Oakdale Mixed Martial Arts Academy
Sonora MMA, 140 N. Second Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361
About
Oakdale Mixed Martial Arts Academy offers training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Judo, MMA, Behring Jiu-Jitsu, Last Stand Kickboxing, and Kajukenbo. The program includes instruction connected to the Last Stand Fight Team, which represents professional fighters from the academy’s three schools.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Oakdale Mixed Martial Arts Academy was established in 1988 and began as the Oakdale Kajukenbo Self-Defense Club, with Hawaiian Kajukenbo as its original art before adding kickboxing, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Judo, and MMA. It is described by the academy as the longest running martial arts school in Oakdale and now teaches third generation students. The academy states that it has created champions in junior Olympic judo, jiu-jitsu junior world champions, kickboxing champions, and professional and amateur MMA champions, and that it is the result of 35 years of work and study in the martial arts. Since 1988, it has expanded to include two additional schools in Merced and Sonora.
Founder Professor Tom Theofanopoulos was promoted to 8th Degree Red/Black Belt and the title of “Professor” in 2006 by Great Grand Master Charles Gaylord through the Kajukenbo Association of America, and he was promoted to Black Belt in 2008 by Master Flavio Behring. The leadership and lineage named by the academy include Professor Tom Theofanopoulos, Great Grand Master Charles Gaylord, Master Flavio Behring, and Silvio Behring. In 2007, Professor Tom created the “Last Stand Fight Team” to distinguish the professional fighters training out of all three academies, and Last Stand fighters use a Corinthian (Spartan) helmet on the front of their shirts; the academy reports that in nine years these fighters earned over 40 championship titles.
The academy states that its mission is “not to produce better fighters but to produce better citizens” and that it is a “big believer in community first.” It reports giving scholarships to kids in need who cannot afford lessons and organizing fundraisers for families facing hardship or illness, as well as for organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s, and Toys for Tots. In 2014, Oakdale MMA was voted “top MMA gym” by Cali Fight Awards, and founder Professor Tom Theofanopoulos received a lifetime achievement award.
Parent and student comments shared by the academy include a parent describing a toddler course where kids are taught when it is appropriate to fight, respect for all people, their right to defend themselves, and the importance of exercise, and praising Professor Tom’s teaching and coaching. Other comments describe “top of the line coaching,” a “great family atmosphere,” “kind and friendly people,” “highly skilled instructors,” and a “great place to learn and train,” as well as a child’s increased confidence and positive experiences. The academy lists a phone number, (209) 679-8717, as the best way to get information on classes.
Last updated June 20, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Oakdale Mixed Martial Arts Academy was established in 1988 and began as the Oakdale Kajukenbo Self-Defense Club, with Hawaiian Kajukenbo as its original art before adding kickboxing, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, Judo, and MMA. It is described by the academy as the longest running martial arts school in Oakdale and now teaches third generation students. The academy states that it has created champions in junior Olympic judo, jiu-jitsu junior world champions, kickboxing champions, and professional and amateur MMA champions, and that it is the result of 35 years of work and study in the martial arts. Since 1988, it has expanded to include two additional schools in Merced and Sonora.
Founder Professor Tom Theofanopoulos was promoted to 8th Degree Red/Black Belt and the title of “Professor” in 2006 by Great Grand Master Charles Gaylord through the Kajukenbo Association of America, and he was promoted to Black Belt in 2008 by Master Flavio Behring. The leadership and lineage named by the academy include Professor Tom Theofanopoulos, Great Grand Master Charles Gaylord, Master Flavio Behring, and Silvio Behring. In 2007, Professor Tom created the “Last Stand Fight Team” to distinguish the professional fighters training out of all three academies, and Last Stand fighters use a Corinthian (Spartan) helmet on the front of their shirts; the academy reports that in nine years these fighters earned over 40 championship titles.
The academy states that its mission is “not to produce better fighters but to produce better citizens” and that it is a “big believer in community first.” It reports giving scholarships to kids in need who cannot afford lessons and organizing fundraisers for families facing hardship or illness, as well as for organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s, and Toys for Tots. In 2014, Oakdale MMA was voted “top MMA gym” by Cali Fight Awards, and founder Professor Tom Theofanopoulos received a lifetime achievement award.
Parent and student comments shared by the academy include a parent describing a toddler course where kids are taught when it is appropriate to fight, respect for all people, their right to defend themselves, and the importance of exercise, and praising Professor Tom’s teaching and coaching. Other comments describe “top of the line coaching,” a “great family atmosphere,” “kind and friendly people,” “highly skilled instructors,” and a “great place to learn and train,” as well as a child’s increased confidence and positive experiences. The academy lists a phone number, (209) 679-8717, as the best way to get information on classes.
Last updated June 20, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.