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 World Class Instructors

About Us

Sensei Luis Martinez

Owner & Master Instructor

Sensei Luis Martinez has been studying and training martial arts since he was 6 years old. He is currently the owner and master instructor at Empire Dojo. Sensei Luis oversees all operations of the school. He frequently travels to Japan and around the world to train in several different martial arts.

Official Rankings:

  • 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (Unarmed)
  • 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do (Unarmed)
  • 5th Degree Black Belt in Ninpo Taijutsu (Unarmed)
  • 5th Degree Black Belt in Jujutsu (Unarmed)
  • Shisenkan Kobudo Ryu Ha – Chuden Menkyo
  • Amatsu Tatara Bumon & Shumon Special Instructor – Shoden Menkyo
  • Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Yamamoto-Ha (Unarmed) – Shoden Menkyo
  • Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu (Sword) – Shoden Menkyo
  • Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Kiyama Kai 3rd Kyu
  • Itto Tenshin Ryu Kenjutsu (Sword) – Shokyu
  • Next Level Krav Maga Instructor
  • Daiwado Jujutsu (Unarmed) – Chuden Menkyo
About Us

Sensei Sydney Brackins

Manager / Head Instructor

Official Rankings

  • 4th Degree Black Belt in Japanese Jujutsu & Ninpo Taijustu
  • Kukishin Ryu & Takagi Ryu International Taikai Attendee
  • USA Shisenkan Instructors Intensive Attendee
  • Mt. Fuji Training Camp for Advanced Mutodori and Kenjutsu Attendee
  • 2nd Degree Black Belt Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu
  • Krav Maga Instructor Certification
  • 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kenjutsu
  • 7th Kyu Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu
 

Sydney has been teaching kids ages 3+, teens, and adults since 2018. Her experience has taught her that each age group requires a specific teaching style and lessons.

o   Ages 3-5: focus, listening the first time, and motor skills

o   Ages 6-10: discipline, socialization skills, and situational awareness.

o   Ages 11-15: mental toughness (perseverance), communication skills, and anti-bullying

o   Ages 16+: physical fitness, accountability coaching, and practical self-defense

She regularly partners with parents to help their kids, especially when they’re seeing at-home or in-school behavioral issues.

She has been invited on several occasions to teach staff and students at other martial arts schools how to have the best classes possible.

Sydney is very involved in the surrounding community. She offers PE Teacher for the Day Programs at local public and private schools, self-Defense workshops for families, youth clubs, and corporate employees. You can find her attending local community events to offer free entertainment and provide giveaways and martial arts education and opportunities. She also regularly donates time, skills, and resources to many community families and organizations.

Teaching Philosophy

  • The biggest thing that determines personal success and internal happiness is attitude. No matter life’s circumstances, we can control one thing: our attitude and how we respond to what life throws our way. When teaching, nearly every student will say they want a Black Belt. But statistically, out of 100 students, only 10 will reach that goal. The only difference between those 10 students and the other 90 is their attitude/mindset towards hardship; 90% will fail to reach their goals, because they would rather opt for comfort/what’s easier than get the hard work done.
 

Fun Facts and Personality

  • I have been to Japan, England, and Canada, plus all over the U.S. to train in and teach Martial Arts.
  • I have a motorcycle, and one of my bucket list goals is to ride it across the United States.
  • I love music, writing, and reading.
  • I am a fur-mom of 6 (3 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 ferrets).
About Us

Sensei Makai Watson

Lead Instructor

Official Rankings 

  • 1st Degree Junior Black Belt Ninpo Taijutsu

He was awarded two 1st place finishes and one 2nd place finish in the Battle of Baltimore.

 

Sensei Athena Byrne

Sensei Athena Byrne

Lead Instructor

Official Rankings

  • Junior Ninpo Taijutsu 1st Degree
  • Jujutsu 1st Degree Ninpo Taijutsu 1st Degree 
  • Kukishinden Ryu Bojutsu Shoden Menkyo
  • Kukishinden Ryu Bojutsu Chuden Menkyo 
  • Kukishinden Ryu Bojutsu Okuden Menkyo 
  • Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu Shoden Menkyo 
  • Jujutsu 2nd Degree 
  • Ninpo Taijutsu 2nd Degree
About Us

Sensei Eric Roland

Lead Instructor

Official Rankings

  • 1st Degree Black Belt in Ninpo Taijutsu (Unarmed)
  • 1st Degree Black Belt in Japanese Jujutsu (Unarmed)

Sensei Eric is also a Krav Maga instructor here at Empire Dojo.

Coach Johnny Benson

Coach Johnny Benson

Lead Instructor

Official Rankings
  • 1st Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga
 
Coach Johnny has been training off and on since he was 18 years old. He has studied Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, Tai Chi, and Krav Maga.
In addition to studying hand to hand combat, he also trained with edged weapons and firearms. He is skilled at Survival, Bushcraft, and Self Reliance techniques.
 
Teaching Philosophy
 
I generally approach training from a Boot Camp perspective, with a touch of kindness. I want students to truly know how to use the techniques that we are teaching them. If this requires vigorous pressure testing and sparring then that’s what we will do. Krav Maga is a combative/self-defense form, not a point scoring martial art, so I like to focus on the practical applications of the techniques. In addition to the techniques, I will often focus on situational awareness, using the environment, and state laws to fully inform students on how to possible deal with a threatening situation. 

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