Business Details
24 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Newport News, VA
East Wind Academy Of Martial Arts has been the premier martial arts training center on the Virginia Peninsula for over two decades. Founded in 2002 by Norris Domangue and John Hackman, we specialize in Filipino Martial Arts, Jeet Kune Do, and MMA, offering certified instruction in styles from Thailand, Korea, China, and Southeast Asia. Our facility combines traditional techniques with modern adaptations, taught by internationally recognized instructors with decades of combined experience. We serve students of all skill levels, from beginners to competitive athletes, emphasizing safety, discipline, and personal growth. Our family-oriented environment fosters mutual respect and community, with a proven track record of producing skilled martial artists. As the Virginia home of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali World Federation, we maintain direct lineage connections to Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr.Our co-owners, Wes and Tricia Clements, continue this legacy through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to martial arts excellence. We offer a free one-week trial to help new students find their path, with flexible class schedules accommodating both adults and youth aged 7-16. Our instructors include decorated veterans and certified experts in multiple disciplines, ensuring comprehensive training that develops physical skills and mental resilience. Through programs like Combat Submission Wrestling and blended martial arts curricula, we prepare students for real-world self-defense scenarios while promoting stress management and confidence-building. This enduring commitment to quality has established us as the flagship martial arts academy in the Hampton Roads region.
Services
MMA Training
Jeet Kune Do
Kali/Silat
Combat Submission Wrestling
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali
Youth Programs
Wing Chun
Black Belt Certification
Self-Defense
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Certified instruction from internationally recognized martial arts masters
- Over 20 years of proven success in martial arts education
- Free one-week trial with no signup required
- Family-oriented environment promoting mutual respect and growth
- Direct lineage connections to Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr. and Dan Inosanto
Associations and certifications
- Pekiti-Tirsia World Federation
- Inosanto Martial Arts Academy
- Unified Fighting Arts
- Krav Maga Institute (IKMI)
- World Tae Kwon Do Federation
What people say
Expert instructors
Family-friendly environment
Free trial program
Real-world self-defense
Certified training programs
Services
Jeet Kune Do
Innovated by Bruce Lee, this martial arts system emphasizes fluid combat transitions between kicking, hand-to-hand, and close-quarters techniques. Our certified instructors teach authentic methods directly from Dan Inosanto's lineage, focusing on practical self-defense applications and mental adaptability. Students develop comprehensive combat skills through structured drills that enhance timing, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking.
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali
Recognized by the Philippine government for elite military training, this ancient system teaches weapon-based defense using sticks, knives, and improvised tools. As Virginia's official Pekiti-Tirsia World Federation representative, we offer direct instruction from Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje's lineage. The curriculum develops situational awareness and rapid response capabilities through 12 core training areas that translate to effective unarmed combat techniques.
Combat Submission Wrestling
Sanctioned under Eric Paulson's CSW and Mark McFann's Unified Fighting Arts, this program combines wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Silat tactics. Students train in both gi and no-gi environments to master grappling techniques applicable to real-world scenarios. The structured curriculum progresses from basic holds to advanced submission techniques while emphasizing safety and controlled practice environments.
Youth Martial Arts
Designed for children aged 7-16, this program builds discipline, respect, and self-confidence through age-appropriate martial arts instruction. Certified instructors teach fundamental techniques from multiple disciplines while emphasizing character development and physical coordination. The curriculum includes safety-focused sparring and structured drills that promote teamwork and personal responsibility in a supportive learning environment.
Blended Martial Arts
Our signature program integrates Wing Chun, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, and other systems into a cohesive self-defense framework. Students learn to adapt techniques across different combat ranges while developing physical conditioning and mental focus. The curriculum emphasizes practical application over rigid forms, preparing practitioners for unpredictable real-world situations through scenario-based training and cross-disciplinary technique synthesis.
People
Wes Clements
Co-Owner & Head Instructor
With over 30 years of martial arts experience, Wes holds a 4th degree black belt and certifications from multiple international organizations. He teaches Kali, Jeet Kune Do, and Pekiti-Tirsia globally while leading East Wind's instructional team.
Tricia Clements
Co-Owner
A USAF veteran with 17+ years in martial arts, Tricia holds multiple instructor certifications including 3rd degree black belt under Norris Domangue. She specializes in Kali and Pekiti-Tirsia instruction while managing academy operations.
Norris Domangue
Founder
With 40+ years of martial arts expertise, Norris established East Wind in 2002. He holds prestigious certifications from Dan Inosanto and Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje, and has trained military special forces in combat techniques.
John Hackman
Co-Founder
A martial artist for 48 years, John developed East Wind's comprehensive training system. His certifications include 6th Dan Tae Kwon Do and instructor ranks under Dan Inosanto and Grand Tuhon Gaje.
Jim Edwards
Lead MMA Instructor
With 40+ years of experience, Jim teaches MMA, grappling, and striking techniques. A certified instructor in multiple disciplines, he has successfully coached amateur MMA fighters to competition victories through practical training methods.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Jeet Kune Do, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, Combat Submission Wrestling, MMA, Wing Chun, and blended martial arts programs from certified instructors worldwide.
Do you offer beginner classes?
Yes, our free one-week trial allows beginners to experience all programs. Instructors adapt training to individual skill levels during regular classes.
Are youth programs available?
We provide structured martial arts training for children aged 7-16 focusing on discipline, respect, and age-appropriate self-defense techniques.
What are your class schedules?
Adult classes run daily 12-1 PM and 6:10-8 PM. Youth classes Monday-Friday 5:15-6 PM. Saturday sessions available for specific disciplines.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, we provide customized private and group lessons by appointment for individuals seeking specialized training in specific martial arts styles.
What certifications do your instructors hold?
Our team includes certified instructors from Dan Inosanto's Martial Arts Academy, Pekiti-Tirsia World Federation, and multiple black belt holders with military special forces training experience.
