Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts School Since 1968
Bart Vale's ISFA has been a cornerstone of martial arts instruction in South Florida since 1968, establishing itself as the region's oldest and most respected martial arts studio. Founded by Tom Dunne, our school has trained thousands of students in Chinese Kenpo, self-defense, and personal development, producing world-class instructors and champions like Bart Vale. We emphasize individualized training programs tailored to each student's unique needs, combining private instruction with group classes to maximize skill development. Our curriculum focuses exclusively on practical self-defense applications, ensuring students gain confidence and competence in real-world scenarios. With over five decades of experience, we remain committed to preserving the integrity of traditional martial arts while adapting techniques for modern safety challenges.Our instructors, including internationally recognized experts like Bart Vale, bring unparalleled expertise to every lesson. We prioritize student growth over competition, fostering a supportive environment where beginners and advanced practitioners alike can thrive. Our legacy includes pioneering South Florida's first rape prevention programs and developing innovative training methodologies adopted globally. Certified by the American Karate and Kickboxing Association and recognized in Japan, we maintain rigorous standards for instructor certification and student achievement. Through decades of service, we have earned numerous accolades from local governments and media outlets for our contributions to community safety and martial arts education.
Services
Martial Arts Instruction
Self-Defense Training
Rape Prevention Programs
Weight Loss Programs
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We offer 55+ years of continuous martial arts instruction in South Florida
- Our instructors include world champion Bart Vale with 53 years of experience
- We pioneered South Florida's first rape prevention training programs
- We provide personalized private lessons combined with group class instruction
- Our school is certified by the American Karate and Kickboxing Association
Associations and certifications
- American Karate and Kickboxing Association (AKKA)
What people say
Expert instructors
Personalized training
Proven self-defense techniques
Supportive environment
World-class legacy
Services
Martial Arts Instruction
Our martial arts instruction focuses on Chinese Kenpo techniques developed over 55 years of teaching experience. Students learn practical self-defense movements emphasizing efficiency and real-world application. Our certified instructors adapt training to individual physical capabilities while maintaining traditional standards.
Self-Defense Training
Specialized self-defense programs teach practical techniques for real-world scenarios. Training emphasizes situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and effective countermeasures against common attacks. Our methods have been proven through decades of instructing law enforcement and civilian students.
Rape Prevention Programs
Six-week rape prevention programs teach boundary setting, threat recognition, and physical defense techniques. Instruction combines mental preparedness with practical skills for high-risk situations. Courses are available for individuals and groups with specialized adaptations for different age groups.
Private Lessons
Personalized instruction sessions tailored to individual goals and physical abilities. Private lessons allow focused attention on specific techniques, injury prevention, and customized progression plans. This format works particularly well for beginners and specialized self-defense requirements.
Group Classes
Supplemental group sessions reinforce fundamental techniques through structured practice. Classes emphasize physical conditioning, form refinement, and partner drills in a supportive environment. Group training helps develop timing, adaptability, and practical application of learned techniques.
People
Tom Dunne
Founder
Tom Dunne introduced Chinese Kenpo to South Florida in 1968, establishing the region's first martial arts school. He trained under Jim Tracy and developed a successful teaching methodology that produced numerous champion instructors.
Bart Vale
Head Instructor
Bart Vale began training with Tom Dunne in 1970, eventually becoming a fifth-degree black belt. He is a world champion shootfighter, inducted into three martial arts halls of fame, and has over 53 years of teaching experience.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Chinese Kenpo, a practical self-defense system focusing on efficient techniques for real-world situations.
Are your instructors certified?
Yes, our instructors are certified by the American Karate and Kickboxing Association, with our head instructor having over 53 years of experience.
Do you offer beginner classes?
We welcome all skill levels with personalized training programs that start with a two-week introductory course to assess individual needs.
What self-defense programs are available?
We offer specialized rape prevention programs, practical self-defense training, and customized safety courses for different age groups.
How long has your school been operating?
Tiger & Dragon Martial Arts has been teaching in South Florida since 1968, making us the region's oldest martial arts studio.
Can I schedule a private lesson?
Private lessons are available to help you develop specific skills at your own pace with personalized instructor attention.
