Amanda's Adaptive Martial Arts

Amanda's Adaptive Martial Arts offers Cubs Classes, Kids Classes, Teen Classes, Adult Classes, Jui-Jitsu Classes, an Adaptive Strength & Conditioning Class, and an Adaptive Yoga Class. The program includes martial arts and self-defense, and the policies note that all kids of all abilities are welcomed.

Programs

• Cubs Classes — 3-5 · Wednesday 5:30pm; Saturday 9:00am
• Kids Classes — 5+ · Monday and Wednesday 6:00pm; Saturday 9:30am & 10:30am; Sunday 4:00pm
• Teen Classes — 11-18 · Monday 5:00pm
• Adult Classes — 18+ · Monday and Wednesday 4:00pm
• Jui-Jitsu Classes — Thursday 5:00pm; Saturday 12:30pm
• Adaptive Strength & Conditioning Class — Sunday 5:00pm
• Adaptive Yoga Class — Tuesday 6:00pm

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old

About the provider

Amanda's Adaptive Martial Arts was opened in 2021. Amanda Piepgras is the Executive Director and has been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2002. Master Jack McBride is a 5th degree black belt in Taekwondo and a Certified Autism Specialist, Ernesto Ruiz is a special education teacher, and Marco Garcia has been an Assistant Instructor since 2021. The program is a 501c non-profit organization and says 100% of donations are directed toward offering a sliding scale to children who could not otherwise afford to participate. It has taught adaptive martial arts and self defense at South East Consortium for Special Services, Inc., We Rock the Spectrum, Gigi's Playhouse, The Challenge Center, and various martial arts gyms in the San Diego area.

All kids of all abilities are welcomed. Students can expect to improve attention span, self-discipline, fighting form, strength, confidence, self-esteem, listening, following directions, sensory input, and motor planning skills. Special needs and adaptive instruction is emphasized. Children ages 5-7 are referenced in a coloring book description.

What families say

“This girls knows her stuff! Best teacher hands down!” — Genine O.

“Amanda is great! My 9 year old son on the spectrum loves going to her class every Sunday. He enjoys all the kicks, jabs, 'Hi-ya' screams, etc., Thank you Amanda and Marco for all you do for the kids!” — Lainie N.

“Amanda is amazing! She is very knowledgeable, kind and patient. She really gives all the kids in her class that one on one attention. My son is so happy every week and looks forward to his next class. Thank you for all your hard work Amanda. You have made such a differenc in our lives.” — Gaby F.

Last updated October 9, 2026.