SERVING RHODE ISLAND FOR 15 YEARS

Krav Maga martial arts students posing in a fight stance

About The EP Martial Arts Gym

Wing Chun Kung Fu instructor Ariel Tyre Wesley talking with students

HELPING Rhode Island’s ASPIRING MARTIAL ARTISTS FIND THEIR INNER CHAMPION.

We are a martial arts school based in the heart of East Providence, RI dedicated to one mission: bringing excellent martial arts instruction to Rhode Island’s aspiring martial artists and families.

Since the beginning, we’ve believed that the martial arts can do more than just teach people to defend themselves. Beyond the realm of fighting, they can bring together communities by empowering people to live more confident, happier and healthier lifestyles. Through the self-awareness, mindfulness, and discipline that martial arts training can provide, we’ve enjoyed seeing our students grow into better versions of themselves.

OUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

EP Martial Arts was started by three longtime friends and training partners who wanted to share the martial arts with others. However, the EP Martial Arts story really started in 2004, when Bart Axelrod, a judoka and 3rd degree Uechi-Ryu karate black belt, started taking Sanshou (Sanda) classes under Tyre Wesley at the Seekonk YMCA.

As Bart and Ty continued to train together, it was clear that they had a shared dedication towards martial arts. Along with Celtic Judo’s Wayne Dickinson and a growing list of students, the gym was finally opened on September 2012, under the name Sanshou Fighting & Fitness. Years later, the name would become East Providence (EP) Martial Arts to fully open their doors to aspiring martial artists and their families.

Today, students of EP Martial Arts have gone on to not only win in local and national tournaments, but also continue to contribute to the Rhode Island community at large.

Our Gym's Values

Martial Arts For The People

We welcome anyone who wants to learn martial arts for self-defense, improved self-confidence, and/or a healthier lifestyle.
Safety Before Power

We aspire to make our gym a safe place for anyone to learn, regardless of skill level.
Learn From Everyone

We believe in being open-minded to new perspectives and ways of doing things.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING

I’ve had the pleasure of training here in Sanda, BJJ, and a bit of MMA. All of the coaches are helpful and positive people with tons of experience. There’s classes for everyone whether you want to just get a workout in or are looking for full contact competitions. I came with no martial arts training from a typical sport background and learned a ton here. Special shout out to Ty and Marco, but all coaches and teachers are terrific!
– Andrew Camacho
I’ve been doing Sanda Kickboxing for four years and have since fought in a number of competitions as part of the Fight Team. The quality of the instruction and the community have made my time here the most positive martial arts experience I’ve had in my life. Ty Wesley is a phenomenal coach and I recommend his Sanda classes for anyone trying to get into kickboxing.
– Chris S.
Both of my boys have been coming to EP Martial Arts for 5 months now. I love the variety of different arts taught (for one low price) and that there is a class 5/6 days a week to keep them busy. Each class not only teaches them different techniques but discipline and they do not let the kids goof off during class. EP Marital Arts was EXACTLY what I was looking for and would highly recommend them!
– Tonya Gloria
Great school that’s closeby. Bart runs the Krav Maga and Sifu Ty teaches the SanShou, Wing Chun and kids Kung Fu. Great school to learn self defense and martial arts. If you're into competition they will support you and take you there. Very friendly people and school.
– Stefan Fischer