In Spencerport, an anonymous parent recently turned to the community for advice after their 11-year-old son became the target of school bullying that escalated into physical aggression.
While the family is working with the school to address the issue, they also seek to provide their child with tools for confidence and self-defense.
The post sparked an immediate wave of support from the local community, with parents sharing recommendations for martial arts programs that focus on discipline, confidence, and self-protection.
An anonymous participant took to the official Facebook group named Greece NY – Greece Neighbors and wrote,
We are looking to enroll our 11 year old son into a beginners class for Mixed Martial Arts – he is being bullied in school and it has turned physical. We’d like him to have the confidence and the knowledge to be able to subdue instead of having to throw fists (as that should be a last resort). We are working with the School to address these issue but this added skill would be helpful for him in life – does anyone have any suggestions on where to find such classes for his age level? TIA.
Anonymous Participant
Nick Territo suggests Williams Martial Arts Academy on Ridge Road, Spencerport, noting,
“Frank Williams at Williams Martial Arts Academy right down Ridge Road in Spencerport.”
Nick Territo
Another parent, Lisa Tette, praised the school’s results:
Frank Williams at Williams Martial Arts Center is hands down the best. He is affordable as well as incredibly talented. We tried a school prior for a whole year, and our kiddo learned more in the first few months at WMAC then the whole year at her past school. Highly recommend!!!
Lisa Tette
Other community members highlighted Crudup’s Karate Academy on Helendale Road. Colleen Williams, who trained and taught alongside master Crudup, wrote,
I highly recommend Crudup’s Karate Academy on Helendale Rd. I trained and taught along side Master Crudup for 11 years. He’s an excellent teacher, role model, martial artist and a great human being. Best of luck to your son.
Colleen Williams
Murray’s Martial Arts, located at Dewey and Latta, also received glowing reviews. Carol Childers Zazzaro commented,
Murray’s Martial Arts Dewey/Latta. Outstanding!!
Carol Childers Zazzaro
Similarly, Kristy Schworm recommended Samura Martial Arts, sharing,
We absolutely loved Samurai Martial Arts – highly recommend!
Kristy Schworm
The discussion also emphasized the benefits of jiu-jitsu for practical self-defense. Justin Beadle suggested, “Jiu Jitsu,” while another participant added,
Ju jitsu is better if we are talking about self defense
Anonymous participant 643
Options mentioned include Shogun West Jiu Jitsu in TSE and Graice Jiu Jitsu in Victor, both praised for their beginner-friendly and kid-focused programs.
Other schools recommended include Rochester Kung Fu and Fitness on Long Pond and West Ridge, with Jamie Lynn noting, “They are great there,” and Ronin Martial Arts Academy in Rochester, where Adam Ryan Tucker wrote,
We teach a mixture of karate, Muay Thai and grappling (judo, jiujitsu, sambo and wrestling). We offer a free day to try out Class and would love to have you come and check out the school.
Adam Ryan Tucker
Several commenters also reflected on the broader importance of martial arts beyond physical defense. Ryan Wrestler shared,
I would say any sport that helps your son gain in confidence and give him a set of friends would be most beneficial. Sometimes just a well spaced punch does the job, too, if it’s necessary. Violence is a language like any other. It’s ok to learn it and use it appropriately
Ryan Wrestler
Danielle Amico added,
so happy you’re getting him into something like this to help build his confidence. i’m so sorry he’s going through bullying- kids can be so horrible
Danielle Amico
Other options suggested by the community included Victory Baptist Church’s MMA program, Strike Back Martial Arts in Webster, and Master Kim’s classes.
