About Kickaros Martial Arts

Building confidence, character, and connection for every student who walks through our doors.

Meet Mr. Michael Coccaro

Owner & Head Instructor at Danbury's Kickaro's Martial Arts

Growing up as a child, I struggled big time. I suffered from severe separation anxiety when it was time to head off to kindergarten. I would cry hysterically and even make myself sick on the way to the bus stop.

I also had the hardest time integrating into new settings, whether it was joining in on the fun at a birthday party, trying a new sport, or participating in any kind of new activity… I struggled with all of it.

To make things even harder, I was severely bullied in my neighborhood by kids older than me.

Having my bike stolen… being thrown into pricker bushes… having my shoes taken… being sucker punched… I was living in a constant state of fear. I couldn’t even go outside to play without worrying about being attacked by the neighborhood bullies.

It wasn’t until my parents had me try my very first martial arts class that things started to change for the better. I fell in love with the empowerment that my training gave me. Knowing that I could protect myself started to build my confidence in a way that nothing else ever had.

My instructor noticed how hard I worked in class, and before long, I was invited to start teaching, at just 13 years old.

My parents worked late, and the only way for me to get there was to ride my mountain bike the 8½ miles to the studio. I did that six days a week so I could help others, keep learning, and continue to grow.

By the age of 16, I was put in charge of running a satellite school for my instructor down in Bedford Hills, completely on my own! Having the opportunity to run a school and help others experience the same growth and empowerment that I had discovered became my life’s passion.

I was determined to one day own and operate my own studio, a place where things could be done the way my heart knew they were meant to be.

So, at 18 years old, I started a “dojo on the go,” offering in-home martial arts training for families.

Fast-forward two years, and at the age of 20, I had finally saved enough money to sign a lease and open my very own location.

And that was 23 years ago.

Although the years have flown by, my mission has never changed, to bring out the absolute best in kids and teens, help them overcome obstacles that might stand in their way, and inspire them to crush their goals, believe in themselves, and create the brightest future humanly possible.