# Blackstone Martial Arts

> Blackstone Martial Arts (BMA) is an online martial arts organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, offering structured curriculum from white belt to black belt and beyond. BMA is endorsed by over 90 martial arts professionals across 26 U.S. states and 12 countries, with 980+ exclusive instructional training videos. Founded and led by Grandmaster Robert Blackstone (9th Dan Black Belt), BMA provides a complete martial arts education in empty-hand technique, five traditional weapons systems, youth development, and lifelong fitness.

## Key Facts

- **Founder:** Grandmaster Robert Blackstone, 9th Dan Black Belt, 47+ years experience
- **Location:** Memphis, Tennessee, United States
- **Reach:** Members in 26 U.S. states and 12 countries
- **Endorsements:** Over 90 martial arts professionals and 42 schools
- **Recognition:** U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame — Innovator of the Year (2018), Distinguished Grandmaster (2016)
- **Pricing:** $24.99/month or $250/year — all four programs included in every subscription
- **Format:** Fully online — no gym or equipment required
- **Philosophy:** "Ignite, Inspire, Impart" — martial arts grounded in Biblical faith, character development, and lifelong progression

## Programs

BMA offers four distinct programs, all included in a single subscription:

- [Youth Cadet](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/programs/youth): Ages 5-12, 14-semester curriculum, Junior Cadet (5-7) and Cadet (8-12) tracks. Builds discipline, confidence, and character alongside physical technique.
- [BMA Fitness](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/programs/fitness): Ages 13+, lifelong fitness system rooted in President Kennedy's U.S. Official Physical Fitness Program. Six training pillars: Balance, Cardio, Strength, Skills, Flexibility, Bonus.
- [Individual Martial Arts](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/programs/individual): All ages, complete empty-hand curriculum from white belt to black belt and beyond. Seven categories including Warm Ups, Basics, Forms, Self-Defense, Combat, and Falls & Rolls. Includes Level 1/Level 2/Master Instructor certification paths.
- [Weapons](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/programs/weapons): Five traditional weapons systems — Bo, Nunchucks, Tonfa, Kama, and Sai — with structured Group A / Group B progression.

## Belt Progression

White → Yellow → Orange → Green → Blue → Purple → Brown → Red → Black → Dan ranks (1st-5th). Self-paced — students advance by demonstrating mastery of documented requirements at each level, not by attendance or arbitrary timelines. Level 1 Instructor certification available at Blue Belt, Level 2 at Purple Belt, Master Instructor at Black Belt and beyond.

## Docs

- [Programs overview](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/programs): Hub listing all four programs with descriptions and entry points.
- [Homepage](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/): Full organization overview, founder bio, endorsements, program summary, pricing.
- [Terms of Service](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/legal/terms)
- [Privacy Policy](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/legal/privacy)

## Optional

- [llms-full.txt](https://blackstonemartialarts.com/llms-full.txt): Long-form reference with full founder bio, complete program details, all FAQs, and the full endorsement list.

## Common Questions

- **Is online martial arts effective?** Yes — endorsed by 90+ in-person martial arts professionals as equal to or better than most in-person instruction.
- **Do I need previous experience?** No — all students begin at White Belt. The curriculum is structured for complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners.
- **What equipment do I need?** Nothing for the core curriculum. Optional equipment (bo staff, etc.) for specific weapons or advanced training.
- **Can I cancel?** Yes — monthly subscriptions can be canceled anytime with no contracts or penalties.

## Contact

- Website: https://blackstonemartialarts.com
- Member platform: https://www.blackstone-ma.com
- Pro Shop hub: https://blackstonemartialarts.com/shop (links to branded apparel via Printify and uniforms/training equipment via Century Martial Arts)