Professor Anthony) as an amazing instructor with a well-rounded curriculum that includes jiu-jitsu, boxing taekwondo, and many other martial arts, and note that he takes a personal interest in helping students. One parent reports that their three children love the studio and calls it the best in town, while another former student shares that seven years of training there taught many things that have stayed with them and helped shape who they are today.
Last updated July 8, 2026.
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