Meet our martial arts instructors in el cajon

Expert Instruction That Transforms Lives

Certified instructors with age-specific expertise ensure faster progress and unshakeable confidence.

Master instructors combine martial arts mastery with proven child development for transformative results.

Patient, caring teachers create individual paths that turn shy kids into confident leaders.

Sigung Darryl James
6th Degree

NikyuGeorge Bendaks

Diego Jarrin

Over 37 Years of Experience

Darryl James runs James Martial Arts Academy in El Cajon, CA—turning everyday kids into confident leaders. His programs build discipline, self-defense skills & fitness. Parents see real results at home and school. It's a community, not just a dojo.

“Blessed be the Lord my rock, who trains my hard for war and my fingers for battle” — Psalm 144:1

Excellent Training Facility

Our Kosho-Ryu training facility offers a top-notch environment with expertly maintained, clean mats and equipment, ensuring a safe and hygienic space for all practitioners. It’s the perfect place to hone your Kosho-Ryu skills under world-class instruction.

“Never put an age limit on your dream” — Dara Torres

Family-Oriented Kosho-Ryu and Kajukenbo Culture

Experience a supportive environment where members of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to grow together. Our Kosho-Ryu and Kajukenbo community fosters camaraderie, mutual respect, and teamwork, helping your family build confidence, strengthen skills, and achieve personal goals while training in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

“A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall” — Serena Williams

Kids' Benefits (Ages 3-17)

Confidence & Self-Esteem

  • Transform shy children into confident leaders who speak up and make friends easily.

  • Build bulletproof confidence that improves school performance and social success.

  • Develop inner strength to resist peer pressure and make positive choices.


Physical Fitness & Health

  • Replace screen time with engaging exercise that builds strength and coordination.

  • Maintain a healthy weight while developing lifelong athleticism

  • Create a physical foundation for success in any future sport


Focus & Academic Performance

  • Dramatically improve attention span, leading to better grades and easier homework.

  • Develop laser-sharp focus that helps excel in school and resist distractions.

  • Build mental discipline to set goals and achieve success.


Social Skills & Character

  • Become respectful, well-mannered, and earn praise from teachers and parents.

  • Develop leadership skills to influence peers positively

  • Learn empathy and kindness while knowing when to stand up for others


Anti-Bullying & Self-Defense

  • Master practical self-defense with confidence to handle any situation

  • Stop bullying before it starts through quiet confidence and self-assurance

  • Learn conflict de-escalation while maintaining the ability to protect yourself



Adult Benefits (18+)


Physical Fitness & Health

  • Achieve peak physical condition through dynamic training that builds muscle and burns calories.

  • Experience a fun alternative to boring gyms that keeps you motivated

  • Develop functional strength that improves daily life and prevents injuries


Stress Relief & Mental Health

  • Eliminate daily stress through focused practice that clears your mind

  • Build mental toughness to handle work pressure and life challenges

  • Find a powerful outlet for frustration that leaves you balanced


Self-Defense & Personal Safety

  • Master practical techniques for confidence anywhere

  • Develop situational awareness to avoid dangerous situations

  • Build tools to protect yourself and your family


Community & Personal Growth

  • Join a supportive martial arts family, building lasting friendships

  • Experience continuous growth, mastering skills, and overcoming challenges

  • Develop discipline that improves career and relationships



Women's Self-Defense Benefits


Confidence & Empowerment

  • Eliminate fear of walking alone with unshakeable confidence

  • Transform mindset, changing how you carry yourself

  • Build inner strength that naturally deters threats


Practical Safety Skills

  • Master women-specific techniques that work regardless of size

  • Learn situational awareness to identify and avoid danger

  • Develop escape abilities from common attack scenarios


Physical & Mental Strength

  • Build functional conditioning while learning life-saving skills

  • Develop lightning reflexes and decisive reactions under pressure

  • Gain peace of mind with proven self-protection tools



Family Benefits

Stronger Bonds

  • Create shared experiences, bringing family together through training

  • Build mutual respect by supporting each other's martial arts journey

  • Develop traditions, creating lasting memories


Positive Role Modeling

  • Show commitment to the importance by training alongside children

  • Create a household culture of respect, discipline, and growth

  • Lead by example in healthy habits and facing challenges



Long-Term Life Benefits

Character Development

  • Build integrity, guiding lifelong decision-making

  • Develop perseverance to overcome any obstacle

  • Cultivate humility and respect, improving all relationships


Leadership Skills

  • Learn to inspire others through a positive example

  • Develop communication skills for professional and personal success

  • Build confidence for leadership roles everywhere


Success Habits

  • Master goal-setting for career and personal aspirations

  • Develop time management, improve productivity, and balance

  • Build resilience to navigate life's challenges with strength

We Serve San Diego's East County

  • La Mesa

  • Santee

  • Rancho SaN Diego

  • Spring Valley

  • Lemon Grove

  • La Presa

  • Granite Hills

  • Bostonia

  • Winter Gardens

  • El Cajon

James Martial Arts Academy we're a family-focused martial arts school serving San Diego since 2010. We help kids from 3-17 (and adults too!) build real confidence, get fit, and learn self-defense that actually works—all in a supportive environment where everyone belongs.

2356 FLETCHER PKWY, EL CAJON CA 92020

833-894-0191

Copyright 2025. James Martial Arts Academy. All Rights Reserved.