Fightology – the Mikita School of Martial Art

I echo many of the sentiments of these other Unilocal reviews from friends and training partners. Mark is as good as it gets. He’s a phenomenal instructor with a breadth of knowledge about martial arts and the application of theory and technical skill that is quite honestly, unparalleled.
I have had my mind blown countless times here. Those mind blowing experiences are things that I’ve seen other students do, things that I’ve learned and then done as well, and how Marks shows and explains how martial arts can be used in EVERYTHING. Anatomy, Geometry, Physics, Equations, Body Mechanics, etc. Most of the stuff that I did poorly at in school and was uninterested in I now look at in a whole new light. That alone is worth it.
Mark really makes sure the training is about the individual and not about him. Which he could very well do with 49 years of martial arts expertise. But those years have given him the ability to communicate so you can DO what he is trying to teach. His gift of communication helps students really grasp what he’s trying to get you to learn or a lot of times, unlearn.
But don’t take what I say or anybody else for that matter. Come experience it for yourself. I promise you won’t leave unsatisfied!

I’ve been training with Mark consistently for several years now and the school provides, without a doubt, the highest quality instruction and training experience I’ve encountered. Mark’s roughly 50 years of dedicated martial arts training and lifelong exploration directly translates into and shapes the classes on a day to day basis. The «whatever works» approach eschews rigidity and system and instead integrates the most useful elements from the multitude of arts that he has trained in. Training here means you will train it all in great depth… weapons, stand up, ground fighting… and develop the mindset necessary to apply the skills you’re learning.
There is no fluffy window dressing here, and instead a constant focus on the reality of what works and why, understanding combative application, and trimming out what doesn’t. The school’s curriculum is absolutely vast and constantly evolving from class to class and from year to year. In weapons training, empty hands skills, knowledge of anatomy… you name it, Mark shows consistent mastery, amazing precision, power, and a drive to constantly improve his students as well as the level of training. The curriculum and Mark’s instruction are always individually tailored, always interesting, and will force you to push yourself and any perceived limits that you have.
If you’re interested in a no BS, reality based approach to martial arts, you should absolutely come and check out the school. There are consistently a great group of talented students, a good vibe, and the quality of training you will encounter is second to none.

There is no Martial Arts school like this one anywhere that I’ve found in the world. I have trained at many schools all over North America, as well as in Africa, and all I can say is I wish I lived in Los Angeles so that I could train with Mark full time instead of whenever I’m lucky enough to have time to get to Los Angeles.
This is not a school that trains theory with no practical applications or understanding of the underlying physiology, nor is it a place where techniques are simply shown and incorrect applications are tolerated.
Mark’s breadth and depth of knowledge is extensive and techniques are explained and demonstrated in a way that allows the students to understand why and how they work and how they can used and countered. He makes sure that every technique that is taught is performed correctly by his students, not just haphazardly performed in a way that wouldn’t work in a real life situation.
I like to bring or refer friends who already have training experience in martial arts and specifically FMA to train with Mark just for the sheer pleasure of watching their brains explode. The training here is at such a different caliber and so much more expansive than other options that it’s like climbing out of the kiddie pool and seeing the ocean for the first time.
Whether you are interested in simply improving your skills, learning more about martial arts, or being prepared to defend yourself should the need arise, you will not be disappointed here. You will, however, be kicking yourself for not finding Mark sooner.

The Mikita School of Martial Arts is simply the best. From weapons training to empty hands, boxing to grappling, even world history and human anatomy — Mark knows it all. He is a phenomenal instructor with the perfect amount of patience and pertinacity that gets results from his students. I’ve been training for two years and have grown in more ways than I could have imagined. On top of that he curates an amazing group of students that are serious, fun and committed. This is not a school for meat heads. Rather, this is a school for intelligent adults that are serious about learning to fight and defend themselves.

Training at the Mikita School of Martial Arts teaches you not only how to effectively defend yourself but also the mindset you have to have in order to face violence. From weapons to empty hands Mark emphasizes concepts over techniques and constantly challenge your body and your mind to overcome the stress that comes when dealing with the real threat of physical attacks. Working with weapons teaches you to constantly be aware of your training partners’ safety as well as your own safety and surroundings.
I highly recommend this school for anyone who is serious about learning the Martial Arts the right way, not only how to kick, punch fight and defend, as well as fighting with weapons like sticks, swords and knives, but perhaps more importantly the consequences of using your empty hands or weapons’ skills in an altercation.
Mark’s style of teaching challenges your awareness not only to learn the correct techniques but also it’s origins, how and why the techniques work and the history philosophy and physiology behind them.