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McElroy's

Martial Arts Academy

Shihan Rick McElroy Founded MMAA in 1979

  • Coach/Athlete 2019, 2017 US National Martial Arts Team
  • 2017 Inducted into USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
  • Gold & Silver Medalist 2001 First World Competition
  • Studied Under World's Leading Martial Artists
McElroys Martial Arts Academy, Silat, Shoot Wrestling, JKD, USA Muay Thai, Francis Fong Association, Kali

Learn BJJ

BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) is taught in our Island Rec Center Adult and Youth Classes.

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Academic Hall of Fame

MMAA's Highest Honor for Academic Achievement

Congratulations to inductees:

Miles Albala
2024
Abigail Bauer
2024
Yerania Cruz
2023
Jacob Vesey
2023
Tilly Green
2023
Kathryn R. Boulware
2022
Elizabeth Wainscott
2021

Straight A's Program...

Sifu Rick McElroy

Sifu Rick McElroy - Martial Arts Youth Classes

Sifu McElroy began his martial arts in Judo at age 12.  This sparked his life-long pursuit of the arts that led him to the dojos of some of the world’s leading martial artists. He has trained under:

  • Chuck Norris – Tang-So-Do
  • Bob Walsh - Chi-do-kwon
  • Albert Church - Japanese Arts of Kamshin-Ryu
  • Soke Shogo Kuniba - Kuniba-ha shito-ryu, goshin-do, kubudo
  • Sifu Dan lnosanto – Silat, Kali, JKD, Jun Fan, Gung Fu
  • Sifu Francis Fong - Wing Chun
  • Master Chai - Muay Thai

Sifu McElroy is one of the most experienced martial artists in the area and currently holds seven instructor titles. He won Gold (1st) and Silver (2nd) medals in Kata and Weapons respectively at the First World Martial Arts Competition 2001. He is one of his instructors’ top students and was chosen to compete on Team America at the "World Cup". Winners qualified to go to Athens, Greece in 2004 as Olympic demonstrator competitors.

McElroy Featured In Locallife Magazine

Mcelroy featured in Locallife Magazine June 2020

Sifu McElroy was featured in the June 2020 edition of Locallife magazine. In this article, McElroy shares his passion and tips from his lifelong learning and teaching of the martial arts.

“Every instructor I’ve ever had has been the best in the world for what they’ve done.”

He’s earned 14 black belts in 32 martial arts disciplines.

“I love the martial arts, and I think it teaches lifelong lessons to an individual who learns from the right people."

Read article...

Classes

McElroy's Martial Arts Academy Youth Classes

No other school in Beaufort County has the curriculum that our academy offers nor an instructor with the experience or rank held by Sifu McElroy. All of our classes are taught by McElroy.

McElroy’s Martial Arts Academy is a "Black Belt" school. Our goal for every student is to help them earn their Black Belt. Not only in the martial arts, but in life. By working towards this goal we create an environment in which the student develops confidence through accomplishing high, but realistic and attainable goals.

Rick McElroy instructor titles; instructor student bowing

Instructor Titles

Rick McElroy is proud to have earned the following instructor titles:

 

Shihan-master

  • teacher/teacher by example (Japan)

Sensei

  • teacher (Japan)

Hanshi

  • model teacher (Japan)

Kyoshi

  • teacher of teachers (Japan)

Sifu

  • teacher (Wing Chun/Chinese)

Guru

  • teacher, guide, expert (Indonesian arts such as Silat, Kali)

Kru

  • teacher/instructor (Muay Thai)