Empire Dojo - Abingdon proudly serving Abingdon
Empire Dojo – Abingdon has Classes in Abingdon, Perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults Martial Arts Lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life..
Get To Know Our Instructors
Sensei Luis Martinez
Owner & Master Instructor
Instructor Bio
For Sensei Luis Martinez, martial arts is not just a practice—it is a lifelong journey of discipline, growth, and dedication. Training since the age of six, Sensei Luis brings decades of experience to the mat as the owner and Master Instructor of Empire Dojo. Guiding all operations of the school, he leads by a simple yet powerful philosophy: “Nothing good can be accomplished without hard work and perseverance.” Whether he is teaching young children the fundamentals of focus and respect or guiding adults through advanced self-defense, his warm, approachable teaching style is matched only by his deep, authoritative knowledge of the martial arts.
A natural leader and gifted practitioner, Sensei Luis began sharing his passion early, teaching students of all ages since he was just 14 years old. His competitive drive and technical excellence culminated on the global stage when he became the World Champion in both Sparring and Forms in 2001. However, for Sensei Luis, competitive titles were only a milestone. His true passion lies in the continuous pursuit of knowledge and the empowerment of his students.
To ensure his students receive the most authentic and effective instruction, Sensei Luis frequently travels to Japan and across the globe, immersing himself in various martial arts disciplines. He is deeply honored to study directly under Ron Kosen Sensei Kancho of the Shisenkan Kobudo Federation. Through unwavering dedication, Sensei Luis has earned his place as one of the highest-ranking members of the organization in the entire world. This direct connection to traditional lineages allows him to bring world-class, authentic martial arts straight to his local community.
Under his visionary leadership, Empire Dojo has become a cornerstone of martial arts excellence. It stands proudly as the only martial arts school in Harford County that teaches authentic Japanese Jujutsu, Ninpo, and practical Self-Defense all under one roof. Sensei Luis has cultivated a welcoming yet disciplined environment where tradition meets practical application, ensuring that every student—regardless of age or background—can build confidence, strength, and character.
Official Rankings & Credentials
Sensei Luis’s extensive expertise spans multiple disciplines, reflecting his lifelong commitment to mastering the martial arts. Below is a summary of his official rankings and certifications:
Discipline / Organization | Rank / Certification Level |
|---|---|
Ninpo Taijutsu | 5th Degree Black Belt |
Jujutsu | 5th Degree Black Belt |
Tae Kwon Do | 2nd Degree Black Belt |
Tang Soo Do | 2nd Degree Black Belt |
Shisenkan Kobudo Ryu Ha | Chuden Menkyo |
Amatsu Tatara Bumon & Shumon | Special Instructor – Shoden Menkyo |
Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Yamamoto-Ha | Shoden Menkyo |
Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu | Shoden Menkyo |
Daiwado Jujutsu | Chuden Menkyo |
Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Kiyama Kai | 3rd Kyu |
Itto Tenshin Ryu Kenjutsu | Shokyu |
Next Level Krav Maga | Certified Instructor |
Sensei Anthony Briggs
Lead Instructor
Instructor Bio
Coming Soon. . . .
Official Rankings & Credentials
Coming soon…
Sensei Athena Byrne
Lead Instructor
Instructor Bio
Sensei Athena Byrne’s martial arts journey began at the age of nine with a little nudge. Initially hesitant to step onto the mat, her mother and an instructor gently encouraged her to just “go do it.” The moment she did, she fell in love with martial arts—and she hasn’t looked back since. Today, with nearly a decade of dedicated training under her belt, Sensei Athena stands as a 3rd Degree Black Belt, a direct student of Master Instructor Sensei Luis Martinez, and the Lead Instructor at Empire Dojo.
What drives Sensei Athena is her profound love for Kobudo (traditional Japanese martial arts) and the deep discipline that grounds it. This passion is evident in her own continuous pursuit of knowledge. She firmly believes and often reminds her students that “Studying helps you grow as a martial artist.” To ensure she is bringing the highest quality of instruction to her students, Sensei Athena has traveled internationally, including multiple trips to Japan, to train directly with Ron Kosen Sensei Kancho of the Shisenkan Kobudo Federation.
As a female martial artist and a high-ranking leader at the dojo, Sensei Athena serves as an inspiring role model for all students, especially young girls and women looking to discover their own strength and confidence. She began assisting in classes at just 12 years old, developing a teaching style that is as dynamic as it is effective. Whether teaching children or adults, Sensei Athena is known for being precise, energetic, and nurturing. She possesses a unique ability to connect with kids on a profound level, offering immense patience while remaining tough but encouraging, ensuring every student reaches their full potential.
Official Rankings & Credentials
Sensei Athena’s dedication to traditional martial arts is reflected in her impressive ranks and certifications:
Discipline / Organization
Jujutsu
Ninpo Taijutsu
Junior Ninpo Taijutsu
Kukishinden Ryu Bojutsu
Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu
Rank / Certification Level
3rd Degree Black Belt
3rd Degree Black Belt
1st Degree Black Belt
Okuden Menkyo
Okuden Menkyo
Sensei Sofia Byrne
Assistant Instructor
Instructor Bio
For Sensei Sofia Byrne, martial arts has always felt like second nature. Starting her training at just six years old, she was eager to step onto the mat and proved to be a natural from day one. Initially enrolled by her mother to help build discipline and focus at a young age, Sofia quickly blossomed into a highly dedicated and skilled martial artist. Today, as a direct student of Master Instructor Sensei Luis Martinez, she is a proud 1st Degree Black Belt and a vibrant Assistant Instructor at Empire Dojo.
A standout achievement in Sensei Sofia’s journey came in 2025, when she successfully tested for and earned her adult Black Belt at just 14 years old—a rigorous and demanding test that requires far more technical precision and endurance than a junior rank. Following this incredible milestone, she stepped into her role as an instructor, bringing her passion and expertise to the next generation of students. For many years prior to instructing, she also showcased her skills as a dedicated member of the dojo’s demonstration team.
As the younger sister of Lead Instructor Sensei Athena Byrne, martial arts is truly a family affair for Sofia. She brings a bright, energetic personality to the dojo that makes her especially wonderful with children. She primarily works with the kids’ classes while also assisting in adult sessions, always striving to make learning an engaging experience.
Sensei Sofia leads by a simple, uplifting philosophy that she shares with all her students: “Have fun while training and don’t give up.” Her natural talent, combined with her years of hard work and positive attitude, makes her an inspiring role model for young students finding their own path in the martial arts.
Official Rankings & Credentials
Credentials & Training
1st Degree Black Belt Adult Rank, earned 2025
Sensei Jenna Fritz
Instructor
Instructor Bio
For Jenna Fritz, martial arts is a profound way to connect the mind and body. Drawn to the practice by the way it challenged her to think and move with intention, Jenna quickly discovered a passion that went far beyond physical training. As an Instructor at Empire Dojo and a direct student of Master Instructor Sensei Luis Martinez, she brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to the mat every day.
As a Certified Instructor, Jenna is deeply committed to her own continuous growth,
participating in rigorous weekly instructor trainings with Sensei Luis to refine her skills and teaching methods. She is driven by the belief that in martial arts, there is always more to discover. Outside the dojo, Jenna is an avid artist, and she brings that same creative, focused energy into her classes. She views martial arts much like an art form—requiring patience, practice, and a willingness to learn.
Jenna specializes in teaching the dojo’s youth programs and is exceptionally great with beginners. Known for her calm, focused, and motivating teaching style, she creates a welcoming environment where children feel safe to learn and make mistakes. Her primary goal is to help kids find the same unshakeable confidence in themselves that she found through her own training.
Whether a student is struggling with a new technique or facing a mental hurdle, Jenna’s encouraging philosophy shines through. She often reminds her students to “keep trying,” reassuring them with a supportive, “let’s figure it out together.” Through her patient guidance, Jenna ensures that every child who steps onto the mat leaves feeling empowered, capable, and ready to take on their next challenge.
Official Rankings & Credentials
Credentials & Training
• Certified Instructor, Empire Dojo
• Direct Student of Master Instructor Sensei Luis Martinez
• Advanced Instructor Training Participant