2356 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon CA 92020

Serving San Diego Families Since 2010 | 75+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review

#1 Kids MARTIAL ARTS program IN EL CAJON

Transform Your Child's Self-Esteem While Learning Real Self-Defense & Respect

Build Mental Toughness, Academic Focus, and Character for Ages 6-9

Book a Free Trial Class Today!

What Happens After You Sign Up?

Instant Confirmation & Details
- Receive immediate email and text confirmation securing your preteen's complimentary trial class with all the information they need.
Choose Your Convenient Schedule
- Select from multiple trial times that work around your family's busy middle school activities and commitments.
Come Ready to Excel
- Your preteen just needs athletic clothes and an open mind—we provide the structured, challenging environment where future leaders develop their potential.

**"We love bringing him"**

"Our son loves coming to class, they have fun while learning respect and discipline." -Kristen R. - Parent, Kids' Martial Arts Class - Yelp Review

**"Students learn while having fun"**

"First experience with martial arts, they enjoy classes very much, affordable, energetic students learn discipline. - Jay B. - Parent, Kids's Martial Arts Class - Yelp Review

Is Your Preteen Struggling With Peer Pressure, Academic Stress, or Social Anxiety?

Beyond Self-Defense: Strengthening Preteens' Confidence, Resilience, and Life Readiness

Develop Moral Courage & Leadership: Preteen martial arts creates confident young leaders who learn to stand up for justice, protect vulnerable peers, and make ethical decisions even when facing social pressure or difficult situations.

Master Goal Achievement & Academic Success: Your preteen learns to tackle complex projects systematically, maintain motivation through challenging coursework, and recover from disappointments—building the resilience that ensures middle school and high school excellence.

Connect with Mentors & Future-Focused Peers: Your 10-12 year old builds relationships with character-driven instructors and ambitious classmates while developing physical confidence, emotional intelligence, and study habits that create lasting academic and social achievement.

Welcome to our Preteen program

Why East County CHOOSE JAMES MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY LLC for kids martial arts?

Empower your growing child with martial arts training that builds the leaders, innovators, and protectors of tomorrow. Your 6-9 year old will cultivate authentic confidence, moral courage, and the wisdom to stand for justice while learning to lift others up and turn obstacles into opportunities.

Unlike surface-level activities, our holistic program integrates physical conditioning with critical thinking and emotional regulation skills. Your child will thrive in a supportive environment where progress is celebrated and challenges are embraced—creating the mindset and capabilities that ensure success in middle school, high school, and beyond.

Middle School Success Skills Through Strategic Training (Ages 10-12)
- preteens' ability to manage complex projects, resist peer pressure, and collaborate effectively with diverse groups—providing the leadership foundation for academic and social excellence.
Character Development That Creates Ethical Leaders
– Your preteen cultivates integrity, responsibility, and resilience through proven martial arts values, learning to mentor younger students, persevere through setbacks, and advocate for justice with wisdom and courage
Committed Partnership for Your Maturing Family
– Parents appreciate our detailed progress reports, flexible training options, and individualized approach that respects each preteen's growing independence while building the character foundation for teenage success and lasting friendships.

El Cajon's Dedicated Partner in Preparing Focused, Resilient Future Achievers

Master Self-Defense Skills That Actually Work for Preteens

Leadership & Social Confidence Focus

Leadership & Character Focus

Our Tiger preteen martial arts program is expertly designed for children aged 10-12, providing a challenging and empowering environment where your preteen can master critical life skills while building lasting confidence. This program emphasizes developing leadership abilities, moral courage, decision-making skills, and emotional resilience through advanced martial arts training.

Our experienced instructors recognize the unique transitional needs of preteens and design meaningful challenges that build academic focus while strengthening character, integrity, and the social skills needed for teenage success.

Benefits of Preteen Leadership Training

Technology Balance Solution: Transform excessive screen time into purposeful leadership training that develops anti-bullying skills, moral courage, and meaningful connections with peers who share positive values.
Middle School Readiness Builder: Our advanced program cultivates physical confidence, mental resilience, and emotional maturity through challenging activities designed for preteens transitioning toward teenage independence.
Character Mentors Who Lead by Example: Our experienced instructors demonstrate the integrity, perseverance, and compassion they instill, serving as inspiring role models during your preteen's critical character-forming years..
Leadership Development Environment: Structured training groups with expert guidance provide the ideal setting for your preteen to practice decision-making, take calculated risks, and develop protective instincts safely.
Moral Courage Training: Martial arts practice enhances your preteen's ability to resist negative influences, stand firm in their values, and make principled choices when confronted with peer pressure or social conflicts.
Achievement Recognition Program: Sequential skill mastery and belt progression create significant milestones that demonstrate the power of dedication and ethical behavior in reaching meaningful goals.
Social Justice Skills: Collaborative exercises and mentoring opportunities help preteens learn to defend others, bridge differences constructively, and create positive change in their communities.

TESTIMONIALS

What Parents are saying

See Why San Diego Parents Trust Us With Their Child’s Confidence and Safety

"Instructor processes great knowledge"

"Both me and my two children have all benefited tremendously from the training."

- Diego Jarrin, Preteen Parent - Google Review

"I can hear her laugh from outside the class"

"My daughter was very shy but now she loves to go to class!"

- Kristine Z., Parent - Yelp Review

"He is an outstanding role"

"From our first encounter, I knew we had found the right instructor for my son."

- Kelsea Sisler - Parent, Tiger Class (pre-teen Martial Arts) - Google Review

TESTIMONIALS

kids Preschool martial arts frequently asked questions

Your Martial Arts Questions—Answered Simply and Clearly.

What style of martial arts do you teach and is it safe for my child?

We teach a comprehensive program that combines traditional karate techniques with modern safety practices specifically designed for children ages 10-12. Our curriculum emphasizes proper form, control, and respect while building confidence and physical fitness. All activities are closely supervised by certified instructors, and we use age-appropriate protective gear during sparring exercises. Safety is our top priority, and we maintain strict protocols to ensure a secure learning environment.

What should my child wear and what equipment do I need to buy?

For the first few classes, your child can wear comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers. Once they decide to continue, the academy provides the first uniform (gi) for free, which typically costs $40-60. Basic protective gear including gloves and shin guards will be needed for sparring activities, usually around $50-80 total.

How often are classes and what does a typical session look like?

Classes meet three times per week for 45 minutes each session. A typical class begins with a 5-minute warm-up, followed by technique instruction, practice drills, and controlled sparring or games that reinforce the day's lessons. We end each class with a brief meditation or reflection period to help students focus and internalize what they've learned. Our schedule is designed to fit around school hours with options after school and early evenings.

Will martial arts make my child more aggressive or violent?

Quite the opposite! Our program places a strong emphasis on discipline, respect, and self-control. Students learn that martial arts techniques are used for self-defense and sport, but never for bullying or aggression. We teach conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and the importance of using words before physical action. Many parents report that their children become more focused, respectful, and confident after joining our program.

How long does it take to earn a belt and what is the testing process like?

Students typically test for their next belt rank every 3-4 months, depending on their progress and attendance. Testing involves demonstrating techniques, forms (kata), basic sparring, and answering questions about martial arts philosophy and respect. We focus on personal improvement rather than competition with others. Each student progresses at their own pace, and we celebrate every achievement along the way.

What are the monthly costs and are there any additional fees?

Monthly tuition varies for three times a week classes, depending on the special we run. We also offer a discount for siblings or annual payments. There's no one-time registration fee, unlike at other academies. Testing fees vary and are based on belt rank, but start at $25. We occasionally organize optional tournaments or special workshops with separate fees, but these are never required. We believe martial arts should be accessible and work with families on payment plans when needed.

Serving El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee, CA

JAMES MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY LLC offers exceptional martial arts training for all ages, building confidence, improving physical fitness, and teaching practical self-defense skills under the guidance of experienced instructors in a supportive environment.