Prime Martial Arts
About
Prime Martial Arts offers comprehensive training in MMA and Muay Thai, supported by a diverse team of experienced instructors. The coaching staff includes UFC veteran and URCC Bantamweight World Champion Martin R. Day, multiple high-ranking ITF Taekwondo black belts, and specialized instructors for disciplines like Eskrima. This expertise creates a professional environment where both physical skills and character development are emphasized. Members consistently note the clean, well-maintained facility that remains fresh even during busy training sessions, reflecting the gym's attention to detail.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's welcoming atmosphere and professional consistency across all instructors, including trainees. They highlight how staff effectively engage students of all ages, from young children to teenagers, ensuring everyone feels seen and encouraged. Specific compliments mention Martin Day and his team for fostering confidence, discipline, and respect while maintaining a clean, family-like environment. No significant concerns are raised, though one reviewer notes the space is somewhat small.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Foldys Hawaii
6 months ago
People often say first impressions are everything—and I couldn’t agree more. From the moment you walk through the door, the experience here is truly “level 10.” The way you are greeted, spoken to, and welcomed sets the tone right away. What stood out most to me is the consistency across every instructor, even the trainees that look like they are in high school . Every single one not only teaches well, but also communicates, interacts, and encourages in the same way. They get on the kids’ level, make them feel comfortable, and create an environment of respect and professionalism that is remarkable. I was especially impressed that my older daughter (14) received the exact same warm greeting and welcome as my younger daughter (5), even though they are at completely different ages and stages. That consistency is powerful—it shows ground rules, boundaries, and respect are taught from the very start. I also loved the thoughtful decision to pair my older daughter with a trainee instructor closer to her age. The trainee was humble, encouraging, communicative, and carried the same standard of professionalism as the more experienced instructors. That’s a huge accomplishment and speaks volumes about the quality of training here. I also appreciate that my older daughter was placed in the beginner class despite her martial arts experience. At age 14, being reminded to start from the beginning, earn her place, and build consistency and commitment is invaluable—and something we, as parents, truly value. Finally, I want to recognize how my younger daughter has been included from day one. She’s only had three classes, but in every single one she’s been seen, encouraged, and never “forgotten.” In so many other sports, new kids often get overlooked, but here the instructors are consistently attentive and supportive. And one more thing worth mentioning—the space itself! Even with the number of people training and moving around, it always smells so fresh and clean. We’ve been in gyms before where the air felt heavy and the smell was honestly unpleasant, but this space is the complete opposite. It shows just how much pride and care you put into every detail of the environment. Overall, I am beyond impressed. The professionalism, consistency, and care from every instructor—regardless of age or role—make all the difference.
Jonathan Byer
2 months ago
Prime is an amazing place for our kids to learn taekwondo and other skills. The staff and masters are knowledgeable and friendly. They have really helped my son gain confidence and understand respect and discipline. The place is a little small but you really feel like part of a family. Highly recommend!
Dustin Ramos
a year ago
Martin Day & his staff are amazing. They offer a variety of classes. I got 4 kids enrolled and they all love it. We’ve been coming for almost a year now. No complaints at all.
Caitlin Ramirez
a year ago
Our son has attended Prime (formerly Martial Arts Academy) for several years and we love it. The staff is super friendly and supportive. Instruction emphasizes both physical skill development and character building. Love the leadership and social opportunities they provide too. Definitely recommend!
D C
2 months ago
I have 2 children who attend regular class here. Their behavior is much better and their desire to attend class is very high which is very important when they are around teen years.
Contact
776 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Martin R. Day
Master Instructor, Owner
5th Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo, UFC Veteran, URCC Bantamweight World Champion
Professional fighter and UFC veteran. 2004 AIMAA World Forms Champion. Designs the kickboxing curriculum.
Eleanor Short
Instructor
1st Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor. Active in community involvement and volunteering.
Keegan K. Ho
Chief Instructor
5th Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor. Started training in 1999 and teaching in 2005.
Logan Yamasaki
Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor.
Zachary Rigdon
Hawaii Kai Co-Owner/Operator, Chief Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. Founder of XTKD and former Prime Elite Team Director.
Shaun Kadomoto
Instructor
1st Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor. Member of the Prime Elite Team.
Jasmine Marzo-Lum
Instructor (Emeritus)
5th Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Accomplished tournament competitor with multiple 1st place finishes in forms and sparring. Amateur kickboxing record 1-0.
Kai Esibill
Instructor
1st Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor.
L. Casey Robello
Instructor
4th Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts and Hyper Martial Arts Certified Instructor. Multiple 1st place medals in forms and weapon forms.
Kevin Grace
Muay Thai Instructor
Professional Veteran
Leads the authentic Muay Thai program. Described as an experienced professional veteran.
Lucca Blood
Instructor
2nd Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor. Founder of the WXMA (Weaponry Extreme Martial Arts) class.
Colo Taskowitz
Eskrima Instructor
Teaches Eskrima, specializing in stick and blade fighting techniques with a focus on practical self-defense.
Logan Tanaka
Hawaii Kai Head Instructor, Prime Elite Team Director
2nd Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor. Directs the Prime Elite Demonstration Team.
Kyle Crowder
Instructor
2nd Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor.
Maia Kadomoto
Instructor
2nd Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor.
Melanie Nance
Instructor
1st Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo
Prime Martial Arts Certified Instructor. In-House Tournament Forms Champion.