Our Instructor

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Sifu Martin “Mountain Dragon” Kelly

Sifu Kelly's extensive experience and diverse expertise in martial arts make him a notable figure in the field. Here's a recap of the key details:

  • Teaching Experience:

    • Over 50+ years of teaching experience in striking, throwing, and submission arts.

    • MMA format instructor since 1982.

  • Martial Arts Styles Taught:

    • Judo

    • Jujitsu

    • Aikido/Shodokan

    • Ninjitsu

    • Kickboxing

    • Jeet Kune Do (JKD)/Jun Fan (Bruce Lee’s Art)

    • Thai boxing

    • Kali

    • Silat

    • San Shou Kuai Jiao (fast takedowns and ground fighting)

    • Preying Mantis

    • Baguazhang

    • T’ai Chi/Taiji Quan

    • Xing Yi Quan

    • I Chuan

    • Tae Kwon Do

    • Hapkido

    • Wing Chun Kung Fu

    • Weapons

    • Self-Defense courses for corporate and military.

  • Teaching Tools and Methods:

    • Utilizes traditional conditioning methods, including heavy bags, Wooden Dummies, Versys body dummies for throws and strikes, weapons, Iron Palm, push hands, and various forms of contact sparring.

  • Philosophy and Approach:

    • Teaches both external-hard and internal-soft martial arts and health traditions.

    • Emphasizes a variety of Self-Care Arts.

    • Teaching martial arts and wellness classes in Colorado Springs since 1994.

  • Invitation to Students:

    • Invites individuals to discover animal and element-based arts for health and self-defense.

Sifu Martin "Mountain Dragon" Kelly's diverse skill set, combined with his dedication to teaching and promoting health, self-defense, and well-being, positions him as a comprehensive martial arts instructor. Those interested in martial arts and holistic wellness in the Colorado Springs area may find Sifu Kelly's classes to be a valuable opportunity for learning and personal growth.

In the picture above: Sifu Kelly poses in Baguazhang’s Wondering Dragon posture between a Deer and a Dragon in China’s Forbidden City. Both are animal systems that he teaches.

Lineage & Training Lessons

Sifu Kelly has studied marital arts from some of the worlds top masters. To get a snap shot of whom he has trained with please click on Lineage. Sifu Kelly’s teaching style is principle based with exercise science added for a more personalized understanding of how training can be applied toward one’s Self-Care. To see short video clips of his training style please click on Marital Arts Applications.