(10 votes, average: 2.70 out of 5)
Loading...Mixed Martial Studio/The Kung Fu Studio is a training center for martial arts in Tucson, Arizona. The core of study is Kajukenbo, the Original Mixed Martial Art. Sigung Elias guides his students thru the Kajukenbo black belt program of practical, and powerful, self defense techniques. The techniques were developed by masters from Karate, Judo/Jujitsu, Kenbo, and Chinese Boxing during the late 1940s in the slums of Hawaii. Mixed Martial Studio teaches authentic martial training for the modern age. Emphasis is placed on realism, in a fun, safe and friendly environment.
Instructor Tom Elias, a native Tucsonan, has been involved in martial arts since the age of 12. He began his studies in Kajukenbo under Professor Veon McCarrell. He received his black belt in 1984 at the age of 17. In 1986 Tom was the lightweight Arizona State champion in point fighting.
Tom was introduced to internal martial arts through Professor Vince Black in 1988. Professor Black and Professor McCarrell said to Tom “You know how to break bones, now you need to learn how to mend them”. Tom took this to heart and pursued training in eastern philosophy and the healing arts. He studied Zen Shiatsu at the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts in 1992 and received certifications in Healing Touch, Hypnotherapy, Reiki and Tai Kyo Zen Shiatsu under Sifu Ping Lee.
In 1996, Tom had was awarded his 6th degree black Belt. His interest in the internal arts led him to Sifu Michael Philips in ’97 where he studied Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. In 2006 Tom’s relentless pursuit in learning led him to I liq Chuan he now studies under the tutelage of Kelley Graham, Ashe Higgs and Master Sam Chin. His training also includes Hsing I, Ba Gua, western boxing/kickboxing under Sigung Chris Valdez and MMA style Jiu-Jitsu.
This is a pretty good martial arts studio, but I won’t go so far as to say they understand the sport of MMA. I’ve trained in Lion’s Den and with American Top Team, and these guys aren’t playing in the same ballpark. If you like the martial arts, good for you. But please don’t pretend to be something your note. Sorry for any disrespect.