Hilliard Martial Arts Center
About
Hilliard Martial Arts Center offers comprehensive training in multiple disciplines including MMA and karate, with a particular emphasis on Aikido and United Modern Arnis. The gym is led by a team of highly credentialed instructors, such as founder Dan McConnell, a 6th degree black belt in United Modern Arnis and 5th dan in Aikido, alongside other specialists like Doug Peelle in Aikido and Brian Jones in United Modern Arnis. This diverse expertise allows for a well rounded martial arts education, from open hand techniques to traditional weapons training with Jo and Bokken, catering to both children and adults.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members praise the excellent instructors and effective martial arts training, noting the gym stands out for its quality. They consistently describe a very friendly, welcoming, and safe environment suitable for everyone from children to older adults. Specific appreciation is given for the chill atmosphere, reasonable rates, and lack of pressure to rush through belt promotions. Long term members consider it a home away from home, with particular mention of enjoying both open hand and traditional Aiki weapons instruction.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (4)
Ashi
2 years ago
I came here from out of state for a seminar. I've been in the martial arts since last century, and have trained at more places than I care to list, and I must say this school stands out to me. Not only excellent instructors, and effective martial arts, but a very friendly, welcoming and safe environment for everyone from kids to older adults to child like adults like myself!
John N.
2 years ago
Very reasonable rates and they don't rush kids through the belts, much more chill than other studios
Kenrick Elliott
6 years ago
I took a long break From the way before finding this Aikido Dojo in Hilliard. Wish I had found it sooner! Great instructors, very welcoming students. Can’t wait to get my son in the Children’s classes. I enjoy both the open hand and the traditional Aiki Weapons Jo and Bokken instruction.
William Reed
9 years ago
My home away from home since 1993! I have studied Aikido with Hilliard Martial Arts Center since moving to Columbus. I appreciate the friendly, welcoming group of people here.
scheduleHours
Monday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Dan McConnell
Founder & Chief Instructor
6th degree black belt (Lakan Anim) in United Modern Arnis, 5th dan in Aikido (Aikido Schools of Ueshiba), Full Instructor Level 2 in Renegade Jeet Kune Do, Grandmaster of United Modern Arnis
Founder and chief instructor at HMAC with over 52 years of martial arts experience in Aikido and United Modern Arnis. Trained by founders of systems and world-class teachers. Inducted into Modern Arnis Black Belt Hall of Fame (2013).
Doug Peelle
Aikido Instructor
Godan (5th dan) in Aikido
Started Aikido in 1982, joined Cleveland Aikikai in 1986, and has been with Columbus Aikikai since 1989. Awarded Godan in 2017.
Bill Reed
Aikido Instructor
Teaches Saturday adult and youth Aikido classes. Has studied Aikido since 1992, joined Columbus Aikikai in 1993. Leads children's programs including at Columbus St. Joseph Montessori School.
Zach Villars
Aikido Instructor
Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Aikido, Shodan in Judo
Awarded shodan in Aikido in 2016. Works with children's Aikido class, drawing from previous Judo experience. Also studied Yang style Tai Chi and Chinese boxing.
Brian Jones
United Modern Arnis Instructor
Lakan Anim (6th degree black belt) in United Modern Arnis, 3rd degree black belt in American Kenpo, 1st degree black belts in Shotokan and Tae Kwon Do
Over 30 years martial arts training. Began training at HMAC under Dan McConnell in 2006.
Josh Comston
United Modern Arnis Instructor
Lakan Anim (6th degree black belt) in United Modern Arnis, Trainer Level I in Renegade Jeet Kune Do, Nikkyu in Aikido
Previously trained in Haganah and MMA. Started training in United Modern Arnis under Dan McConnell in 2006.
Greg Gregoriades
Modern Arnis Instructor
Has been studying Modern Arnis under Dan McConnell since 2011. Background in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Steve Hartono
Texas Representative for United Modern Arnis
Lakan Anim (6th degree black belt) in United Modern Arnis
Teaches in Austin, Texas. Many years of experience in Kyokushin Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi. Training in United Modern Arnis for 26+ years.
Niko Ponto
United Modern Arnis Instructor
Started martial arts at age 9 in 1982. Background in Northern Style Kung Fu, Pencak Silat Merpati Putih, and Tae Kwon Do. Began training in United Modern Arnis under Dan McConnell in 2019.
Craig Wilson
Chief Instructor of Katori Shinto Ryu
Kyoshi menkyo (instructor's license) in Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū, Sandan in Aikido, Brown belt in Arnis
Chief instructor of the Shubukan, teaching Katori Shinto Ryu swordsmanship and weapons. Began studying koryu in 1997 and Katori Shinto Ryu in 2002. Student of Tetsutaka Sugawara Sensei.