If you are a martial arts student or thinking of becoming one, everyone here at AMERICAN BLACK BELT ACADEMY would like to thank you for considering what we have to offer.
AMERICAN BLACK BELT ACADEMY has been named Athens' Best Martial Arts School for the last three consecutitive years .......
Here are some reasons why.
"Simply Amazing. I just can't say enough good things about it. It's a great place to get physically and mentally stronger."
Billy Graham
UGA Student
The American Black Belt Academy is dedicated to providing you with the most modern and innovative self-defense training in the Athens and North Georgia area. Our world class instructors continually strive to help you to feel more confident that you can effectively identify, avoid and deal with situations that may require self-defense techniques for you to protect yourself.
PROFESSIONALS REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
As a Special Forces officer, I have had some experience with various combatives techniques, in both learning them and teaching them. From the Army Combatives program to unit specific programs, I realized that I needed a solid foundation of jiu-jitsu in order to learn, adapt, and grow as a leader in the military community. The experience that I received in previous assignments served to whet my appetite for more skills and effective training, which I found at American Black Belt under the expert supervision of founder and chief instructor Randy McElwee.
Randy quickly assessed my capabilities, saw where I needed to grow, and developed a program that built on my previous experience. My confidence and capability have drastically improved since I started taking classes, and I'm looking forward to continuing the progress. I could not have asked for a better learning environment, I would recommend this to anyone, including family, teammates and fellow brethren in arms.
Great Job!
MAJ Phil Brown
Active Duty
US Army Special Forces
"I have learned much more than awesome self defense techniques"
As a personal trainer, I have trained clients and myself using several different fitness programs. Out of all my training experiences, the training here at American Black Belt Academy has certainly been the most practical and enjoyable. I am continuously encouraging my clients into making American Black Belt Academy a primary approach to their overall health and fitness.
At the Academy I have learned much more than awesome self defense techniques. I have also learned how to apply the principles of jiu-jitsu to everyday life. Once understanding these principles you will then see the true beauty of jiu-jitsu. It is an honor to train under instructor Randy McElwee. He has seen, done, and survived almost everything. Learning from Randy is a true privilege, one in which everyone could benefit. Thank you !
Matt Graham
Certified Personal Trainer
BodyPlex Fitness
"I've learned that I absolutely can be agile, balanced, and powerful, even though I started later in life "
I always wanted to participate in martial arts as a child, but my many other activities always seemed to take up too much time. In 2005, when I was 26-years- old, I took an introductory jiu-jutsu lesson at American Black Belt Academy, and I've been in love ever since! In fact, I now take both intermediate jiu-jutsu and karate classes at the Academy. I've learned that I absolutely can be agile, balanced, and powerful, even though I started later in life than the typical student. As a college professor, I need to have confidence in the classroom, as I teach young men and women how to challenge themselves in academics, just as I learned to challenge myself in the martial arts. Thank you, for everything!
Karen E. Place
Professor
Gainesville State College
"To improve myself and my ability to provide better training to police officers."
In my life I have had almost 30 years of exposure to martial arts from my own endeavors in traditional karate and jiu jitsu, training in the Marine Corps, and now as a law enforcement defensive tactics instructor. In my current role as a police trainer, I have sought the counsel and training resources of Randy McElwee to improve myself and my ability to provide better training to police officers. Why Randy? I have seen many outstanding martial artists. Randy has my respect. I believe he has skill that is enhanced by real world experience. Randy has a wonderful balance of traditional martial arts values and if necessary, an understanding of real world application for self defense, police and military applications. When I am approached by officers wanting to improve their skills on their own time, I always recommend Randy, because I know they will receive great training from someone that understand their needs.
Sgt. Justin Gregory
Training Sergeant, CDTU, SWAT
Athens-Clarke County Police Department
"If you are serious about being able to defend yourself "
The classes are addictive. They move at a pace that keeps it fun and exciting. I have studied Martial Arts in Japan as well as the Army and find Randy's instruction to be the most intuitive and practical I have learned. I have been in situations in my life where the training I am receiving from Randy could have been extremely beneficial. By taking Randy's course, I am putting the past behind me and building the skills that I may one day need to save my life. I am not only able to learn the arts of self defense but I can get a better workout in seven minutes than I do in an hour of pedaling my butt up hill on a mountain biking. Randy is a professional and motivated trainer that will challenge you each day to perform in a way that builds one's confidence and self esteem. If you are serious about being able to defend yourself when life throws you a punch, learn to take care of yourself from Randy!
CWO Ron Young Jr.
Operation Iraqi Freedom POW
Contestant on "The Amazing Race"
