James Martial Arts Academy

James Martial Arts Academy offers Preschool Martial Arts with structured training for ages 3 to 5, zero contact, and 30-minute sessions. It also offers Kids Martial Arts for ages 6 to 9 with earned belt progression and character development, Pre-Teen Martial Arts for ages 10 to 12, Teen Martial Arts for ages 13 to 17, Adult Martial Arts for ages 18+, Women's Self-Defense for ages 18+, and Beginner Martial Arts for Adults covering stance, guard, basic strikes, movement, safe partner work, and conditioning.

Programs

• Preschool Martial Arts — Ages 3-5 · Structured training for ages 3 to 5; zero contact; 30-minute sessions.
• Kids Martial Arts — Ages 6-9 · Elementary-age martial arts with earned belt progression and character development.
• Pre-Teen Martial Arts — Ages 10-12 · Pre-teen martial arts focused on confidence, emotional self-regulation, and leadership habits.
• Teen Martial Arts — Ages 13-17 · Teen program emphasizing focus, accountability, mental toughness, and leadership experience.
• Adult Martial Arts — Ages 18+ · Adult training in technique, conditioning, and self-defense fundamentals.
• Women's Self-Defense — Ages 18+ · Women-only self-defense class with practical techniques and situational awareness.
• Beginner Martial Arts for Adults — Adults with no experience · Entry track for total beginners covering stance, guard, basic strikes, movement, safe partner work, and conditioning.
• Self Defense School — Practical Kajukenbo self-defense training.
• Karate School — Martial arts training with confidence, focus, and leadership development.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old

About the provider

The academy was founded in 2010 and is family-owned. Sigung Darryl James is the founder and chief instructor, and the site also mentions his wife Cheryl and family teaching beside him. The academy states that it has over 500 families enrolled since 2010. It describes its mission as transforming good people into confident protectors through traditional martial arts training. Sigung Darryl James is a USA Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee with a 6th-degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo, a 3rd-degree Black Belt in Kosho-Ryu, a 1st-degree Black Belt in Kickboxing, and training in Kung-Fu under Sr. Grand Master Tony Bowles.

Belt promotions are earned, never given. Preschool classes are zero contact and zero sparring. Trial classes are free with no obligation. The academy says no prior experience is needed for adults.

What families say

“The instructor is amazing. He's warm and welcoming, inviting, but he teaches this kids how to defend themselves. We feel so lucky to have found this place! My son loves it!” — Katie Kortman, Parent, Tiger Class (Preteen), Google Review

“When looking for a karate class for our 7 yr old, we were so lucky to have found James Martial Arts Academy. Sensei Sifu brings the best of vibes and the kids have so much fun while learning at the same time. He knows how to talk to them in a way they understand.” — Cynthia Lugo, Parent, Leopard Class (Kids), Google Review

“James Martial Arts Academy is one of the best decisions we've ever made for our kids. The classes go far beyond just teaching them some martial arts - they have helped them with confidence, respect, and determination. Sifu Darryl is an incredible mentor.” — Kelsea Sisler, Parent, Tiger Class (Preteen), Google Review

Last updated October 6, 2026.