Shaolin Mixed Martial Arts

Shaolin Mixed Martial Arts in Bremerton states its mission as teaching “ordinary people of all ages real martial arts for better self-defense, fitness, and sport,” with Jeet Kune Do, traced to Bruce Lee through Sifu Dan Inosanto, at the center of its striking. Owner and head instructor Sifu Victor Young, who opened the school in 2018, is a certified JKD MARS instructor under Sifu Ron Balicki, a full instructor under Inosanto. The school says it uses the “Shaolin” name to honor martial arts tradition, while the training itself is built around modern self-defense and MMA application.

The Bremerton adult classes are Jeet Kune Do with Filipino Kali, SMMA Kickboxing, no-gi submission wrestling and tai chi. Kali is the school's word for the Filipino arts, covering stick and blade work (escrima and arnis) and the empty-hand art of Panantukan, so students learn to defend against sticks and edged weapons. The kickboxing mixes Chinese kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Muay Thai, savate and STX kickboxing, drilled with focus mitts, Thai pads and glove-to-glove work. The grappling class blends catch wrestling with no-gi submission wrestling in the Combat Submission Wrestling style, with leg locks and submission chains. Tai chi is gentle movement and mindful breathing, open to all ages and fitness levels. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is taught at the school's Port Orchard gym, and kids train in their own programs from age 4.

Young started with Kung Fu and Tai Chi in 1998 and earned a 5th degree black sash under Daifu Jack Jones. From 2004 he trained Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Muay Thai and submission wrestling under Sifu Mark Olsen, earning his black belt in 2010, and he holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Sensei Erik Paulson. Coach Alex Lozano brings MMA, STX and CSW to the staff.

Newcomers start with a free trial class, and no experience is needed. The school calls its approach “Foundations First”: beginners learn on pads and bags, sparring isn't required, and live sparring is generally kept for advanced students who want to test their skills under an instructor's supervision. Comfortable clothes for sport and a water bottle are all a first class asks for.