Journeys Martial Arts Academy

Journeys Martial Arts (JMA) in San Pedro, California is a family run gym led by Sifu Mychal Clark. Sifu Mychal Clark has had a love for Martial Arts since the age of 5 and spent several years as a professional MMA fighter fighting for Bellator, Srikeforce, and W-1. However, as his family grew and his priorities changed, he realized that he could continue to love the sport through teaching. In 2013 Mychal and his family opened JMA Academy. Since JMA’s opening, JMA has taught 100’s of students fundamentals of awareness and body mechanics as well as instilled respect and a hard work ethic into their students. The gym has also held amateur mma, grappling, and kickboxing tournaments that allow students from JMA and other local gyms to display their skills and have the many learning opportunities that come with competition. Although JMA Academy offers Martial arts classes to children and adults, they are much more than a business. In addition to their martial arts program, they offer a variety of services to the community of San Pedro. JMA Academy provides free seminars to a variety of groups such as the YWCA to empower and educate young woman about public safety and self-defense as well as teaching self-defense classes to individuals on the Autism Spectrum and defense weapons tactics to local Police Departments. They have participated in several events benefiting non-profit and community organizations such as Take Back the Night and toy/ school supply drives. One event that is particularly near and dear to the heart of JMA is the “Strides for Disability Walk” benefiting families of people with Autism. JMA has participated in this event yearly by demonstrating and promoting martial arts for individuals with Autism. During the summer JMA also offers summer camps to ensure that the kids in their community have a safe and productive place spend their summer. Unfortunately, during this Covid-19 pandemic we are unable to open our doors to our students and with so much financial uncertainty many students are unable to pay for virtual classes. We understand that we are not the only ones in this position because the whole community that we service is also struggling to maintain their livelihood. We are now looking for ways to cover our reoccurring expenses such as rent and utilities so that we may still be of service for our community when this is over. We have applied for different grants and loans for small businesses, but we have not had any luck. We are asking that you please consider helping by either donating or sharing their gofundme link. Please help JMA Academy continue their journey to lead and inspire our community through the world of martial arts.