TAMA Martial Arts Center Youth & Family Martial Arts Programs
1753 Woodman Dr., Dayton, OH 45420
About
TAMA Martial Arts Center Youth & Family Martial Arts Programs offers training in Kenpo Karate, Jiu-jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai kickboxing, Taiqi/Taiji (Tai Chi), Kung-fu/Tien Shan Pai Kung-fu, Aikijutsu (Aikido)/Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, Filipino Kali/Eskrima/Jeet Kune Do/Arnis/JKD, and Krav Maga/Integrated Self-Defense/Self-Protection. The youth programs include Kids Karate, Kids Muay Thai, Kids Jiu-Jitsu, Kids Kung-Fu, and Mighty Mites Kid’s Karate. The center offers eight different martial arts training programs in one place and has separate classes for kids and adults.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
TAMA Martial Arts has specialized in martial arts since 1976, with TAMA Martial Arts Center established in 1976 and its current building constructed in 1988. The program includes Kids Martial Arts Classes for ages 4–12, Mighty Mites Kid’s Karate specifically for ages 4–6, and Adult Martial Arts Programs for ages 13 and up. TAMA offers a free 2 days of lessons special offer. The programs focus on building life skills such as mental resilience, emotional intelligence, self-discipline, focus, mutual respect, perseverance, and determination, and are described as being designed to help students grow physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
Grandmaster Manuel R. Taningco is the founder of TAMA Family Martial Arts and serves as Chief Martial Arts Instructor. Manuel R. Taningco has been a martial arts coach for 49 years in the Dayton Metro area and is a licensed Muay Thai instructor under Kru Vut Kamnark of the United World Muay Thai Association. TAMA Martial Arts has been shaping lives and empowering individuals through martial arts training since 1976 and has served Dayton and surrounding areas for nearly 50 years.
The mission of TAMA Martial Arts is to empower students with confidence, help them achieve their goals, and unlock their full potential. The mission also includes empowering families and communities through protector principles, fostering a sense of responsibility and service in every student, and combining compassion, humility, and positive reinforcement to create a strong foundation for growth. TAMA states that true mastery in martial arts and life comes from serving others and that it is committed to guiding students on this journey in a supportive, positive learning environment.
TAMA Martial Arts Center has received recognition from military and law enforcement agencies such as the US Air Force Security Forces, the Philippine Marines and Special Action Force, and the US Marshals for “Close Combative Training” in Dayton, Ohio. The center’s credentials and awards include the Ohio Black Belt Hall of Fame, World Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Instructor of the Year,” UFAF Chuck Norris Award (1982, 1983, 1984), Bruce Lee & Arnold Legends of Martial Arts Hall of Honor Lifetime Achievement Award, Eastern Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Instructor of the Year,” Circle of Masters Hall of Fame “Instructor of the Year,” and a “Martial Arts Excellence Award” from the US Marines at Quantico, Virginia. Additional recognition includes US Marshal Recognition for “Close Combative Training” in Dayton, Ohio, and being named to the Association Boxing Commissions Unified Rules and Regulations Committee for Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA. The program is described as an Award Winning Children Martial Arts Program for Kids Muay Thai, Kids Karate, Kids Jiujitsu, and Kids Kung-Fu, and TAMA is described as a martial arts family and a cornerstone of martial arts training in Kettering, Ohio, and beyond. The Fight School at TAMA is described as one of the most innovative programs in the nation.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
TAMA Martial Arts has specialized in martial arts since 1976, with TAMA Martial Arts Center established in 1976 and its current building constructed in 1988. The program includes Kids Martial Arts Classes for ages 4–12, Mighty Mites Kid’s Karate specifically for ages 4–6, and Adult Martial Arts Programs for ages 13 and up. TAMA offers a free 2 days of lessons special offer. The programs focus on building life skills such as mental resilience, emotional intelligence, self-discipline, focus, mutual respect, perseverance, and determination, and are described as being designed to help students grow physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
Grandmaster Manuel R. Taningco is the founder of TAMA Family Martial Arts and serves as Chief Martial Arts Instructor. Manuel R. Taningco has been a martial arts coach for 49 years in the Dayton Metro area and is a licensed Muay Thai instructor under Kru Vut Kamnark of the United World Muay Thai Association. TAMA Martial Arts has been shaping lives and empowering individuals through martial arts training since 1976 and has served Dayton and surrounding areas for nearly 50 years.
The mission of TAMA Martial Arts is to empower students with confidence, help them achieve their goals, and unlock their full potential. The mission also includes empowering families and communities through protector principles, fostering a sense of responsibility and service in every student, and combining compassion, humility, and positive reinforcement to create a strong foundation for growth. TAMA states that true mastery in martial arts and life comes from serving others and that it is committed to guiding students on this journey in a supportive, positive learning environment.
TAMA Martial Arts Center has received recognition from military and law enforcement agencies such as the US Air Force Security Forces, the Philippine Marines and Special Action Force, and the US Marshals for “Close Combative Training” in Dayton, Ohio. The center’s credentials and awards include the Ohio Black Belt Hall of Fame, World Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Instructor of the Year,” UFAF Chuck Norris Award (1982, 1983, 1984), Bruce Lee & Arnold Legends of Martial Arts Hall of Honor Lifetime Achievement Award, Eastern Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Instructor of the Year,” Circle of Masters Hall of Fame “Instructor of the Year,” and a “Martial Arts Excellence Award” from the US Marines at Quantico, Virginia. Additional recognition includes US Marshal Recognition for “Close Combative Training” in Dayton, Ohio, and being named to the Association Boxing Commissions Unified Rules and Regulations Committee for Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA. The program is described as an Award Winning Children Martial Arts Program for Kids Muay Thai, Kids Karate, Kids Jiujitsu, and Kids Kung-Fu, and TAMA is described as a martial arts family and a cornerstone of martial arts training in Kettering, Ohio, and beyond. The Fight School at TAMA is described as one of the most innovative programs in the nation.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
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