Mayo Kickboxing & MMA Academy — Attraction in New York

Ahh I remember the times I spent at this dojo. Coming from a Filipino household, Mayo Academy was the most ideal place to learn martial arts. I came in at a very young age and was a shy little boy who didn't know anything about martial arts. I remember a time when we had to make a sparring circle and 2 of us would be chosen to spar. When it was my turn, I pretty much looked so much like an amateur and would really make me a laughing stock in the real world. It really made me sad but hey, you come to school to learn. The best part about that moment is when Sensei came up to me after class and gave me tips on how to better improve my way of fighting. He was very sincere and easily understandable when explaining things to me. That was the spark to my development in the martial arts.

Throughout the years, I met many friends and of course sparred with them. I was able to learn many new skills and techniques which enabled me to further develop myself physically and mentally. There were times I experienced where any other person would stand up and make the wrong move which was spring into a fight however, I was taught self-discipline and self-control. As a result, I was able to maintain a clean image while having an ability to defend myself when the time comes. To this day, I still remember the techniques I was taught and I still keep myself from choosing the wrong path.

Mayo Academy in general is a wonderful dojo. To me, it was like a second home. It was somewhere I always looked forward to going after school. It’s a place where you are taught many forms of martial arts while being in an extremely friendly environment. The staff here especially Sensei Jonas are very outgoing, respectful, well trained, and pretty much family. The many years I spent here unfortunately came to an end due to family moving and a more focus on education. I loved it so much that it took me days to finally say that I had to split ways. I teared a bit when I left the facility too. It was like letting go of something precious you had for so many years.

To whoever is reading this review, you really should consider signing you or your child up to this academy. As a former student, I can assure that you will definitely learn a lot here while having a great time. Mayo Academy is definitely one of the main reasons for me being the man I am today. Lastly I would like to end this review with a creed we once had to recite before the class started. It’s a creed that pretty much sums up the academy and martial arts in general. “I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that may reduce my mental growth and physical health. I will develop self discipline in order to help bring out the best in myself and one another. I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively to help myself and others, to help myself and others and never be abusive or offensive. This is a black belt school. We are dedicated! We are motivated! We are on a quest to be the best!

One more thing I’d like to include .Thank you Sensei Jonas, Sensei Lanie and the Mayo Academy family. Thank you for being a part of my life and for helping me shape into who I am. I wish you all the best in...

As a former student dating back to 1995, I'll always remember fondly my training with Sensei Mayo. Him and Sensei Jason guided me through what would be my first FMA school. Swollen knuckles and forearms, and fingers that looked like sausage were the norm, as was the Mortal Kombat soundtrack (such was the curriculum back the day, don't kill me LOL). I did three years of Doce Pares and Shotokan, with a healthy respect and admiration. And when the time came for me to leave for Manila, he gave me his blessing to train with whoever I wished.

Twenty years later, I'm an instructor and black belt in LSAI. And although I didn't continue with Doce Pares (small presence in Manila), Sensei's training methods and work ethic stayed with me. I used them myself when working with our own team's padawan learners, and in the process, added value to our own curriculum. Sensei praised me when I did well, pulled no punches for mistakes ("nikkyo, the wrist should be higher than the elbow, then twist." Aray!!). As a result, I'm a better person and arnisador.

I would encourage anyone training with the Mayo's to look for two things: One, the program and what he teaches, at the end of the day, that's why we train. And two, this is more important, HOW he teaches it. How he worked with the kids on Saturday mornings and greenhorns like myself always stayed with me. But in order to do that, you always had to be there, and he was ALWAYS THERE. I only recall a short time when he was out and a senior student took over, that was for a seminar and tourney on the West Coast. Outside of that, he led every class from the front during my time with him. Some of my best memories involve him saying, "Mr. Von, please warm up the class." As a 16-year old leading a group of 20, it was a pretty big thing at the time. I imagine it still is. Whether Sensei realizes it or not, that was my first real leadership role; Empowerment without arrogance.

Sonny has an open invitation to train with our group in Manila, when he's in town. And if I'm ever in New York, I hope to be invited to train with one of his classes. I'll be in the back row with a white belt on, while a young buck warms us up. Sir, everyone else might call you Sonny. But I have too much affection for you and and the school, and to me, you'll always be Sensei. Thank you for all that you gave me. I hope to see you...

The Mayo Kickboxing & MMA Academy truly is the Golden Standard of all martial arts schools. One of the most outstanding and noticeable characteristics of this school is the overwhelming sense of "family". The instructors are always genuinely, super nice and always greet you and the students with a warm hello.

They know when you have been absent, so they call, text or even send mail to ask "is everything is ok?" :) Love that!!! If you have the chance, please go and check out their daily classes. You will see just how much the children adore their instructors and how everyone knows eachother there. It's like one big family gathering where the children can shine and show the gifts that each has learned from their awesome instructors.

What I admire about Mayo Academy is that each child is promoted to another belt level when and only they have truly "earned" it. Here, it is their philosophy that "Black Belts are earned and not bought". At Mayo Academy, the children go as fast or as slowly as they need to in order to earn their belt ranking which I feel is the most conducive way for children to learn. Sensei Lanie and Sensei Mayo praise the children and it's very endearing as a parent to watch as this feels so personal and touching.

Sensei Lanie is amazing with the children. She knows them so well and truly brings out the best in each of them - she knows how to deal with their own different temperaments and how to encourage them through her nurturing tutelage.

I could go on and on about Mayo Academy but one thing that stands out to me personally is their humbleness, their love for what they do, and I am very happy my children are their students.

Just come to Mayo Academy and you'll see exactly what this is all about. The energy is happy and inviting and the children love it. It truly is one big family and once you arrive, you'll never have to look any further. Oh, they also have adult classes too! ...