Teaching Self-Defense Solutions for Everyone!
Welcome to Hybrid Martial Arts!
At HMA, our mission is simple: to empower individuals to be prepared to defend themselves in any situation. Our school is a tribe that works together to shape individuals to be confident and prepared for life through personal growth and discipline. We believe that learning self-defense is crucial in today's world and we emphasize this by teaching self-defense through 4 main components:
1. Striking
2. Grappling
3. Weapon Combative
4. Firearm Training
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Uniqueness of Hybrid Martial Arts
While many martial arts schools tend to focus solely on one or two aspects of martial arts, Hybrid Martial Arts takes a different approach. We understand the value of embracing the diverse spectrum of martial arts disciplines, which is why we blend several martial arts systems and their training methods to be prepared for different scenarios in life.
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Comprehensive Training Across All Ranges
At Hybrid Martial Arts, we believe in covering all ranges of combat – from long-range strikes to close-quarter grappling. Unlike traditional schools that may specialize in a particular range, we emphasize the importance of mastering transitions between each range. Our curriculum integrates concepts from various martial art systems to ensure our students are proficient and adaptable in all combat scenarios.
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A Holistic Approach to Martial Arts Education
While some schools may overlook the interconnectedness of different martial arts styles, we recognize the synergy that exists between them. By incorporating this understanding into our teaching philosophy, we provide our students with a well-rounded education that transcends the boundaries of any single style.
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Ready to experience martial arts training that goes beyond the limitations of traditional schools?
Our Story
The Birth of Hybrid Martial Arts Academy
Using the wealth of knowledge accumulated over decades of training, I began formulating my vision. I dreamt of creating more than just a school; I wanted to establish an academy that embraced the diverse facets of martial arts. Thus, Hybrid Martial Arts Academy was born.
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A Calling to Empower
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It is my profound belief that my journey in martial arts has been guided by a higher purpose. With humility and gratitude, I recognize the divine hand that has led me to this point. I am driven by a compassionate desire to impart knowledge, instill discipline, and empower individuals through the martial arts.
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Guiding You on Your Martial Arts Journey
As the founder of Hybrid Martial Arts Academy, it is my privilege and honor to serve as a guide and mentor to each student who walks through our doors. I am committed to helping you discover not only the techniques of martial arts but also the profound lessons it holds for life.
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Join Us on the Path to Personal Growth
Whether you're seeking self-defense skills, physical fitness, or a deeper understanding of martial arts philosophy, Hybrid Martial Arts Academy welcomes you. Let us embark on this journey together, as we strive for excellence, self-discovery, and fulfillment through the practice of martial arts.
Meet The Team
Sifu Courtney White
Hello! My name is Sifu Courtney White and I have a relentless passion for the Martial Arts. This passion has driven me in my pursuit for what I consider "Martial Arts Excellence". Following this path has allowed me to experience a variety of training in many different systems and earn certifications from some of the most talented martial artists in the world.
The search for excellence began in Miami, Florida about 15 years ago when I became a student in October of 1994 at Unified Martial Arts Academy under Sifu Dwight Woods. During my time at the UMAA, I was heavily involved in many martial art seminars from varying systems. All these systems which I attended helped to further my diversity, and education. Some of the guest seminar instructors were: Guru Cass Magda, (who has greatly influenced me in the art of Pentjak Silat Bukti Negara), Sifu Francis Fong, (of the Wing Chun Federation) and Master Ajarn Surachai Sirisute, (President of the Thai Boxing Association of the USA). After 6 years of training at the UMAA with Sifu Dwight, I was honored by being awarded with the title "Apprentice Instructor" in Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan / Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali / Eskrima under Guru Dan Inosanto.
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Soon after my Instructor certification, I decided to establish residency in Los Angeles, California to further my studies with Guru Dan Inosanto. Guru Dan is considered to be the head authority in continuing the legacy of Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do. This was my primary interest when I moved to California; but while studying at the Inosanto Academy, Guru Dan introduced me to one of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors, Renato Magno a fourth degree black belt practicioner.
Guru Dan himself still continues to train in many different forms and systems of martial arts as they are all related and after being exposed to some different systems of ground fighting and grappling, I quickly developed an interest in them and began to research and train heavily in these areas.
I was amazed and impressed at the knowledge that Sensei Magno shared with his students, and shortly thereafter I found myself training at his school in Santa Monica, CA.
A year later... while still training at the Santa Monica school, I was invited to a class that Sensei Magno was teaching at the Machado Academy in Torrence, CA. & on that same day, in addition to being promoted to the rank of blue belt I had the pleasure of meeting Higan and Roger Machado (who were Guru Dan's Instructors in the art of Brazilian Jui-Jitsu or BJJ). As soon as class ended, I was already trying to figure out a way to become a student of the Machado Academy as well. During the rest of my time in California I studied in Los Angeles with Guru Dan, in Santa Monica with Renato, and in Torrence with the Machados. Sensei Paulson, also a student of Guru Dan's, taught shooto-wrestling at the Inosanto Academy. Coincidently, while training in the art of Brazilian Jui-jitsu, I also began to study the art of shoot-wrestling under the Shooto World Light Heavyweight Champion Erik Paulson.
Sensei Paulson gave me this analogy : "Shoot-Wrestling and Brazilian Jui-jitsu complement each other, Jiu-jitsu is like playing chess and Shooto is like playing speed chess with the timer being involved." It was at this time while studying Shooto, BJJ and CSW that I met and became good friends with Jonathan and Jason Eusabio. They began to teach me the art of STX or Savate-Thai-Blend. STX is a kick-boxing art developed by Nicholi Sagniac, Damon Carro, Chad Stehelski and Erik Paulson, who now are well known in Hollywood for their martial art stunt-choreography talent.
After three more years of training with Sensei Paulson, I attained the title of Representative Instructor, which I still currently hold. Soon after that, (being homesick) I moved back to Miami to spend time with my family. Still wanting to continue my training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I decided to join Pedro Valente's School, & the Gracie Miami School of Self-defense. There after 2 more years of study, I was promoted to the rank of purple belt.
Today I hold a brown belt under Daniel Valverde.
In 2010, I wanted to integrate more urban combatives to our programs. After my research, I found Atienza Kali and the rest is history. It is now one of our main programs in our school. Atienza Kali has been very influential to my training and our approach on how we deliver our martial arts systems. I currently hold an Associate Instructor level 4 rank in Atienza Kali. I am currently a range safety officer and continue training in firearm combative.
Sihing Leonel R. Sanchez
Hello! My name is Leo Sanchez. I am from Panama, Rep. of Panama. I’ve loved sports for as long as I can remember, but I first identified with living the path of a warrior during my high school football years. This new identity led me to pursue martial arts training while attending college in Miami, Florida in 2002.
Originally martial arts was a means for physical fitness and self-improvement, but 3 years later, it became a part of me. (I literally committed it to ink, as you can see in my tattoo.) I grew to embody the concepts, not just the techniques, and committed myself to following Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do philosophy of “Using no way as the way, having no limitation as the limitation” and to be simple, direct, and practical. Through his philosophy, I recognized the interconnectedness and similarities between all martial arts.
No one system is the best, but rather the person and their character that uses the system, as a tool to express themselves is what truly matters.
I rely on the wisdom I’ve gained through my martial arts training as a code of conduct by which to live my life, learn from others, and contribute to the martial arts community at large.
Martial arts maintains wellness in many aspects of my life such as the spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and environmental dimensions.
I find myself continuously humbled by my teachers and strive to keep always learning.When I recognized I possess the talent to teach, I understood that it is my responsibility to share my knowledge with the community. I truly enjoy watching others improve and sharing the knowledge that’s been passed onto me.
My passion for martial arts and fitness led me to work as an AFAA certified personal fitness trainer since December of 2008.
I have been an active duty service member with the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter mechanic since January 2010. I serve my fellow Marines as a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor at Marine Corps Air Station – Miramar and earned my credentials through a rigorous course at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot – San Diego through the martial arts center of excellence (MACE) as a 1st Degree Black Belt Instructor.
Presently, I’m a current member of the Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A. and a student at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts in Marina Del Rey, California. I continue to train / practice with several studios, academies, and training centers between San Diego, Los Angeles, CA and Miami, FL to continue growing, learning…and teaching.
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