Sensei Martial Arts Academy
More than a Martial Arts School. A Foundation for Life.
Welcome To
Sensei Martial Arts
Our Vision
We strive to provide our students the best martial arts training experience possible. We create leaders through a leadership and self-confidence training system with the goal of preparing our students for a promising future, while solidifying Sensei MA Academy with a trustworthy and successful legacy path.
Our
Mission
Welcome to Sensei Martial Arts Academy in St. Petersburg, FL! Our mission is to cultivate confidence through self-defense education, promoting discipline, and harmony between body and mind, focusing on personal achievement and self-discovery.
Check out Krav Maga
Gain confidence and powerful defensive skills with our Krav Maga program at Sensei Martial Arts Academy! We will set you up for success and help you build confidence on your journey.
Meet Our
Instructor
Emerson Santos
Chief Instructor & Owner
In 2024, Emerson Santos brought a lifelong passion for martial arts to St. Petersburg. He founded our academy, Sensei Martial Arts Academy, and persevered through a tough hurricane season. We were guided through practicing the values of resilience, belief, and a positive attitude. These strong values all started for Sensei Santos at the age of five, when his parents enrolled him in his first martial arts class in Brazil; from there he earned his 4th degree black belt with Victory Martial Arts. He trained in Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and Krav Maga which he first experienced in London-UK in 2006, and in 2016 he obtained his first Krav Maga instructor certificate on Warrior System in Jacksonville, FL. Now, after eight years of serving the Orlando community, Sensei Santos is dedicated to making martial arts in St. Petersburg an experience for everyone.
“Whether it’s in Taekwondo or Krav Maga, you’ll learn self-defense and improve your health and fitness. This comes through structured training. You’ll have fun, but discipline comes first. Consistent martial arts training is key to helping students grow. Join us today and become a part of a connected, dedicated community for martial arts in St. Petersburg!”
Sign Up for
Two Weeks of Martial Arts Classes!
Take advantage of our special offer! You can join us with our two-week trial. It costs just $49 and even allows you to bring a friend! Come on in and learn Leadership Skills, ATA Taekwondo, and Krav Maga in your self-defense class today!
Explore Our
Martial Arts Programs
We don’t focus on just one martial art discipline.
Want Taekwondo classes? We have it! Self-defense? Got that too! With our Master Club and Krav Maga programs, learn all the skills you need to improve yourself on and off the mat!
Master Club Program
(Kids and Adults)
In this program, you will learn the importance of proper body alignment, sharpen your focus, improve your reflexes, and develop precision in every movement. This Taekwondo training program is designed to strengthen your foundation and solidify your path toward earning a Black Belt.
Leadership Program
(Kids and Adults)
The Leadership Program is an elite training track that challenges students with advanced skills in weapons, ATA X-Treme performance training, and the development of essential life skills such as confidence, discipline, and communication. This program prepares students for the next tier of instructor training, equipping them not only with martial arts excellence but also with the tools to become strong role models and future leaders both inside and outside the academy.
Krav Maga Program
(ages 13+)
Krav Maga is an Israeli self-defense system recognized worldwide as one of the most effective combat training methods. Unlike traditional martial arts, Krav Maga focuses on practical techniques that can be applied immediately to protect yourself and others in real-life dangerous situations. In this program, students develop awareness, confidence, and powerful defensive skills designed to handle threats quickly and effectively. Whether standing, on the ground, or against multiple attackers, Krav Maga training prepares you to respond with efficiency, speed, and control – making it one of the most complete systems for personal safety.
Words from Our Community
In St. Petersburg we create an environment where students train martial arts comfortably and productively. We make sure that parents can spend quality time with their kids in a positive atmosphere. The high energy can change your day! If you want to hear more, check out what our students have to say about what makes their time in our martial arts classes special!
“A+ rating on martial arts knowledge, when choosing a martial arts school, you want quality first you will definitely find it here! Also a great family atmosphere.”
“great instructor!!! Mr Santos was able to find an approach to my son. Classes for all ages!”
Contact Us Today!
We are proud to provide St. Petersburg martial arts as well as the communities nearby such as Tierra Verde, St. Pete Beach, Gulfport, South Tampa, Bradenton, Clearwater, and many others. You can find our academy in the Skyway Marina District next door to Aldi and close to SPC St. Petersburg College, on US-19!