A Black Belt Is a
White Belt
That Didn't Quit
Learn Martial Arts From Talented Masters
A Black Belt Is a
White Belt
That Didn't Quit
Learn Martial Arts From Talented Masters
Bringing the Beauty and Discipline of Martial Arts to You
American Martial Arts Academy (AMAA) has been offering martial arts classes in Wautoma, Wisconsin since 1981. What started as a small club with a handful of students has now become a full-time martial arts business. American Martial Arts Academy is a diverse studio teaching Taekwondo, Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Inayan Eskrima, Kickboxing, and Yoga.
Our Owner/Head Instructor
Ms. Joanne Nelson currently holds an 8th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a black belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, and an instructor level in Inayan Eskrima. She also teaches Fitness Kickboxing, T’ai Chi, and Yoga. Ms. Nelson has been teaching martial arts since 1981.
Instructors
The instructors at American Martial Arts Academy have over 100 years of combined experience. Get to know them today.
Michael Nelson
Mr. Nelson has been training in martial arts since 1984. He currently holds a 6th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a black belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. Currently, he is training in the SKE System of Eskrima. Mr. Nelson is the head instructor for the Jujitsu Program at AMAA.
Patti Quella
Ms. Quella has been training in Taekwondo since 2003. She currently holds a 5th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a black belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. Ms. Quella also teaches Yoga and Fitness Kickboxing.
Joel Ramos
Mr. Ramos has been training in Taekwondo since 2003. He currently holds a 5th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a black belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu.
The Arts
Taekwondo
We teach traditional Taekwondo that is a modernized version of the 2000-year-old ancient art developed in Korea. Taekwondo means foot, hand, and way. A very powerful art with self-defense applications, Taekwondo utilizes 70% kicking techniques and 30% hand techniques.
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Danzan Ryu is a system of martial and healing arts that captures the essence of traditional Japanese budō (warrior skills). Danzan Ryu delivers the warmth and power of Hawai'i Nei (Hawaiian culture). The system was created in the early 1920s by Henry Seishiro Okazaki. Danzan Ryu Judo/Jujitsu training is systematic and comprehensive. It involves learning to do the following:
Training is completed in phases or “transmissions.” The head of the system was passed down to Shihan Russ Rhodes, who continues to preserve the art in its tradition.
Inayan Eskrima
Joanne and Michael Nelson started training with the late Mike Inay in 1992. Mangisursuro Mike Inay began training in the Filipino martial arts in the mid-1960s under two pioneering Eskrima masters in the U.S. He was one of the first students of the two legendary instructors, grandmasters Max Sarmiento (Kadena de Mano) and Angel Cabales (Cabales Serrada Eskrima). He was instrumental in the formation of the Cabales Serrada Eskrima Association and designing the ranking system.
T'ai Chi
Ms. Joanne Nelson has been studying T’ai Chi under the tutelage of Sifu David Leung since 1996. The principles of T’ai Chi are even more important than the movements, for they are the laws of nature that shape our every moment. Moving in slow motion while internally listening promotes calmness and sensitivity to the eternal laws and rhythms of our universe.
Primary Benefits
T'ai chi starts as primarily physical; then, as we learn the movements of the body, it eventually becomes more mental and meditative. Immediate benefits from practicing T’ai Chi tend to be a clearer and more relaxed mind—and this can happen on day one. Clinical studies in the U.S. report improved balance and peace of mind after only eight weeks of a simple set of movements taken from a variety of T’ai Chi styles.
Additional Advantages
Other, less expected, benefits of T’ai Chi include improved working of internal organs, better breathing, and finding it easier to sleep at night. People report more strength, stamina, and suppleness as a direct result of doing their T’ai Chi. Our fitness for life section has more in-depth details. And for others, T’ai Chi benefits come in the form of reduced stress and an improved ability to deal with difficult situations.
The Programs
Mighty Ninjas
This program is for four to six-year-olds and is an excellent way to introduce martial arts in a fun and age-appropriate way. Students learn the following:
Basics Program
A program for seven-year-olds and above that introduces the student to the basics of martial arts and prepares them for advanced training. Students learn:
Black Belt Program
This program is for students who are prepared and recommended by the instructors. Classes include higher levels of training. At this level, cross-training, the introduction to other arts that will either complement or blend with their core art of Taekwondo, is introduced.
Master’s Program
The Master’s Program is for students who have been recommended by the instructors. Participants involved will do training in the following:
Contact Us Today
American Martial Arts Academy is ready to hear from you. For more information, please feel free to fill out the contact form today!
Contact Us Today
American Martial Arts Academy is ready to hear from you. For more information, please feel free to fill out the contact form today!