THE STANDARD
THE KUGTAR MMA STANDARD
01
PROCESS OVER PRIDE
Growth comes through correction, repetition, and willingness to improve.
02
RESPECT FIRST
Students are expected to listen, carry themselves well, and value others.
03
COACHABLE MINDSET
Progress belongs to the student who can receive instruction and apply it.
04
CONFIDENCE EARNED
Confidence is built through effort, composure, and consistency.
05
FAMILY SUPPORTS THE WORK
Parents, coaches, and students all help protect the standard.
PROGRAMS
01
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Grappling, positional control, submissions, and practical self-defense taught through age- and experience-appropriate training, with optional competition preparation.
02
TANG SOO DO
A traditional Korean martial art developing kicking, striking, forms, self-defense, focus, and disciplined technique.
03
MUAY THAI / KICKBOXING
Age- and readiness-based training in striking, footwork, movement, conditioning, and practical application.
04
YOUTH MARTIAL ARTS
A family-supported program that builds courage, confidence, self-defense, anti-bullying skills, listening, respect, and hard work.
05
ESKRIMA
At KUGTAR MMA, our Eskrima program teaches Filipino weapons and stick-fighting fundamentals through controlled drills, partner work, and practical self-defense. Students learn how to manage distance, recognize angles, move with precision, and build confidence handling real-time pressure.
1995
A REAL ACADEMY. A LASTING CONNECTION.
EST. 1995
Since 1995, KUGTAR MMA has brought families and martial artists together in Salinas.
Our history lives in the way we train: clear instruction, disciplined practice and respect for the people beside us. Each student brings a different starting point. Our work is to help them take their next step with purpose.
The academy’s story continues through its founders, instructors, students and the next generation.
THREE DECADES OF TRAINING, TEACHING, AND GROWING TOGETHER.
THE VANDERLIPE FAMILY
SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
KUGTAR MMA ADMISSIONS
THE NEW FAMILY JOURNEY
A thoughtful step-by-step process designed to ensure the right fit, proper placement, and alignment with KUGTAR MMA’s culture.
INQUIRY
OBSERVATION
Tell us who the student is and what they are looking for.
TRIAL
New families normally observe first to understand the dojo and training environment.
Qualified students may be invited to trial.
EVALUATION
ACCEPTANCE
ENROLLMENT
Instructors assess readiness, attitude, and placement.
Admission is determined by the owners/instructors.
Accepted families receive the next enrollment steps.
THE KUGTAR LEGACY
EST. 1995 · SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
1995 — THE FOUNDATION
KUGTAR MMA begins its journey.
TECHNIQUE — THE PRACTICE
Learn with attention. Refine through practice.
CHARACTER — THE STANDARD
Listen, accept correction, and train with care.
TODAY — THE COMMUNITY
A family academy built across generations.
NEW FAMILIES
BEGIN WITH AN OBSERVATION.
See the dojo, understand the culture, and determine the right starting point.
01 /
OBSERVE
See the class, instructors, and training environment.
02 /
EVALUATE
Our instructors determine readiness and appropriate placement.
03 /
NEXT STEP
Qualified students may be invited to trial.
REQUEST AN OBSERVATION
Please submit your request and receive staff confirmation at least two days before your visit. Walk-ins are not available. Same-day or next-day visits require an explicit staff exception.