Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center
50+ years of dedicated instructor experience
“The students were lucky enough to get a hands-on self defense lesson from Instructor Dean.
Speaking with my JAG students they absolutely loved the time they spent at WI-MAFC and they say ‘Thank you for the experience’.”
“Whether you’re working with the children and teens in No Limits Kids Fitness, or the college students and adults in Adapted Fitness, it’s clear that you have a gift for teaching.”
“I attended a women’s self-defense session and it was an empowering experience! Mr. Dean and the other instructors were knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. I walked away feeling fierce, confident, and equipped with skills that will keep me safe. Highly recommend!”
What we offer our Madison community
Traditional Martial Arts
-
Children as young as 4 can begin their training at WI-MAFC. Little Tigers (ages 4-8) practice a system of martial arts and fitness that emphasizes safety, discipline and attentive listening, along with a simplified traditional curriculum and basic application.
Juniors (ages 9-13) learn a broader, more detailed range of material and are responsible for other character development components, such as teamwork, leadership, anti-bullying training, and sometimes assistant martial arts instructing.
Both Little Tigers and Juniors have the potential to earn their Junior Black Belt at WI-MAFC.
-
Anyone, ages 14 and up, have access to our full WI-MAFC curriculum. With material ranging from basic-to-advanced, and rank progressing from White to 5th Degree Black Belt, our adult students will never stop learning and improving.
Teens and adults are able to participate in training that younger people are not, such as submission grappling, weapon fighting, martial arts instruction, and a more expansive traditional curriculum.
-
Have you ever wanted to try martial arts, but did not think you would be able to because of a physical or intellectual handicap?
Now is your chance to prove yourself wrong! Our school runs an adaptive program that modifies our curriculum to fit almost any person’s abilities.
Click to learn more
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
-
Designed specifically for children as young as 4 years old, providing them with essential skills to navigate social interactions confidently. Our program combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques with a focus on anti-bullying strategies, empowering kids to handle bullying situations effectively and safely.
Through engaging and age-appropriate lessons, children learn self-defense techniques that emphasize control over aggression, fostering a sense of confidence and resilience. Additionally, the supportive environment encourages teamwork, respect, and camaraderie among peers.
Enroll your child in BullySafe BJJ and equip them with the tools they need to stand up against bullying while developing physical.
-
Our program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both self-defense and sport applications. We focus on teaching techniques that empower individuals to defend themselves effectively in real-life situations, while also incorporating the fundamental skills necessary for competition.
Our self-defense curriculum emphasizes situational awareness, effective grappling techniques, and the ability to control or escape from an adversary. This aspect of training helps students build confidence and practical skills for personal safety.
Simultaneously, we integrate sport-specific techniques that enhance performance in competitive settings. By practicing techniques that are effective in both self-defense and sport contexts, students develop a well-rounded skill set. This dual approach allows for versatility in training, making it applicable to various scenarios.
Specialty Classes
-
We cover heavybag and mitt work, cardio and ab conditioning, footwork and agility ladder exercises, partner drills, and sparring concepts, techniques, and strategies.
You'll break a good sweat every time!
-
Our program is designed and run by an International Sports Science Association- certified personal trainer and provides targeted, science-backed workouts to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, balance, cardiovascular and aerobic stamina, and muscle mass and/or tone.
-
This female-led program for Women and Girls ages 10 and up!
Each class's focus will be slightly different, but will incorporate elements from WI-MAFC's traditional martial arts, boxing , and jiu-jitsu systems and apply them to a novice-friendly system of practical street self-defense for fitness and safety and awareness.
Click to learn more
What people are saying.
-
![]()
Jobs for America's Graduates
“The students were lucky enough to get a hands-on self defense lesson from Instructor Dean.
Speaking with my JAG students they absolutely loved the time they spent at WI-MAFC and they say ‘Thank you for the experience’.
Once again I truly appreciate the time we got to spend with you, Charles.”
— Troy
-
![]()
UW-Madison Adapted Fitness
“Whether you’re working with the children and teens in No Limits Kids Fitness, or the college students and adults in Adapted Fitness, it’s clear that you have a gift for teaching.
Your inclusive practices and ability to adapt martial arts skills for children and adults with a wide variety of capabilities not only fosters their success but builds their confidence and self-efficacy.”
— Kecia
-
![dear-diary-her-space]()
Dear Diary of Madison
"Charles Dean’s self defense class was informative and an exciting experience.
Each girl in Dear Diary's H.E.R. Space was able to participate at their comfort level. He was very engaging and his assistants were amazing.
We can’t wait for another round."
— Dareon
-
![]()
Lindbergh Elementary School
“It was awesome to have our students get involved with the presentation, demonstrating the 3 T’s: Talk, Tell, Tackle.
I heard multiple students that day talk about your presentation and how they are going to use the skills they learned in their lives.
Our teachers were also greatly appreciative to have the common language needed to discuss these strategies.”
— Sami
-
![]()
Capitol Centre Apartments
“Many residents in attendance had some sort of physical limitation and not only
was Charles aware of that, but he dedicated time in his presentation to show how one might
defend themselves from a sitting position, with the use of only one limb, etc. I was and still am
in awe of the compassion and kindness displayed by Charles and his team…”
-
![]()
Widen Enterprises
“Charles classes are like spending an hour with a good friend, you chat, you laugh and the whole time you get a great workout
He’s a very creative instructor, he tailors his classes to be fun & challenging at the same time.
We would highly recommend him for any corporate wellness program!!”
