Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Springfield, IL
Since 1982, John Geystons Premier Mart has dedicated itself to transforming lives through martial arts education, coaching, and community building. Our mission centers on providing a safe, inclusive environment where students of all ages and experience levels develop practical self-defense skills, physical fitness, and essential life values like discipline, respect, and perseverance. With programs tailored for preschoolers, children, teens, and adultsincluding specialized Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classeswe emphasize holistic growth that extends beyond physical training. Our team of highly experienced instructors, including 9th Degree Black Belt Hanshi John Geyston, combines decades of competitive expertise with a commitment to personalized guidance. We foster a family-oriented atmosphere where students build confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve personal milestones.Through realistic, practical training methods, we prepare individuals for real-world scenarios while promoting mental resilience and character development. Our Springfield facility serves as a hub for local families seeking both skill mastery and community connection. Recognized for our structured curriculum and supportive environment, we prioritize measurable progress and long-term student success. By integrating traditional martial arts principles with modern teaching techniques, we ensure accessible, engaging instruction for every participant. Our focus remains on empowering individuals to live their best lives through the transformative power of martial arts.
Services
Preschool Martial Arts
Kids Martial Arts
Teen Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Our instructors include 9th Degree Black Belt Hanshi John Geyston with 40+ years of teaching experience
- Proven curriculum improves confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills in 7 days
- Family-friendly environment with classes for preschoolers through adults
- Real-world self-defense techniques taught by competitive martial arts champions
- Structured belt progression system with clear milestones for student achievement
What people say
Life-changing confidence
Family-friendly atmosphere
Visible improvements in 7 days
Expert instructors
Supportive community
Services
Preschool Martial Arts
Our Preschool Martial Arts program develops gross motor skills and social development through structured, fun activities. Designed for 3-5 year olds, it builds foundational discipline and confidence while preparing children for academic success. The curriculum combines physical coordination exercises with character-building lessons that support early childhood development.
Kids Martial Arts
Kids Martial Arts classes teach self-defense techniques alongside essential life skills. Children aged 5-12 develop focus, respect, and perseverance through age-appropriate training that improves school performance and social interactions. Our structured program builds physical fitness while fostering emotional resilience and character development.
Teen Martial Arts
Teen Martial Arts combines high-energy workouts with practical self-defense instruction. Designed for ages 13-17, this program addresses adolescent challenges through confidence-building exercises and discipline-focused training. Participants develop physical strength, mental focus, and social skills in a supportive peer environment that discourages sedentary habits.
Adult Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts offers a dynamic alternative to traditional fitness routines. All skill levels learn practical self-defense techniques while improving cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. Classes emphasize stress relief and mental clarity through structured workouts that build confidence and physical capability in a community setting.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes develop practical self-defense skills and elite physical conditioning. Students learn ground-fighting techniques that improve problem-solving abilities and mental resilience. The program accommodates all experience levels, focusing on technical proficiency and strategic thinking alongside physical transformation and combat preparedness.
People
Hanshi John Geyston
Chief Master Instructor
9th Degree Black Belt with 40+ years teaching experience. Founder of John Geystons Premier Mart, 7-time Grand Champion, and certified instructor in multiple martial arts systems including Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga.
Renshi Rick Christie
4th Degree Black Belt
32 years martial arts experience across eight disciplines including Muay Thai and MMA. Trained under Hanshi Geyston since 1993, combining competitive expertise with teaching excellence in boxing and kickboxing programs.
Sensei Mason Christie
2nd Degree Black Belt
21 years martial arts experience, former kickboxing champion and Gracie Jiu Jitsu blue belt. Trained under his father Renshi Rick Christie, specializing in youth development programs and competitive fighting techniques.
Sensei Austin Simmons
2nd Degree Black Belt
Transformed personal health struggles through martial arts, losing 70 pounds and gaining confidence. Specializes in motivational instruction, helping students overcome anxiety and achieve physical transformation through structured training programs.
Renshi Zach Hecht
4th Degree Black Belt
Studied under Hanshi Geyston since age six, 4th degree in Nippon Ketsugo Ryu Kenpo Jutsu. Head instructor at Rochester location, combining engineering discipline with martial arts expertise to teach Gracie Jiu Jitsu programs.
Questions
Will martial arts make my child aggressive?
No, our students develop confidence to resist bullying while learning humility and kindness through structured character development programs.
Can parents observe classes?
We encourage parental observation and family participation, offering both active involvement and drop-off options with comfortable waiting areas.
Do I need prior fitness experience?
No fitness prerequisites exist. Our progressive training naturally builds physical capability, accommodating all starting fitness levels with personalized instructor support.
How long does black belt training take?
Black belt progression varies individually, focusing on mastery rather than timelines. Our instructors provide personalized guidance through technical, mental, and character development milestones.
What should I wear for first class?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing and bring a water bottle. Avoid restrictive clothing like skirts that might limit movement during kicking and grappling exercises.
How do I start training?
Contact us through our website form or call 217-546-6762 to schedule your first class and discuss program options tailored to your goals and experience level.