Training Body, Mind, and Spirit! Martial Arts in Metairie, LA!!!

HanMuDo: Juniors & Adults
What is HanMuDo?  HanMuDo translates to the way of Korean Martial Arts; Hapkido translates into the way of coordinated strength and harmony.  Sometimes it is referred to as the way of coordinated power.    

HanMuDo/Hapkido is a comprehensive martial arts system comprised of the study of empty hand techniques, the study of weapons, the study of Ki, and the study of martial arts philosophy.    

HanMuDo is a self defense system designed for worst case scenarios, when escaping from the situation may not be a viable option. All tactics in HanMuDo/Hapkido are combat proven as they are taught to the S. Korean military special forces.  HanMuDo is taught to civilians, law enforcement and many other professionals across the country. Individuals from doctors to chiefs of police and defensive tactics instructors train in Korean HanMuDo.      

Just about anyone can do it, regardless of strength, size, or physical fitness. You'll get in great shape, have an absolute blast and get the kind of confidence that that comes from knowing you can handle whatever situation you might encounter. It's confidence that comes out not only in physically threatening situations (which will hopefully never occur) but also in your daily life.  Visit us for a free class or two and experience what true confidence and security are.      

HanMuDo is all meat - no fat. By limiting the variety of combat strategies, your learning time is accelerated and your depth of understanding and skill level are increased. You become adept at quickly reacting to attacks and, if necessary, improvising to achieve your desired result

The HanMuDo system at our school is divided into four major divisions for balance.    

Yuh Kwon Sul- Study of Empty Hand Techniques; these techniques encompass basic kicking and striking, joint manipulation, sweeps and throws, and defense against multiple attackers.    

Mu Ki Sul- Study of Weapon Techniques; Students are exposed to a number of martial arts weaponry through the course of their training.  Students begin training with offensive weapons such as staff and sword.  As well, defensive weapons are learned such as the rope, cane, and the fan. Finally, defense against modern street weapons such as clubs, knives, and handgun are taught to all students regardless of rank    

Son Do Sul- Study of Ki; Students learn eternal energy such as breathing exercises that stimulate the flow of Ki through the body.  Later students learn to accumulate and circulate Ki through the body.    

Han Chul Hak- Study of Philosophy; Hapkido philosophy is divided into three fundamental concepts:  Harmony Theory, Water Theory, and Circle Theory    

We stress traditional training with modern day applications in our men, women, teen and childrens' training programs so as to fit 21st century needs such as fitness and standing self defense techniques.  Our classes are separated into adult, teen, and children only classes to ensure hard training for each martial artists cognitive and physical skill level.  There's nothing stronger than a family of BLACK BELTS with FAMILY values!    

Rigan Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Junior and Adults
Team Rigan Machado is the premier destination for anyone interested in learning the art of Brazilian JiuJitsu. Our students range from professional fighters to businessmen, but on the mat everyone quickly becomes part of the same jiu-jitsu family.  Our program stresses training for fitness, self defense, and body/mind conditioning.    

Team Rigan Machado is headed by Professor Frank Caracci, a first generation black belt under the Machado Brothers.  Our classes are taught by professionals who have a great deal of love and passion for Brazilian JiuJitsu.  Understand that Machado Jiu-Jitsu isn't just about self defense, competition, or even physical fitness. You'll quickly learn in Master Rigan's words:    

....it's about personal empowerment, discipline, confidence, and respect. JiuJitsu has the potential to change a person's life.....    

Every student is important and we are fully committed to providing extraordinary instruction, with an emphasis on safety, technical proficiency and a focus on developing a constructive and positive attitude.    

All classes are taught by Professor Frank Caracci, Machado JiuJitsu 1st Degree Black Belt, who has over 25 years of Brazilian JiuJitsu experience. Members receive quality instruction in Machado JiuJitsu and belt testing according to the rigorous standards of Rigan Machado JiuJitsu    

Little Ninja's Kindergarten HanMuDo/ Karate: 3,4, and 5  Yrs Old
Our specialized Little Ninja's HanMuDo Program is an age specific curriculum that is professionally designed to teach children important life skills in a fun, exciting, and enriching manner.  

Our secret to teaching your child coordination, concentration, and self control is a unique method we like to call "edu-tainment."  This uses the excitement and fun of the Little Ninja's martial arts skills to teach key life lessons you would want your child to know.    

It's true that Little Ninja's activities will keep your child physically fit and that many of the group activities show children the benefits of good behavior.  But, best of all, your child's class curriculum will also help them see the value of teamwork, good manners, and trying their best outside of the classroom.  The main life skills that are taught in the   Little Ninja's program are focus, memory, teamwork, discipline, self-control, fitness, balance, and coordination.      

Many of the same concepts you are teaching your child at home will be consistently reinforced through classroom discussions in your child's programs.  

Topics such as: good manners(which include keeping hands and feet to themselves), respect for one's self and others, and following directions the first time and more!    

Valuable personal development lessons have been built into the Little Ninja's curriculum.  Your child will participate in discussions on "Stranger Danger", "When to call 911' "Fire Safety", "Street Safety", and more.    

Little Ninja's will improve your child's basic motor skills through basic martial skills such as falling safely, kicking, punching, and self-defense techniques. These skills will help your child enter society with a confident and enthusiastic outlook.  Your child will become a better student in school, a better listener at home, and feel more ambitious towards his/hers future goals.    

We believe the time between ages three thru five are the most important years of a child's development.  Let us enhance your child's mental and physical development in a fun, positive, and motivating way.  Enroll your child today and help prepare them for life!  Classes sizes are limited, call now to reserve your child's space.  Parents, remember the Ninjas may train one or two days per week, so pick the most convenient day per week that fits your schedule. 

Betsy-" I have been training with Master Frank for two years now.  If someone were to try to attack me, I feel that I could defend myself.  It is also a great way to tone up and burn calories. The friends I have made have become like family.  Keep up the good work Master Frank!"

 Earl-"If you are looking for the best Martial Arts Academy for  your children. Join  Louisiana Martial Arts  Academy. Family oriented with  highly trained instructors .A very clean and friendly environment. Adult classes are fun and very informative ..learn a skill that you can keep forever ..Louisiana Martial Arts Academy is great for people of all ages..  i am there 4 nights a week and  my grandchildren twice a week  We love it so much  we just cant get enough ! Han !"

Alfoito- "I’ve been training here since 2008, and it’s by far the best martial arts school in the metro area. In my 32 years of martial arts training and study, I’ve yet to find a school as well rounded, well connected to its lineage and staffed as this academy. If you’re looking for a place to begin your steps in training, look no further."

Caleb- "Prof Frank is the BEST Brazilian JiuJitsu instructor in the NOLA metro area. Come check him out. He teaches with no ego and pushes us to be our best every single day. "

Kevayn -"Great school with a great and knowledgeable master. Master Frank is a humble person. I enjoyed training with him."

Mason- "Prof Frank and the Machado Brothers have coached and taught me since the beginning of my Brazilian JiuJitsu career over 10 years ago. Great teacher, great team mates, and a incredible training facility. This is the #1 BJJ TEAM in the metro area!!!!"

Gerard-"Absolutely amazing place! I would leave 6 stars if I could. My fiance and I were looking to get into jujitsu/self defense to live a healthier life and this place offered both. We decided to try a class out to see if we liked it and they offered us it for free. The instructors were very kind and knowledgeable. We were able to attend for the whole hour class and were treated as if we have been going there for years. They also included us in with the drills that everybody else was doing (not just  isolating us in a corner of a gym). The prices are also very reasonable! Can't say enough good things about this gym."

Matt- "I  have been training with Chief Master/Professor Caracci for almost 14 years now and I couldn't see myself training with anyone else at any other school. LMAA is the best in the New Orleans metro area. Kids/teens/adults/seniors...there is a place for everyone at LMAA! "

Chief Master Frank Caracci

HanMuDo/Hapkido, 6th Degree Black Belt

Rigan Machado JiuJitsu Black Belt, 1st Degree

Head Instructor at La. Martial Arts Academy, Chief Master began  martial arts training over 37 years ago in 1982 at the age of 12 in the New Orleans metro area.

In the 1980's, training Korean Karate and Hapkido arts, Chief Master Frank spent 6 days per week perfecting his skills.  It was at this time that Chief Master Frank competed in sport and full contact martial art tournaments both as a youth and young adult, which led to his participation in several National and World Championship Karate Tournaments.

In the late 80's to early 1990's Chief Master Frank met and began training HanMuDo/Hapkido with living legend Dr. He-Young Kimm.  With both Dr. Kimm and his previous teachers' encouragement, Chief Master opened La. Martial Arts Academy in 1992.  As well, this was a time when Chief Master Frank saw the first UFC, which led him to begin his Brazilian JiuJitsu training journey.

By the 2000's, Chief Master Frank attained Master ranking in HanMuDo/Hapkido. It was also a time when he decided to take his Brazilian JiuJitsu training to the next level.  Chief Master began training Brazilian JiuJitsu under world known Gracie JiuJitsu family members, Masters Rigan and Carlos Machado, earning a Black Belt under them in 2014 after over 20 years of training in Brazilian JiuJitsu.

 In Chief Master Frank's own words, "My  efforts focus on teaching and training all ages from 3 years to 75 years of age. I enjoy passing on my martial art knowledge and experiences to my students, operating my academy as the Chief Master, as well as coaching my competition team. My goal is to help Pre-Schoolers, Kindergarten, Juniors, and Adult students achieve their fullest potential whether their goals are discipline, confidence, physical fitness, self-defense, or competitions as I oversee and train students as the  in all of these programs."
 

Trying any martial arts class for the first time can be very scary.

WE UNDERSTAND! 

It’s probably a lot more intimidating if you’ve ever seen an MMA/UFC fight, been attacked before or if you are new to this type of training or exercise. 

The only thing scarier however, is being in a situation where you may need these skills and don’t have them... 

Let’s address a few frequently asked questions that many people have:

Do I need to be in shape?

If you are already in shape, we are going to push you to the limit and beyond. If you’re not - don’t worry! The majority of us aren’t on our first day of class or after a long layoff. Our instructors will tailor every movement to complement your skill level and before you know it, the improvements will be noticeable! The best way to get in shape for this... IS TO DO THIS!

Will I get hurt?

Like any physical activity, there is always risk of injury whether it's yoga, spinning, jogging, or boxing. We pride ourselves on conducting classes in a safe manner, never expecting students 

to do anything they aren't ready for, and keeping a low injury rate. 

What do I wear?

For your first class, a t-shirt/rash guard (no tank tops during grappling classes), board shorts/athletic shorts/vale tudo shorts, spats and gi/sweat pants are all acceptable.

Do NOT wear anything with extra pockets, belt loops or baggy fabric. These are dangerous since fingers and toes can get caught in them. Baggy cargo shorts are a common example of what not to wear.

For all  classes, a Dobok/Gi is required with the corresponding belt. These are available for sale at the academy. 

PLEASE NOTE: Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance! Make sure your finger and toe nails are well-groomed. If you have long hair, you’ll want to put it up in a ponytail or bun during class. You should also remove any piercings to prevent injuries. Please wash your training attire before using it again.