Zen Martial Arts (ZMA) is a philosophy which uses the path of martial arts to strengthen the mind, body, and spirit. We teach the most practical and efficient self defense techniques covering all ranges: punching, kicking, throwing, choking, locks, submissions, and grappling, all practiced in a safe, clean environment.
Classes are dynamic, high energy and specifically targeted to the needs of each age group. All classes are taught by adult instructors. This is not just play time, but it is fun! Our workouts are all technique based, so that the student develops skills through repetition which develops muscle memory.
Classes are dynamic, high energy and specifically targeted to the needs of each age group. All classes are taught by adult instructors. This is not just play time, but it is fun! Our workouts are all technique based, so that the student develops skills through repetition which develops muscle memory.
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Sifu Patrick Donahue walked into the School of Martial Arts in Berkley, Michigan at 14 years old, completely unaware that this first visit would change the rest of his life, and the lives of thousands of future students.
A gifted athlete who excelled in many sports, young Patrick Donahue began training extensively in striking, joint-locks, takedowns and grappling and had finally found the physical and mental balance he was searching for in his practice with Sifu Brown.Sifu Donahue opened the Rochester School of Martial Arts in 2007.
A gifted athlete who excelled in many sports, young Patrick Donahue began training extensively in striking, joint-locks, takedowns and grappling and had finally found the physical and mental balance he was searching for in his practice with Sifu Brown.Sifu Donahue opened the Rochester School of Martial Arts in 2007.
Aaron Kratz started his first martial arts class at the age of six. He sharpened his martial arts skills over the next 20 years focusing on discipline, mental fortitude and physical strength. All of these assets prepared him for his service in the U.S. Army Infantry as a Sargent. He proudly served our country while being deployed to Afghanistan as a fire team leader.
Ask, "Who is teaching the beginner classes?" The person who owns the school might have great credentials, but will he actually teach your class?. Are the kids and adult classes separate? It might sound fun to work out with your child, but remember that you have very different needs. You could be working out with 20 other little kids!.
The internal aspects of martial arts include breathing techniques, meditation, introspection, and a focus on taking practice into your everyday life. All skills are taught in a clean safe environment with a focus on partners not opponents. The culture and environment of the dojo is unlike any other.
Classes are dynamic, high energy and specifically targeted to the needs of each age group. All classes are taught by adult instructors. This is not just play time, but it is fun! Our students, when faced with peer pressure, have the courage to make positive choices. We create leaders who stand tall and walk with confidence.
Reviews (16)
Jennifer Waechter
Aug 22, 2020
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Rochester School of Martial Arts has given my son something to feel passionate about. Discipline of the mind and body, integrity, and self-control are daily themes in everything they do and teach. The teachers are not only excellent, they are positive and encouraging role models. They hold students accountable and to a high expectation of dedication and commitment. For all the social struggles our kids can face, the confidence found in the dojo is a gift. And when he broke his first board... priceless.
Steve Riparip
Dec 31, 2019
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Kate Rozanski
Nov 24, 2019
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I have been going to this martial arts for 6 years now and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I have learned far more than just how to punch and kick, I have learned how to become a better student, daughter, and person. The things they teach you is something that you cannot find anywhere else. If I did not decide to come here lose 6 years ago, I would be a completely different person with little understanding of life and self-control.
I have also met some of the strongest, kindest people who I can trust. They help me become the best I can be, are aware of my limits, and
I have also met some of the strongest, kindest people who I can trust. They help me become the best I can be, are aware of my limits, and
Tw Max
Nov 05, 2019
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I have trained here for nearly 5 years. Excellent staff, great students to work with, amazing and inspiring kids program, and to top it all off, martial arts unlike anywhere else! Would highly recommend to anyone wishing to better themselves in each and every way and to have fun while doing it! Would not trade it for anything else and is the best thing that I have ever come across in my life!
Tim Schneider
Oct 23, 2019
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I would highly recommend the Rochester School of Martial Arts.
My son started there first and learned self-confidence, work ethic and concentration; the lessons learned at the dojo built the foundation of him as a young man. My daughter joined and found it to be great strength training that transferred to the other sports she participated in.
I started practicing after a few months of watching him. I have learned and grown, both physically and mentally, through my practice. It’s truly made me a better person.
Mr Donahue (and his staff) are incredible teachers who easily transition between
My son started there first and learned self-confidence, work ethic and concentration; the lessons learned at the dojo built the foundation of him as a young man. My daughter joined and found it to be great strength training that transferred to the other sports she participated in.
I started practicing after a few months of watching him. I have learned and grown, both physically and mentally, through my practice. It’s truly made me a better person.
Mr Donahue (and his staff) are incredible teachers who easily transition between
Cheri Cosnowski
Sep 22, 2019
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Both my daughter and I have been practicing at the dojo for almost 6 years, and we look forward to going each and every day. Being a woman with no previous experience in martial arts, I was a bit nervous when I first joined. Those fears, however, were quickly put to ease. Having partners, not opponents, is a key component at this dojo. Both Sifu Donahue and Mr. Kratz are fantastic instructors with incredible skills in both martial arts and as teachers. I would highly recommend this school to anyone interested in improving themselves either physically or mentally. It’s one of the best decisions
Stop Motion Stupidity
Sep 03, 2019
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The Rochester School of Martial Arts has improved life for my sister Olivia and I tremendously. This school and it's instructors truly care about what they teach, and this school, above any others I have seen, truly pushes kids and adults alike beyond their limits, and teaches them how to overcome and obstacle in their path.
-King Kong
-King Kong
Rudolph P. Makupson Esq
Aug 05, 2019
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Adam Stern
Nov 07, 2018
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Mr. Donahue has built an incredible team around him and they continue to offer both an incredible physical workout but more importantly, meaningful lessons in mindfulness. When you walk through those doors, you can expect a warm and welcoming community who want you to succeed in every possible way - work, play and family life just to name a few. I can't recommend this school enough, and if I hadn't moved away, I'd still be there nearly every day!
If you're interested in martial arts, bettering yourself, or even just a tough workout, check this place out - you will find much more than a typical
If you're interested in martial arts, bettering yourself, or even just a tough workout, check this place out - you will find much more than a typical
Joshua C.
Jul 18, 2017
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I have been a student at the school of martial arts for over 10 years, ever since I was in law school. As someone who majored in philosophy while in undergrad, I was immediately drawn in by the focus on the deeper aspects of the martials arts in addition to the physical. As a smaller man, I was appreciative of the art being based on using clean, effective techniques rather than raw power. A decade hence, I can say that I have gotten everything out of the dojo that I was looking for, and so much more.
The most important thing I can say that that the environment in the dojo is one you will not experience
The most important thing I can say that that the environment in the dojo is one you will not experience
Andy Dejesus
Jan 12, 2016
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Great place to train! As a martial arts school owner myself, I can say from experience that this is a quality martial arts school. When martial arts is taught correctly, it is a life changing experience. Sifu Donahue is a great instructor, but also tremendous martial artist himself. If you are looking for lessons, the Rochester School of Martial Arts is the right choice.
Bill B.
Nov 24, 2014
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My child was a student at ZMA for a little over one year. . I am very happy and impressed with the school. Jerry is more than pleasant all the time and very helpful. Sir Sifu is caring and disciplined. My child thrives there. The instructors or "helpers" are awesome and seem to really care how the students do. My child really enjoys the classes. We are there 4 nights a week. The confidence I have seen in my child since signing up is really refreshing. I know many students there have been students for numerous years. Thank you ZMA for caring!
Robert W.
Jun 08, 2014
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Amazing martial arts that will challenge people from all walks of life. The best part is that you can study at the SOMA no matter who you are. Yes, you will learn self defense, get in shape, gain self confidence, but the personal growth you will experience is the best part.
PS The weekly meditation class is highly recommended!
PS The weekly meditation class is highly recommended!
Christophe D.
Mar 05, 2012
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School of Martial Arts has been my neighbor for over 12 years. Over that time I have gone there myself for Tai-Chi classes. The classes were well run. I was never rushed or held back by the learning pace of other students. Instruction was individual and based on my own learning ability. The atmosphere was always respectful, positive and energy charged. Ever since, I have confidently recommended them to my patients young and old. This is an intelligent, thoughtful environment that preserves the traditions of oriental martial arts and pursues of the inner journey of Kung-fu as well as the physical
Michael F.
Jan 08, 2012
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Probably like most people, my initial attraction to martial arts was primarily physical. Understand that over the course of 5 years I had been participating in triathlons with Team In Training, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I then began training for a full Ironman, which entails swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 mile and then running a full 26.2 mile marathon. I felt that martial arts would provide an excellent cross training program to improve my endurance, agility and flexibility.
But then I discovered that Zen really focuses just as much on the mental aspects of martial
But then I discovered that Zen really focuses just as much on the mental aspects of martial
Stephanie K.
Mar 19, 2010
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My husband and I have been students at the School of Martial Arts since 2005. It has been an amazing journey! Sifu Brown is an incredible teacher whose enthusiasm and over 35 years of experience makes for a great class every time. The people that attend the school are great partners no matter what size you are or what shape you are in athletically. We take classes with all adults but they have kids classes as well. Beyond learning to defend myself in rigorous classes that not only engage me physically but mentally, I have learned the benefits of meditation and have seen a positive change in myself
