About
Endeavor Martial Arts offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kickboxing, Preschool Martial Arts, Kids Karate, Gracie Bullyproof, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Fitness Kickboxing, and Dance. Students can train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Kickboxing, and can also take part in dance classes. The program includes specific options such as Gracie Bullyproof classes developed by Gracie University in Torrance, California.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Martial Arts & Dance 7 days a week
Endeavor Martial Arts offers programs for Preschoolers (3–5), Kids (6–10), Kids (3–12), and Teens/Adults (13+). The program includes Gracie Bullyproof with a focus on self-defense, not sport, and uses time-tested non-violent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The approach includes whole-child growth with attention to mental, emotional, and social development, an inclusive and adaptive approach supporting students with ADD and ASD, and character development through a message of the week. Leadership and performance options include performance and choreography design.
The leadership team includes Co-Founders Alex Tsikos and Ozlem Tanik Ponarin, with Head Instructor Coach Alex. Coach Alex has been teaching martial arts for over 10 years. His credentials include 4th Degree Black Belt Issun Ryu Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt, Gracie University Certified Jiu Jitsu Instructor, Box n Burn Academy Level 1 Certification, Muay Thai Fitness Kickboxing Certification, and a B.S. in Operations Management from NC State University. Co-Founder Ozlem Tanik Ponarin holds a Brown Belt in Issun Ryu Karate, has over 15 years of dance experience including Argentine tango, salsa, swing, modern dance, and ballet, and has an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Endeavor Martial Arts is a Certified Training Center in Brier Creek and is the provider of Gracie Bullyproof classes developed by Gracie University.
The stated mission is to help students feel confident, connected, and inspired through martial arts education and prepare them for success in life. Building strong family units is important to Endeavor Martial Arts for their Brier Creek community. The program offers 3 life-changing martial arts classes for ages 3–Adult in Brier Creek plus a free T-shirt, completely free, and also offers 3 life-changing BJJ or martial arts classes for ages 6–10 in Brier Creek plus a free T-shirt, completely free. Families are asked to bring comfortable clothes and a water bottle, and instructors provide a martial arts uniform to start the class.
Testimonials describe Coach Alex as patient, enthusiastic, passionate, hard-working, and excellent with both children and adults. Parents report that classes are “5 out of 5 stars” and “GREAT,” and describe him as encouraging, fun, energetic, and very connected with children from the beginning to the end of class. One family notes that their child with ADHD has shown progress physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally, including core muscle strength, confidence, impulse control, and transitions, and that their child has found a “happy place” at Endeavor Martial Arts. Other parents share that their children have grown under Alex’s guidance, enjoy learning martial arts, and stay engaged and focused in class.
Last updated August 5, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Martial Arts & Dance 7 days a week
Endeavor Martial Arts offers programs for Preschoolers (3–5), Kids (6–10), Kids (3–12), and Teens/Adults (13+). The program includes Gracie Bullyproof with a focus on self-defense, not sport, and uses time-tested non-violent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. The approach includes whole-child growth with attention to mental, emotional, and social development, an inclusive and adaptive approach supporting students with ADD and ASD, and character development through a message of the week. Leadership and performance options include performance and choreography design.
The leadership team includes Co-Founders Alex Tsikos and Ozlem Tanik Ponarin, with Head Instructor Coach Alex. Coach Alex has been teaching martial arts for over 10 years. His credentials include 4th Degree Black Belt Issun Ryu Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt, Gracie University Certified Jiu Jitsu Instructor, Box n Burn Academy Level 1 Certification, Muay Thai Fitness Kickboxing Certification, and a B.S. in Operations Management from NC State University. Co-Founder Ozlem Tanik Ponarin holds a Brown Belt in Issun Ryu Karate, has over 15 years of dance experience including Argentine tango, salsa, swing, modern dance, and ballet, and has an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Endeavor Martial Arts is a Certified Training Center in Brier Creek and is the provider of Gracie Bullyproof classes developed by Gracie University.
The stated mission is to help students feel confident, connected, and inspired through martial arts education and prepare them for success in life. Building strong family units is important to Endeavor Martial Arts for their Brier Creek community. The program offers 3 life-changing martial arts classes for ages 3–Adult in Brier Creek plus a free T-shirt, completely free, and also offers 3 life-changing BJJ or martial arts classes for ages 6–10 in Brier Creek plus a free T-shirt, completely free. Families are asked to bring comfortable clothes and a water bottle, and instructors provide a martial arts uniform to start the class.
Testimonials describe Coach Alex as patient, enthusiastic, passionate, hard-working, and excellent with both children and adults. Parents report that classes are “5 out of 5 stars” and “GREAT,” and describe him as encouraging, fun, energetic, and very connected with children from the beginning to the end of class. One family notes that their child with ADHD has shown progress physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally, including core muscle strength, confidence, impulse control, and transitions, and that their child has found a “happy place” at Endeavor Martial Arts. Other parents share that their children have grown under Alex’s guidance, enjoy learning martial arts, and stay engaged and focused in class.
Last updated August 5, 2026.
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