SAN DIEGO’S FIRST AND ONLY MACHIDA KARATE TRAINING CENTER and NOW OFFERING WOMENS ONLY KARDIO KRAV!
LEARN Krav Maga SELF-DEFENSE, KARATE, And jiu JITSU for the whole family - All ages and skill levels welcome!
MULTIPLE disciplines without multiple memberships!
Tired of paying for multiple memberships at different studios? Global martial Arts Vista is your one stop shop for comprehensive krav maga, karate, and jiu jitsu classes for children starting at 4yrs old all the way up to mature adults in their 70s! Led by North County expert Benjamin Halcewicz, you and your family will have the ability to learn a variety of martial arts or just focus in on one while honing skills in self discipline, technique, flexibility, mental strength, and overall health and well-being. We welcome all Vista and North County San Diego residents to come test out our studio for FREE! Book your first discovery class now ↓
we are a family-owned martial arts studio in vista, california building SELF AWARENESS and confidence through specialized programs in:
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For those unfamiliar with Krav Maga, it’s a hybrid system of self-defense. It was initially created by Imi Lichtenfeld to fight against fascist attacks in the 1930s. One of the strongest points of the martial art is that it’s of recent design, and actually focused on practicality within combat situations. Krav Maga, is a synthesis of several different means of self-defense.
Krav Maga was brought to the US in 1981 and it quickly gained popularity with the general public, but also with the FBI. It is currently the official self defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces and also used by the Israeli Police. One of the unique characteristics of Krav Maga is that it is not a sports or competition style martial art, but focuses on real-life defense and hand to hand combat. These techniques can be utilized in stand up or ground fighting. We teach this system at for Krav Maga Vista to also teach the student how to stop threats quickly and get away safely.
Our program also offers a Krav Maga Kids program – where we emphasize more on how to fall safely, for example is pushed down by a bully. We teach the kids how to escape potential abductions by grabbing, bear hug, and choking defense and escapes. In the current climate, its important for you kids to know how to defend themselves so that these techniques are practiced and become part of their muscle memory as they get older.
Classes are available for Kids Krav Maga, Adults Krav Maga, and family memberships.
VIEW OUR KRAV MAGA SCHEDULE
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Karate is a martial art developed in Okinawa, under the influence of Chinese and local martial artists. At GMA, we teach Shotokan Karate and the Machida Karate system for kumite. Karate is predominantly a striking art using punching, kicking, knees, elbows and open hand techniques. Grappling, sweeps, throws, joint locks and vital point strikes are also taught. Karate is useful in building confidence, mental and physical toughness and respect. We offer classes for age appropriate classes for kids starting at age 4 and Adults of all ages. We offer the best value in North County, and have discounted family membership plans!
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting (ne-waza) and submission holds. BJJ focuses on the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.
Tuesdays and Thursdays for Jiu Jitsu Vista, we offer no gi classes and on Sundays we are lucky enough to have Thiago Gaia teaching a Gi class. All ages are welcome in our Jiu Jitsu program, ages 6+. We are so proud to have many families in our dojo training together and learning potentially life saving ground fighting skills.
Classes are available for Adults Jiu Jitsu and kids can also join these classes.
Family memberships are also available!
MEET YOUR SENSEIS
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SENSEI BENJAMIN HALCEWICZ
Benjamin Halcewicz (5th DAN Shotokan Karate): Originally from Paris, France, Benjamin began his martial arts training at the young age of 5yrs old in the Shotokan method of Karate under his father.
Eventually, in his early teen years, Benjamin’s training expanded to include Judo, Boxing, and Thai Boxing.
Benjamin brought his martial arts talents to San Diego at the age of 22, and this is also when he discovered Krav Maga, in which he has been training for more than 18yrs. Benjamin has had the honor of training with Gabi Noah, a direct student of the founder of Krav Maga (Imi Lichtenfeld) and also elite Karate Senseis who were direct students of the founder of Karate (Mr. Nishiyama of the Shotokan method and Mr. Miki of the Shito Ryu method).
Some of Benjamin’s other passions include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (brown belt) and Surfing. His educational accomplishments include a degree in Sports Education (from France) and 1st aid certification.
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COACH THIAGO GAIA
Graduated in Physical Education in Brazil, Black Belt of 3 Degrees in Jiu-Jitsu, IBJJF, received the Degree from Master Royler Gracie. 1st Degree Black Belt in Judo. Thiago Gaia Ja started to tribute on the Nova Uniao team where he trained with great UFC athletes like; Jose Aldo, Leonardo Santos, Victor Shaulin, Robson Moura, and many others. Then he was invited to join the GFTeam team, training hard with the great UFC athlete Rodolfo Vieira. Fought: Roger Gracie, Marcus Buchecha, André Galvão, Roberto Tussa, Antonio Braga Neto, Rafael dos Anjos, Fabricio Verdum, Bernado Faria, to name a few.
• Second place world champion – Las Vegas -USA
• 2nd Place world champion 2006- Los Angeles -USA
• Second place European Champion – Portugal-Europe
• South American champion -Brazil-
• First Brazilian Champion 2010 – Brazil
• 3-time 3rd Place in the World Championship 2007, 2009 and 2014 – Los Angeles-USA
• Selective Professional of the Champions League in Abu Dhabi 2014 and 2015. -
SENSEI REGIS SUDO
Régis started his karate journey in Brazil as a teenager and rapidly became a contender at the state level. He later moved with his family to Japan where he furthered his studies in the art of Shotokan Karate by joining the Japan Karate Association Headquarters in Tokyo where he trained under senseis Yoshiharu Osaka (8th dan) and Masao Kagawa (9th dan), both legends of the style. Under their tutelage Régis reached 3rd place at the Tokyo Prefecture Tournament.
He moved to America in 2009 and became the first Black Belt formed under sensei Halcewicz.
Régis is a Karate nerd and and avid consumer of Karate history and the new trends of the art.
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COACH JENNIFER ASHLEY
Jennifer Ashley is a Master personal trainer with a BA in Human Development, and an emphasis in Adults and Gerontology, Jennifer’s 30 years of experience in the fitness industry as well as with her own established personal training clientele, more than ensure your success with your metabolic and training program, it guarantees it.
Jennifer has an in-depth background in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and physical therapy, which enables her to specialize in complete physique transformations.
Jennifer's passion and extensive education, combined with a commitment to her clients through motivation, education and support, she sets her training apart from all others.
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COACH ALLAN
Allan is a martial artist and fitness enthusiast with a passion for sharing the benefits of movement and strength. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, he relocated to San Diego with his family 8 years ago.
With a deep interest in Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and other martial arts disciplines, Allan has not only developed his skills on the mat but also shared his knowledge as a seasoned fitness instructor. His classes, including MMA inspired workouts, strength training, cardio kickboxing, pilates, and core strength, have empowered many on their own fitness journeys. In his previous role as the Area Manager of Group Exercise with 24 Hour Fitness, Allan oversaw fitness programs across various markets, bringing his unique blend of expertise and passion to each endeavor. His greatest joy comes from being a father to three children—Violet, Oliver, and Mila.
Violet and Oliver, following in their father's footsteps, are enthusiastic Krav Maga students at Global Martial Arts. Allan takes pride in supporting their journey and actively participates in helping teach the children's classes, imparting valuable life lessons alongside martial arts skills.
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COACH OLIVIER
Originally from the South of France, Olivier moved to Los Angeles in 2000 where he started training in Krav Maga at the Krav Maga Worldwide headquarter under Darren Levine, a direct student of Imi Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga founder.
In addition to practicing Krav Maga for over 20 years and holding a Krav Maga Worldwide Black Belt, Olivier has been teaching Krav Maga to civilians and law enforcement agents for the past 10 years.
Over the years, Olivier has also cross-trained in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Kali. He is also experienced in anti-abduction, anti-active shooting, and anti-home invasion tactics.
Olivier is passionate about self-defense and can talk for hours about techniques, tactics and strategy.
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Senior Coach Mary Tichi
Description goes Dr. Mary Tichi PhD, MBA brings 25+ years of experience on creating strategic paths to health, wellness, and overall personal and professional wellbeing, as well as providing motivation, inspiration and accountability with teaching, coaching, and mentoring in strategic operations, business development and marketing. Mary is an Author of numerous publications including the Health & Fitness Motivational Workbook “Got HealthStyle” and has also served multiple coaching and mentoring roles in the fitness industry, including strength & endurance racing teams, weight-loss journeys, natural health educator, sports and nutrition brand ambassador and more . Mary is a Black Belt Instructor in Self Defense style Krav Maga, holds a Brown belt in Shotokan Karate, and is currently training in Jiu Jitsu. Mary has instructed kids programs of Krav Maga and Karate at Global Martial Arts since 2022 as well as in the San Diego community.
Nick A.
“Benjamin and the other instructors here are awesome martial artists and great people! Definitely give this place a try if you want to learn martial arts and get in shape.”
Laurent C.
“Benjamin is a masterful instructor and practitioner who makes sure each one of us is learning well and safely, regardless of our level. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the mix of students--all ages and backgrounds are represented.”
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Typically all of our classes, Krav Maga, Karate, Jiu Jitsu will start with some type of warm up for about 15 min, then about 30 min of technique or the introduction of a new skill, then 15 min of drills. The kids classes for Krav Maga are a bit different, those will start with a skill based obstacle course, then about 30 min of technique, drills, new skill, and we typically close our kids krav classes with games. (Kids Karate is a bit more formal and follows the format of the adults Karate classes)
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We do ask that you arrive 5 min early to ensure you are present at the very beginning of class.
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We have a large parking lot, free parking, in our shopping center – please be mindful not to use up all the parking spaces directly in front of our neighbors as there is plenty of parking on the 2nd row and around the outer edges of the parking lot.
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Comfortable work out clothing. Please avoid wearing shorts that are too lose, unless you have biker shorts underneath, as some of our training includes ground fighting.
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Arriving a few min late is OK – we try to be flexible. However for your first class, if you haven’t already signed the waiver and reserved your first free class ahead of time and you require assistance in getting your account set up, its best to come another day where you can arrive 5-10 min early.
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We do not penalize cancellations.
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We have dividers in the back of our dojo for changing.
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All of our krav maga, jiu jitsu, and karate classes are 1hr.
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For our kids martial arts programs, we ask that the minimum age is 4yrs. We have classes for the 4-7 age group, then 8-12, and 13+ train with our adults. Our adult martial arts classes have no age limit, we have young teens at 13yrs old in our adults program, all the way up to 75yr olds.
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