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The Difference Between Traditional Martial Arts and Modern MMA Training

If you’ve ever looked into martial arts training, you’ve probably noticed there are a lot of styles—and a lot of opinions. Some schools focus on traditional martial arts with deep roots in history, while others emphasize modern MMA-style training that’s more sport- and reality-based. At The Dojang, we believe you don’t have to choose one or the other. Understanding the difference helps you decide what kind of training fits your goals—and why our mixed approach works so well for kids and adults alike. What Is Traditional Martial Arts? Traditional martial arts systems like karate, taekwondo, and kung fu are built on long-standing structures that ....
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Discipline Is Built One Class at a Time

At The Dojang , we believe progress isn’t measured by a single great day—it’s built through consistent effort, focused training, and showing up even when motivation is low. Whether you’re a parent watching your child tie their belt a little tighter each week, or an adult pushing through a tough round on the mats, the lesson is the same: discipline compounds. Why Structure Matters in Martial Arts Structure isn’t about being strict—it’s about creating an environment where growth is unavoidable. When students bow onto the mat, line up by rank, and respond with respect, they’re practicing more than tradition. They’re learning: How to ....
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Why Discipline Beats Motivation Every Time (Especially in the New Year)

Every January, gyms fill up, schedules get ambitious, and motivation feels sky‑high. New year, new goals, new energy. But by February—sometimes even sooner—that motivation fades. Life gets busy, routines slip, and progress stalls. At The Dojang, we teach something different: Motivation is a spark. Discipline is the system. If you want real, lasting change in the new year, discipline—not motivation—is what will carry you forward. Motivation Is Temporary. Discipline Is Reliable. Motivation is emotional. It comes and goes depending on how you feel, how tired you are, or how hectic your day becomes. Discipline, on the other hand, is structured. It removes ....
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New Year. New Goals. Stronger You.

The start of a new year always brings a sense of possibility. Fresh calendars. Fresh goals. A clean slate. At The Dojang, we don’t believe New Year’s resolutions should be wishful thinking—we believe they should be trained , tested , and earned . Martial arts gives you a system to do exactly that. Why the New Year Is the Perfect Time to Train Most resolutions fail because they rely on motivation alone. Motivation fades. Structure doesn’t. Martial arts provides: A schedule you commit to A curriculum that guides progress Coaches who hold you accountable Clear milestones you can measure and celebrate Instead of saying “I want to be ....
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Karate + Jiu Jitsu: Why The Dojang Teaches Both for Real Self-Defense

At The Dojang, our goal is to empower lives through martial arts by blending traditional discipline with modern, practical training. That’s why our curriculum combines Karate and Jiu Jitsu — giving students of all ages the complete skill set needed for real-world self-defense, physical conditioning, and personal growth. Most martial arts schools teach one system. We intentionally teach two… because real self-defense requires both striking and grappling. Whether you’re enrolling your child or stepping onto the mat for the first time yourself, here’s why this combination works so well. 🟦 1. Karate Builds the Foundation of Stand-Up Self-Defense Karate ....
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The Dojang’s 2025 Holiday Event: A Season of Strength, Kindness & Community

The Dojang’s 2025 Holiday Event: A Season of Strength, Kindness & Community The holiday season is officially underway at The Dojang, and 2025 is shaping up to be our most meaningful year yet. This season blends discipline, fun, and community service through events designed to strengthen not only our students—but our entire community. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s happening this month: Gloves for Good – Supporting Garrett’s Place We are proud to partner with Garrett’s Place, a local organization that supports foster families and children with essentials, comfort items, and community care. All December long, The Dojang is building our ....
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Why It’s Important to Keep Training During the Holidays

The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year — family gatherings, great food, travel, and a chance to recharge. But for martial artists, it’s also one of the most crucial times to stay consistent with training. Here’s why staying active in your martial arts journey through the holidays makes all the difference: 1. Momentum Is Everything Martial arts progress comes from consistency. Even a short break can make you lose rhythm, timing, and stamina. By showing up — even just once or twice a week — you keep your body sharp and your techniques fresh. Remember, momentum is easier to maintain than rebuild . 2. Stay Ahead of New Year Goals Most ....
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Fuel. Train. Repeat. — How Fitness, Nutrition, and Accountability Come Together at The Dojang

At The Dojang, we believe martial arts is more than punches, kicks, and belts — it’s a lifestyle of strength, balance, and consistency. Every class is a chance to build not just your body, but your mindset. And that transformation doesn’t stop when class ends — it continues in how you fuel, recover, and hold yourself accountable. 💪 1. Fitness: Building Functional Strength for Real Life Our training isn’t random movement. Every strike, stance, and drill builds endurance, flexibility, and functional strength. Whether you’re in a traditional class or hitting our Kickfit program, every session is designed to challenge the body and sharpen the mind. Unlike ....
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The Hidden Power of Community: Why Who You Spend Time With Shapes Your Future

We’ve all heard the saying: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” It turns out, there’s truth to it. Research shows that the people around us influence everything from our habits and mindset to our health and success. Whether you’re raising kids or trying to stay motivated as an adult, surrounding yourself with the right community is one of the most powerful choices you can make. Why Community Shapes Kids’ Futures Children are like sponges — they absorb the attitudes, behaviors, and values of the people they spend time with. When they are surrounded by peers who are respectful, disciplined, and encouraging, ....
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Does Your Martial Arts School… Suck? (A Honest Guide to Spotting Red Flags & Finding the Right Fit)

Harsh headline? Maybe. Useful? Absolutely. If you (or your child) are putting time, money, and trust into a school, you deserve more than a crowded mat and vague promises. This guide will help you assess any academy—ours included—so you can train with confidence, see real progress, and actually look forward to showing up. The 7 Biggest Red Flags to Watch For1) Random, “wing it” classes If each class feels like a brand-new circus with no connection to last week, progress stalls. You should see a clear structure (warm-up → skill focus → partner/target work → application/conditioning → cooldown), with themes that carry through the month. 2) ....
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The Difference Between Traditional Martial Arts and Modern MMA Training

Discipline Is Built One Class at a Time

Why Discipline Beats Motivation Every Time (Especially in the New Year)

New Year. New Goals. Stronger You.

Karate + Jiu Jitsu: Why The Dojang Teaches Both for Real Self-Defense

The Dojang’s 2025 Holiday Event: A Season of Strength, Kindness & Community

Why It’s Important to Keep Training During the Holidays

Fuel. Train. Repeat. — How Fitness, Nutrition, and Accountability Come Together at The Dojang

The Hidden Power of Community: Why Who You Spend Time With Shapes Your Future

Does Your Martial Arts School… Suck? (A Honest Guide to Spotting Red Flags & Finding the Right Fit)

Frances Vess

Kimberly King

Kaitlin Blankenship

Request Information Now!