Petaluma Academy of Martial Arts

Petaluma Academy of Martial Arts offers Kenpo Karate, Tai Chi, Self-Defense, Escrima, Yoga, Kickboxing, and bully defense and awareness-escape drills. Children are taught the same Kenpo Karate as adults, with more emphasis on physical fitness and self-discipline. The program offers private and group instruction for Kenpo Karate, Tai Chi, Yoga, Kickboxing, and Self-Defense, along with monthly seminars and workshops and special seminars on topics such as weapons or self-defense with occasional guest instructors.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday through Friday in the afternoon and evening, plus morning options on select weekdays and Saturday mornings

PAMA began in 1979 as the “Water Street Exercise Studio” in the old Petaluma Mill. The school moved to the historic McNear Building in 1981 and became “Petaluma Kenpo Karate School.” PAMA has been in its current home in the old Hatchery Building since 1983, and in 2004, on its 25th anniversary, the name was changed to Petaluma Academy of Martial Arts. Tai Chi and Latosa Escrima became requirements for achieving Black Belt, and the program frequently invites teachers from other arts to offer workshops or special classes. Mr. C leads training that blends Kenpo and Escrima, and this training, combined with kickboxing, involves using anything and everything available as a weapon and includes contact to build physical endurance.

Last updated March 28, 2026.