Manchester, Connecticut · Since 1995(860) 646-7993
The AcademyMartial Arts & Personal Development

Fitness · Defense · Empowerment

A place to grow stronger — at every age.

For more than 30 years, The Academy has brought people together to build skill, confidence, health, and friendships that extend far beyond the training floor.

Find your first classExplore all programs
Since 1995Rooted in Manchester
All experience levelsStart exactly where you are
Kids through older adultsRoom for every season of life
Academy students and instructors gathered together after training
Adults training together in a cardio kickboxing class
Young martial arts students smiling together
For adultsStrength, balance, challenge, and a community of your own.Explore adult programs →For kids & familiesConfidence, focus, practical skills, and room to grow.Explore youth programs →

More than one path

Find the kind of training that fits you.

Traditional martial arts are our roots, but The Academy is a broader community for movement, health, mindfulness, self-defense, and personal growth.

Adult martial arts students practicing a partner technique at The Academy
Adults · Beginners welcome

Adult Martial Arts

Traditional training that develops practical skill, confidence, fitness, and lasting friendships.

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Academy children, teens, and instructors gathered outdoors after training
Ages 7–15

Youth Martial Arts

Traditional martial arts, bully defense, responsibility, public speaking, and confidence.

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Gentle Do Tai Chi students practicing outside beneath a red gate
Adults and older adults · All abilities

Gentle Do Tai Chi

Moving meditation, balance, breath, and practical self-defense in a gentle practice.

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Cardio kickboxing class training together on The Academy floor
Adults and teens · All fitness levels

Cardio Kickboxing

A high-energy, music-filled workout where every exercise can be adapted to you.

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Ninjai Warrior students practicing with training sabersNinjai Warrior students moving through the Academy obstacle course
Youth, teens, and adults

Ninjai Warrior

Martial arts, acrobatics, parkour, meditation, and lightsaber training in one imaginative program.

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An athlete working through a performance exercise at ECM Sports
Athletes and active adults

Academy Fitness

Physical therapy, performance training, adult fitness, and recovery through ECM Sports.

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View every program
Community members learning a self-defense technique together

A real community, not a template

You do not have to “be a martial artist” to belong here.

Many of our adult students never pictured themselves walking into a martial arts school. Children arrive with different personalities and different needs. Older adults come looking for mobility, calm, and connection. Everyone begins somewhere.

At The Academy, training is serious and the welcome is warm. Our instructors meet people at their level and help them grow in mind, body, and spirit.

Read our story

Current introductory offer

Try a month of training for $50.

The Academy’s current offer includes a uniform and is designed to give you enough time to experience real classes, meet the community, and decide whether the program feels right.

Ask about the trial month

Step inside

Take a virtual walk through The Academy.

Explore the training spaces at 1404 Tolland Turnpike before your first visit.

Open the 3D tour

Your first step

Come see what The Academy feels like.

Tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll help you choose a program and make your first visit comfortable.

Start your trialCall (860) 646-7993