Central Movement - Martial Arts
About
Central Movement Martial Arts offers mixed martial arts training with a focus on family-oriented instruction and character development. The gym is led by Head Instructor Nathan Kirk, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Songahm Taekwondo, alongside his wife Mrs. Kirk and a team of certified instructors including Alex Brisbane, Cat Boyd, and Sarah Miller. The coaching staff holds various specializations such as barefoot training, functional movement screening, and pregnancy/postpartum fitness, providing comprehensive martial arts education for all ages and skill levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the family-run atmosphere where instructors remember every student's name and provide personalized attention. They highlight how Mr. Kirk and other coaches not only teach martial arts technique but also emphasize life skills that translate beyond the dojo. Reviewers specifically mention increased confidence, discipline, and social development in children, along with the gym's flexibility with scheduling and engaging extra events. Multiple families report staying for years due to the supportive environment and the instructors' ability to make learning both challenging and fun.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Mandie Scott
a year ago
We’ve been attending Central Movement for nearly a year. Our kids love their classes. We already know we’re going to be here for years to come. Mr. Kirk is wonderful with the kids! He remembers every child’s name in every class, even the new kids. He encourages them to strive to be better and do better, in and out of the dojo. He always gives the kids attributes to work on in class, but also points out how they translate into their little lives outside of class (at home, at school, out in the world). At one point, we thought about joining friends at another school, but we just couldn’t leave Mr. Kirk and Central Movement!
Melissa Crouthamel
a year ago
We have been apart of the Central Movement Family for 4 years. My son started first and has loved working with all of the instructors. We have seen his confidence and strength grow in and out of class! Mr. Kirk has been wonderful accomodating our sons needs and learning to work with him. After watching her brother for 2 years, my daughter was eager to try. She loved it from day 1. She loves the challenge of learning new skills and being with her friends. Both kids love all the extra events as well!
Monet Clark
a year ago
Awesome! My son joined Central Movement a few months ago and loves it. The staff are excellent and really care. Mr Kirk and his wife do a great job of making you feel welcomed and like family. Not only does Mr Kirk teach technique, but he also provides some life skills and lessons for his students. We are so happy to be a part of the Central Movement family.
Allison Carbine
a year ago
We’ve been coming to Central Movement for almost 6 months already and my son has had such a great experience so far!!!! He loves going to his classes, and the instructors were incredibly patient with him the first couple classes until he really got the hang of things. They do an amazing job of keeping everyone’s attention (including the parents) and making sure the kids are learning while still having fun. They were so flexible with us when an unexpected scheduling conflict came up, which we really appreciated. The gym is family-run, and you can truly tell how much they care about the kids and love what they do. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a supportive and engaging karate gym! (We also think Mr. Kirks jokes are hilarious!)
Jessica Gutierrez
a year ago
Central Movement martial arts has been such a huge benefit for my son and my grandson. They have benefited from the classes, becoming more confident, disciplined, and social. Mr & Mrs. Kirk has helped them improve their fitness, self-defense skills, and attitude. They are patient and friendly with their student's but also firm and serious.. My boys love them!! Some Words from my son …”they are funny, cool and they really know a lot, they have trained a lot of students to achieve their black belts. I love coming to central movement. I also have made some friends too.” We highly recommend central movement martial arts!!
Contact
108 Patriot Dr, Middletown, DE 19709, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Mrs. Kirk
Instructor / Admin
Black Belt (2009), ERYT 200, Barefoot Training Specialist, CES Pregnancy/Postpartum Specialist
Grew up as competitive dancer, teaches dance for 12 years. Practices yoga, manages teacher trainings and movement clinics. Focuses on functional movement, breathwork, mobility, and strength.
Nathan Kirk
Head Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt in Songahm Taekwondo (2018), Level 1 FMS Certified, Barefoot Training Specialist
Over 20 years martial arts training, 10,000+ teaching hours. Trained in self-defense, ground fighting, bully prevention, weapons. Multiple State and US District championship titles.
Alex Brisbane
Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt in Songahm Taekwondo
Teaching for 4 years. Started training with family. Pursuing Aeronautics Engineering degree and pilot's license.
Cat Boyd
Instructor / Leadership Program
2nd Degree Black Belt
Training for 7 years. Member of Leadership Program, assists in classes. Attends First State Military Academy.
Sarah Miller
Assistant Instructor
Red/Black Belt (testing for black belt soon)
Learning as an Assistant Instructor, growing week by week.