Practical Martial Arts

Practical Martial Arts offers Little Dragons for ages 4–6 with playful, structured classes focused on focus, listening, coordination, and confidence. It also offers Beginner Kids for ages 6–12 with real martial arts, real life skills, and a Bully Defense Program. Teens ages 12–17 train in MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai kickboxing, and age-appropriate self-defense skills, and adults 17+ train in Freestyle Mixed Martial Arts with combatives, MMA, BJJ, and Muay Thai.

Programs

• Adults — 17+ · Freestyle Mixed Martial Arts with combatives, MMA, BJJ, and Muay Thai; safety-oriented classes.
• Teens — 12–17 · MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai kickboxing, and age-appropriate self-defense skills in a safe, supportive environment.
• Little Dragons — 4–6 · Playful, structured kids classes focused on focus, listening, coordination, and confidence.
• Beginner Kids — 6–12 · Kids program with real martial arts, real life skills, and a Bully Defense Program.
• Ninja Camps — Grades 1–6, up to 12 · Monday–Friday, 9:00am–2:00pm · $525 per week · Action-packed martial arts camps that build confidence, strength, and focus.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Price range: $525 per week
• General schedule: Kids programs meet Mon/Wed/Sat or Tue/Thu/Sat. Classes run year-round. All students are required to attend a minimum of twice per week.
• Facility hours: Mon–Thu 3–6pm; Sat 9–11am

About the provider

Practical Martial Arts has been part of the Corte Madera community since 1993 and has over 30 years in Marin. The leadership team includes Mike Valentine, Founder, Co-Owner, and Sensei; Karen Valentine, Co-Owner, Program Director, and Self-Defense Instructor; Eusebio “Sev” Gallegos, Head Instructor; John Truong, Senior Instructor; Yisel Rodas, Lead Instructor and Admin; Lola Atherton Rawstorne, Lead Instructor and Admin; Milo Valentine, Lead Instructor; Levon McCormack, BJJ Instructor; and Rob Servin, Muay Thai instructor. Mike Valentine holds a 6th Degree Black Belt and 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt, Karen Valentine holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt, and Rob Servin is a competitive Muay Thai fighter.

No experience needed to start. Safety is built into how they teach. Live sparring is only introduced much later, once students are ready. One membership for $269 per month covers the child's program year-round with 30 days notice to hold or cancel.

What families say

“My shy 7-year-old will now look an adult in the eye and introduce himself. PMA gave him a confidence we couldn't.” — Jen R., Mill Valley · Beginner Kids

“My daughter walks into school standing taller. The teen classes gave her a calm she carries everywhere.” — Marcus T., San Rafael · Teens

“Ninja Camp was the highlight of our summer. He came home exhausted, proud, and asking when he could go back.” — Priya S., Corte Madera · Ninja Camps

Last updated October 5, 2026.