Kids Martial Arts Classes

Kids Martial Arts Classes at The Marin Dojo, Inc. include martial arts training that draws from Tactical Kenpo, Tai Chi, kickboxing, and boxing. Classes also incorporate full contact sparring, calisthenic exercises, meditation, Mat Chats, circuit cardio and strength training, boot camps, and TRX.

• Ages: 5–12 years old

Professor Phil DesRosiers leads the program as Owner and Head Instructor, and he has trained in American Kenpo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Modern Arnis, Cho La Fut Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and American Kickboxing under Senior Grandmaster Rick Alemany. The leadership team also includes Owner and Business Manager Sifu Rachelle Taliaferro; Martial Arts Instructors Sifu Mike Cerio, James Morris, Noah Daglio, and Tien VoPham; Tai Chi Instructor Sifu Fritz Rollins; and Kids Martial Arts Instructor Vienna Stark. The Marin Dojo, Inc. opened on November 1, 2009, and Professor DesRosiers joined his first martial arts studio in 1987.

Professor DesRosiers holds ranks and experience in multiple martial arts, and he teaches Tactical Kenpo at the dojo. Sifu Rachelle Taliaferro holds the rank of Nidan in Tactical Kenpo Karate under Professor DesRosiers and is an ACE Certified trainer in personal and group fitness. Sifu Mike Cerio holds Nidan in Tactical Kenpo Karate under Professor DesRosiers and Shodan in Dentokan Shorin Ryu Karate under Shihan Dave Newell. Sifu Fritz Rollins has over 30 years of Tai Chi experience and 20 years as an instructor, and he studied under Sifu Jane Hallander, a direct student of Grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong. James Morris and Noah Daglio each hold a black belt in Tactical Kenpo under Professor DesRosiers, Tien VoPham holds a purple belt in Tactical Kenpo and is a Shodan in Setchu-ryu Jujutsu under Shihan Craig Kutil, and Vienna Stark holds a blue belt in Tactical Kenpo Karate under Professor DesRosiers.

Kids Martial Arts Classes are organized into age-specific groups, including Kinder Kicks for ages 5–6 and Dojo Kids for ages 6–12. The program uses a multi-layered training system with pathways that allow students to specialize and take on additional challenges, including the Black Belt Club, which is described as an exclusive and elite group of students. Members of the Black Belt Club automatically qualify for the Junior Leadership Program in the Advanced program, and there is also a Junior Leadership Program and Junior Instructor Program that can lead into a student employment program. Training in the kids program is rooted in real-world self-defense and personal safety rather than point-based competition, and it uses calisthenic exercises to promote strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. The Marin Dojo, Inc. states that it fosters a culture of respect and safety, focuses on being the best version of oneself rather than brute force or competition, and emphasizes character, respect, humility, and passion, with students progressing through the ranks with purpose and clarity.

The Marin Dojo, Inc. mission states that the team strives to build athletes who can apply their training to other activities, school, and life in general. The mission also states that training at the dojo includes physical improvement, character, family values, and a successful lifestyle, and that the team works individually and collaboratively with students while allowing them to grow at their own pace. According to the mission statement, the dojo provides martial arts classes, meditation, and Mat Chats in one environment and aims to develop confident, resilient athletes who apply focus, discipline, and determination from class to school, sports, and everyday life.

The program offers a Limited Time Offer of a One Week Free Special, which is also described as a One Week Free Trial. The Marin Dojo, Inc. describes its community as fun and friendly and welcoming to all individuals, and it describes the training environment as supportive and structured so students can safely push their limits.

Parent and student reviews mention that kids have attended classes for many years, including classes twice a week and birthday parties, and describe the staff as wonderful, compassionate, caring, and approachable. One parent notes that their 10-year-old son wanted to sign up after his first trial class, and another mentions that classes give their child an outlet for energy while teaching boundaries and respect. Reviews also describe the instructors as well trained, cool, and focused on Respect, Honor, and Spirit, and several reviewers recommend the dojo for both kids and adults. The dojo is also described in reviews as generous to local fundraisers and involved in the community.

Last updated March 17, 2026.