Mastery Martial Arts students training with their instructors

About Mastery Martial Arts™

More Than Martial Arts. A Place Where Children Learn To Believe In Themselves.

For more than 33 years, Mastery Martial Arts™ has helped children build confidence, focus, leadership, resilience, and life skills that last a lifetime.

Instructor encouraging a young martial arts student

Our Story

Parents don't enroll for the punches and kicks.

Most parents don't enroll their child in martial arts because they want them to learn how to punch and kick.

They enroll because they want something deeper.

They want confidence. Focus. Leadership. Resilience.

They want their child to believe in themselves.

That's what Mastery Martial Arts™ was built to help children do.

For more than 33 years, thousands of families have trusted Mastery Martial Arts™ to help their children become stronger mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially.

Our Mission

Helping Children Think, Act, And Feel Their Best.

We love seeing children experience breakthroughs.

The moment they go from:

"I can't."

"Look, I'm doing it."

That moment changes everything.

Our mission is to help children discover what they are capable of while supporting every parent's dream of raising a confident, capable, resilient child.

The Difference

What Makes Mastery Martial Arts™ Different?

Traditional Activities
Mastery Martial Arts™
  • Entertainment
    Personal Development
  • Seasonal Participation
    Year-Round Growth
  • Learning A Skill
    Developing Life Skills
  • Keeping Kids Busy
    Helping Children Grow
  • Activity
    Transformation

Whole-Child Growth

The Four Areas Of Development

Mental Development

  • Focus
  • Problem Solving
  • Awareness
  • Concentration

Emotional Development

  • Confidence
  • Resilience
  • Self-Control
  • Courage

Physical Development

  • Coordination
  • Balance
  • Strength
  • Movement

Social Development

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Respect
  • Teamwork

Confidence Built Through Experience

Confidence Isn't Given. It's Earned.

A child attempts something difficult.

A child succeeds.

A child realizes:

"I can do this."

That moment becomes confidence.

Small victories become self-belief.

Self-belief becomes identity.

This happens every day at Mastery Martial Arts™.

A confident young martial arts student

Beyond Martial Arts

What We Teach Beyond Martial Arts

Confidence
Focus
Discipline
Respect
Leadership
Resilience
Responsibility
Positive Attitude
Communication
Goal Setting
Character Development
Emotional Awareness

Trusted By Families

Why Parents Trust Mastery Martial Arts™

33+

Years Serving Families

1,200+

Five-Star Reviews

9

Locations

1000s

Of Children Helped

Pro

Professional Instructors

All Ages

Age-Specific Curriculum

Community Impact

More Than A Martial Arts School

Mastery Martial Arts™ partners with families, schools, and local communities to help children build confidence, leadership, resilience, and life skills.

School presentations
Anti-bullying workshops
Leadership programs
Community involvement
Family events

Real Parent Reviews

What Parents Are Saying

5.0
Verified

Laura Hennessy

Johnston, RI

My son was born with a genetic mutation that causes developmental delays. He began receiving early intervention at just five months old and is now seven. For years, he struggled to find a sport or hobby that he truly connected with—something that motivated him and allowed him to shine. That all changed when he began his Mastery Martial Arts journey. After an incredible experience in a Mastery after-school program last year, he expressed interest in joining. We signed him up shortly after, and he now attends classes twice a week. In that time, my husband and I have seen remarkable growth in his confidence, focus, and overall strength. He absolutely adores his instructors—Mr. Russo, Mr. Zarlenga, and Mr. Davy—who have guided him with patience, encouragement, and genuine belief in his potential. They helped him uncover a strength that had always been inside him. Because of this progress, he recently graduated from physical therapy. This past year with Mastery has truly transformed our child. His twin sister has noticed the change too—and now she's proudly a dedicated Mastery Martial Arts student as well.

5.0
Verified

Lisa Bianco

Johnston, RI

Our son has really enjoyed his experience at Mastery Johnston! Mr. Russo and Mr. Z are exceptional!!! The classes are well-structured and focus not just on technique, but also life skills. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and we have noticed positive changes in our son since joining. Highly recommend!

5.0
Verified

Jessica Iozzi

Johnston, RI

My son and I were part of Mastery for several years, starting back when he was just 2½ years old. I joined the program a couple of years after he did, and from the very beginning, the impact it had on both of us was incredible. Even though we stopped attending when COVID hit — and it has now been four years — the training and discipline we learned are still very much alive in our daily lives. We still take our shoes off at the door, we still use the respect and self-control skills we were taught, and more than ever we find ourselves applying the knowledge and habits that Mastery instilled in us. The foundation they helped build continues to shape who we are today. We are both truly grateful for the guidance, patience, and wisdom we received. The lessons stayed with us, and they continue to help us succeed in everything we do. Mastery gave us more than training — it gave us lifelong tools. Highly recommended.

5.0
Verified

Gilannie Pangburn

Johnston, RI

We love Mastery! The instructors are amazing with the kids. They're patient, encouraging, and truly dedicated to helping them grow in confidence and discipline. It's such a positive and motivating environment. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a great program that builds character, respect, and focus!

5.0
Verified

Sean Brannigan

Johnston, RI

Our two girls have been enrolled in at Mastery Johnston for over a year now and I have nothing but amazing things to say about the program and the instructors. Mr. Russo, Mr. Zarlenga, and the others do a fantastic job teaching the kids life skills as well as martial arts. 10/10, highly recommend the Johnston location!

5.0
Verified

Linz

Johnston, RI

My daughter started Mastery at age 3. Now approaching age 9 I truly can't imagine who she would be without it. This program has become her whole life. Her confidence soars, she makes the right decisions and does the right thing not only in class, but at home and in school. Her "yes I can" attitude will be with her forever and I couldn't be more grateful to her instructors. Mastery is not just about self defense, it's about confidence, discipline, and respect. Mr. Russo has given my daughter such meaningful advice throughout the years. She repeats his motivation sayings on a daily basis! She looks up to him more than I can even say. I would recommend this program to every parent!

Every Confident Child Starts Somewhere.

For many children, that journey begins with a single lesson.

Because confidence is easier to build early than rebuild later.

★★★★★

1,200+ Five-Star Reviews

Verified by parents

Helping Children Build Confidence

Since 1992

8 Locations

Rhode Island & Massachusetts

Beginner Friendly

No experience required

Ready To Get Started?

Give your child the confidence, focus, leadership, and resilience that lasts a lifetime.