About Us
Step onto the mat at our top-notch martial arts academy where our community and elite instruction will guide you towards excellence in self-defense and fitness. Explore our diverse class offerings, and embrace the adventure of your transformation with us!
MEET Sensei Michael Coccaro
Owner & Head Instructor at Kickaro's Martial Arts and Fitness
Holding an impressive collection of 12 gold medals in sparring and another 10 in board breaking, Michael Coccaro is a force to be reckoned with in the martial arts world. With a martial arts journey that began 27 years ago when he earned his first black belt, he now proudly wears a 3rd-degree black belt and carries over three decades of teaching experience.
Michael's story began as a shy eight-year-old boy, often found sitting on the sidelines, too nervous to join in. But everything changed when his parents introduced him to martial arts. From his very first lesson, it was clear - they had discovered something transformative for young Michael.
His passion for the sport didn't go unnoticed. At just 12 years old, his instructor recognized his potential and invited him to start teaching as a volunteer assistant at one of the country's largest schools. This ignited a love for helping others conquer their fears and achieve their goals, just as he had done through martial arts.
At 19, Michael kickstarted a traveling dojo program, offering private lessons to families and children in their own homes. His goal? To save enough to open his own dedicated space. Two years later, his dream became a reality when he signed his first commercial lease, marking the beginning of a venture that has thrived for over 20 years.
Today, Michael is not only proud to run the only school in the area that's in 9 local preschools, but also to work alongside his incredible wife, Kristine. Her nurturing touch brings a special magic to the mat, especially when helping kids. Michael's adaptability enables him to work effectively with children of all ages, helping them navigate the obstacles modern society places in their path - be it anxiety, fear, low self-confidence, screen-time addiction, physical fitness, listening skills, or behavioral issues. Michael Coccaro is here to help them triumph over it all.
Get to Know Us
Under our "Get to Know Us" section, you'll find a wealth of information about our martial arts school, its mission, and the dedicated team that makes it all happen. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students of all ages can learn and grow. Our experienced instructors are passionate about martial arts and are committed to sharing their knowledge with our students. They each come with years of experience in various disciplines and have a genuine interest in helping each student reach their full potential. We invite you to explore this section and learn more about our commitment to excellence, our community involvement, and why we're the right choice for your martial arts journey.
Our Training Philosophy
At Kickaro's Martial Arts our training philosophy is rooted in the belief that martial arts is not just about physical prowess but also about personal growth and development. We focus on nurturing a well-rounded skillset in our students, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical aspects.
Our curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of various martial arts disciplines while emphasizing the importance of discipline, respect, and self-confidence. Through our personalized approach, we ensure each student receives the guidance and support necessary to reach their full potential, both on and off the mat.