Est. 1992 · Memphis, TN
Blackstone Martial Arts
The Foundation & Framework for All Styles and Methods
Professional Certifications
The Blackstone Standard
Mixed martial arts requirements and skills proficiency standards for both empty-handed and weapons rank certifications — establishing a comprehensive framework that serves as the foundation for all styles and methods.
Discipline
Rigorous standards rooted in 47 years of practice under the lineage of GM Kang Rhee.
Tradition
Five traditional Okinawan weapons, classical forms, and time-tested combat methodology.
Excellence
Endorsed by 92+ martial artists, 42 schools, and 9 associations across 26 states.
Community
A global network of practitioners and schools spanning 12 countries worldwide.
Grandmaster Robert Blackstone
9th Dan Black Belt · 47+ Years
The Founder
A Lifetime Dedicated
to the Art
Beginning his journey in 1978 under the legendary GM Kang Rhee — who famously trained Elvis Presley — Blackstone earned the elite "Disciple of Discipline" award, an honor once bestowed upon Presley himself.
In 1992, he founded the Shiloh Martial Arts Association. Today, the Blackstone Standard serves practitioners and schools across 26 states and 12 countries worldwide.
“Ignite — Inspire — Impart”
The Curriculum
White Belt to Black Belt & Beyond
A structured path of advancement through every discipline — from your first stance to full certification.
- Basic stances
- Fundamental strikes
- Simple blocks
- Falls & rolls
- Form #1
- One-steps
- Basic self-defense
- Bo basics
- Form #2
- Sparring intro
- Nunchuck basics
- Advanced blocks
- Advanced forms
- Sai techniques
- Combat drills
- Paired practice
- Weapons forms
- Tonfa basics
- Multiple attackers
- Advanced combat
- Knee strikes
- Sweeps & throws
- Weapon self-defense
- Advanced rolls
- Dynamic combat
- Multiple attackers
- Instructor prep
- Full integration
- Flying kicks
- Rope defense
- Advanced weapons
- Complex forms
- All weapons mastery
- Kama self-defense
- Full curriculum
- Certification
Three Disciplines
Empty Hand
Forms, basics, self-defense, and combat — from first stance to advanced black belt techniques.
Weapons
Five traditional systems — Bo, Nunchucks, Tonfa, Kama, and Sai — with forms, combat, and applications.
Fitness
Rooted in the JFK National Fitness Program — strength, cardio, flexibility, and lifelong endurance.
Programs
Training for Every Stage of Life
5–12
Youth / Cadet Program
Build the Foundation
A 7-year structured journey for ages 5-12. Your child develops discipline, confidence, and character — not just kicks and punches — through the most comprehensive youth martial arts curriculum available anywhere.
Youth Program Details
13+
Fitness Program
Train for Life
Built on President Kennedy's national fitness standards and adapted into a martial arts system. No gym membership, no equipment fads — just a proven, lifelong approach to functional strength and endurance.
Fitness Program Details
All Ages
Individual Martial Arts
Master the Art
The complete empty-hand martial arts education. Progress from white belt through black belt and beyond — mastering combat, forms, and self-defense — all within a structured progression system.
Martial Arts Details
All Ages
Weapons Program
Master the Arsenal
Five traditional weapons systems — Bo, Nunchucks, Tonfa, Kama, and Sai — with structured progression through an alternating Group A / Group B pattern from White Belt through master-level certification.
Weapons Program DetailsOne Membership. Complete Access.
Everything You Need
to Master the Art
From foundational basics to advanced weapons certifications — the entire Blackstone curriculum, available anytime.
Programs starting at
Instant access · Cancel anytime
Endorsed by Over 90 Martial Artists
As a student of the martial arts for fifty years and an instructor for over thirty, I endorse Robert Blackstone and Blackstone Martial Arts as a qualified organization of martial arts studies. For advanced martial artists this instructional site can serve as a media for continued martial arts study and education.
“As a student and instructor for over 40 years, I am always interested in learning something new or finding something that will enhance mine or my students' training. Robert has created a series of videos that are exceptionally put together and very informative. Regardless of your style, anyone can find something useful to add to their training or teaching.”
Richard Storey 5th Dan
“I found your training content to be professional and well crafted with a detailed emphasis on stellar technique. Your dedication to the martial arts is evident in how much content you are providing at what I feel is well below its value. It's most certainly the most detailed and all-inclusive online martial arts training program I have experienced to date!”
Lauren Sage 2nd Dan
“Blackstone Martial Arts is a supreme and dedicated organization directed by an experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled martial artist seeking to give the best in training with their outstanding programs to get the best out of each student.”
GM H. James Young 8th Dan
“There are few instructors I respect more and his dedication to the martial arts, as well as to his students, makes him a standout in the community. Those who train with him are fortunate indeed, and can be assured they'll be getting the best.”
Marlene Jacks 4th Dan
“Blackstone Martial Arts is a solid foundation to build on. I am incorporating it into my school's training as I move forward with my new curriculum. It will provide me with the extra tools I need to add additional training for my students.”
Gerald Foster 3rd Dan
“As a student and instructor for over 40 years, I am always interested in learning something new or finding something that will enhance mine or my students' training. Robert has created a series of videos that are exceptionally put together and very informative. Regardless of your style, anyone can find something useful to add to their training or teaching.”
Richard Storey 5th Dan
“I found your training content to be professional and well crafted with a detailed emphasis on stellar technique. Your dedication to the martial arts is evident in how much content you are providing at what I feel is well below its value. It's most certainly the most detailed and all-inclusive online martial arts training program I have experienced to date!”
Lauren Sage 2nd Dan
“Blackstone Martial Arts is a supreme and dedicated organization directed by an experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled martial artist seeking to give the best in training with their outstanding programs to get the best out of each student.”
GM H. James Young 8th Dan
“There are few instructors I respect more and his dedication to the martial arts, as well as to his students, makes him a standout in the community. Those who train with him are fortunate indeed, and can be assured they'll be getting the best.”
Marlene Jacks 4th Dan
“Blackstone Martial Arts is a solid foundation to build on. I am incorporating it into my school's training as I move forward with my new curriculum. It will provide me with the extra tools I need to add additional training for my students.”
Gerald Foster 3rd Dan
“You have a solid curriculum that allows people around the world to access instruction regardless of their location. This will open many doors for people who cannot receive in-person training in a local dojo.”
Keith Kirk 6th Dan
“I believe Mr. Blackstone is an excellent instructor and has very high standards for his students and expects nothing less than the best.”
Philip Lee 10th Dan
“I highly endorse Blackstone Martial Arts. I have trained with Mr. Blackstone at GM Kang Rhee's dojo in Memphis, Tennessee and he is an awesome Instructor.”
GM Jay Blanton 10th Dan
“I declare that The Blackstone Standard is a solid foundation to build on.”
Kyoshi Cears L. Sanders Jr. 9th Dan
“It is with pride that I add my support to your system. You exhibit excellence in this endeavor.”
GM Patrick Wrenn 10th Dan
“Invest in a subscription. Blackstone MA — hundreds of instructional videos. Great for any practitioner at any level.”
Jeffrey Baker 4th Dan
“Your training content is very clear, concise and easy to learn from. You do a great job of breaking down individual movements. Awesome.”
Tina Palos 6th Dan
“You have a solid curriculum that allows people around the world to access instruction regardless of their location. This will open many doors for people who cannot receive in-person training in a local dojo.”
Keith Kirk 6th Dan
“I believe Mr. Blackstone is an excellent instructor and has very high standards for his students and expects nothing less than the best.”
Philip Lee 10th Dan
“I highly endorse Blackstone Martial Arts. I have trained with Mr. Blackstone at GM Kang Rhee's dojo in Memphis, Tennessee and he is an awesome Instructor.”
GM Jay Blanton 10th Dan
“I declare that The Blackstone Standard is a solid foundation to build on.”
Kyoshi Cears L. Sanders Jr. 9th Dan
“It is with pride that I add my support to your system. You exhibit excellence in this endeavor.”
GM Patrick Wrenn 10th Dan
“Invest in a subscription. Blackstone MA — hundreds of instructional videos. Great for any practitioner at any level.”
Jeffrey Baker 4th Dan
“Your training content is very clear, concise and easy to learn from. You do a great job of breaking down individual movements. Awesome.”
Tina Palos 6th Dan
Global Reach
United States Australia Canada Guyana India Malaysia Nigeria Philippines Pakistan Sri Lanka Trinidad & Tobago United Kingdom
Founded in Memphis, Tennessee · Est. 1992
Common Questions
Our Youth/Cadet program accepts students as young as 5 years old, while our Fitness and Individual Martial Arts programs are designed for ages 13 and up. There's no upper age limit — martial arts is a lifelong journey.
BMA provides a comprehensive video curriculum organized by belt level and discipline. You train at your own pace with structured lesson plans, track your progress through our platform, and advance through belt ranks as you master each level's requirements.
Every subscription includes full access to the core empty-hand curriculum, Universal and Traditional Weapons programs, Cadet/Youth program, Fitness program, belt progression tracking, and community access. Both annual ($275/year) and monthly ($24.99/month) plans include the same content.
BMA is built on three pillars — Character, Competence, and Connection. Our curriculum integrates discipline-driven principles with rigorous martial arts training. We offer a complete system from white belt to black belt and beyond, including five traditional weapons, which most programs don't cover.
You can begin with just comfortable workout clothes and an open space. As you progress, you may want to add training equipment like a bo staff or other weapons, which are available in our shop. No gym or dojo is required.
The Cadet program is a 14-semester (7-year) martial arts curriculum designed specifically for younger students ages 5-12. It develops body, mind, and character through age-appropriate training that prepares students for transition into the adult curriculum.
Our Fitness program is rooted in President John F. Kennedy's U.S. Official Physical Fitness Program from the 1960s, adapted into a lifelong martial arts fitness system. It's designed to build and maintain functional fitness without a gym or fads.
Yes, you can cancel anytime. Monthly subscribers can cancel at any time with no penalty. Annual subscribers have access through the end of their paid year. We believe the value speaks for itself.
You progress through belt levels by completing the required curriculum for each rank. Our platform tracks your progress through lessons, drills, and forms. Each belt level has specific requirements that must be mastered before advancing.
Absolutely. BMA has members across 26 states in the U.S. and 11 countries worldwide. Our online platform is accessible anywhere with an internet connection, making world-class martial arts training available globally.
The Journey Starts
With a Single Step
Whether you're a school owner looking for proven curriculum, a parent investing in your child's future, or a practitioner seeking mastery — the Blackstone Standard meets you where you are.
Get in Touch
Ready to Train?
Have questions about our curriculum, membership, or instructor certification? We'd love to hear from you.