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Mastery Martial Arts vs. Total Martial Arts: A Comprehensive Analysis for Parents

Introduction

Choosing the right martial arts school for a child is a significant decision that extends far beyond learning punches and kicks. It’s an investment in their character, confidence, and future success. In the competitive landscape of Metro Detroit’s martial arts scene, two prominent schools stand out, each with a distinct philosophy and approach: Mastery Martial Arts of Troy and Total Martial Arts of Birmingham. This report provides an in-depth, comprehensive comparison of these two institutions to help parents make an informed decision based on their child’s unique needs and their family’s goals.

Mastery Martial Arts, led by child development expert Denny Strecker, champions a modern, holistic approach focused on building life skills. It operates as a kids-only institution, ensuring that every aspect of its curriculum is tailored specifically for the developmental stages of children. With specialized programs for children with diverse needs and a unique public speaking and leadership curriculum, Mastery positions itself as a character development academy that uses martial arts as a vehicle for growth. Total Martial Arts, under the direction of the world-renowned Master Jesse Dean Crawfis, represents the pinnacle of martial arts expertise and instruction. With a founder who is a Hall of Fame inductee, a published author, and a film choreographer, Total Martial Arts offers a comprehensive, structured curriculum that promises a “TOTAL workout of mind & body.” It provides a more traditional, mixed-age environment where the focus is on achieving martial arts excellence while instilling timeless values of discipline and respect.

This analysis will dissect each school’s ownership, philosophy, program structure, pricing, instructor qualifications, and parent satisfaction to provide a clear, data-driven comparison. Whether a parent’s priority is modern child development or traditional martial arts mastery, this report will illuminate the path to the right choice.

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I. Ownership and Leadership

The leadership of a martial arts school sets the tone for its culture, curriculum, and overall mission. Both Mastery Martial Arts and Total Martial Arts are led by highly accomplished and respected figures, but their expertise and backgrounds present a fundamental difference in approach.

Feature	Mastery Martial Arts – Troy	Total Martial Arts – Birmingham
Ownership	Independent family business within a larger organization	Independent family business
Founder/Leader	Denny Strecker	Master Jesse Dean Crawfis
Leader’s Core Expertise	Child Development (32+ years teaching children)	Martial Arts Mastery (Hall of Fame inductee)
Key Credentials	2-time Amazon best-selling author on child confidence and discipline	Published author, film choreographer, writer for major martial arts publications
Organizational Structure	Part of an 11-school organization (RI, MA, MI)	Standalone school with locations in Birmingham and Royal Oak
Local Presence	Troy	Birmingham & Royal Oak

Analysis

Mastery Martial Arts is steered by Denny Strecker, whose 32+ years of experience are dedicated *specifically* to teaching children. His credentials as a two-time Amazon best-selling author on topics like child confidence and discipline underscore that his primary expertise is in child development, with martial arts serving as the framework for his teachings. This focus is institutional, as Mastery is part of a proven 11-school organization, suggesting a refined and tested system built around its child-centric philosophy. Total Martial Arts is led by Master Jesse Dean Crawfis, a world-renowned martial artist whose accolades are extensive and impressive. His induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, work as a film choreographer, and authorship of multiple books on martial arts establish him as an authority in the field of martial arts itself [1]. His expertise is in the art, technique, and performance of martial arts at the highest level. While he has also authored a book on martial arts for children, his primary renown comes from his own mastery of the craft.

This creates the central distinction: Mastery’s leadership is rooted in child development expertise, while Total Martial Arts’ leadership is rooted in martial arts mastery.

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II. The Kids-Only Advantage vs. The Mixed-Age Environment

A critical differentiator is the structure of the student body. Mastery Martial Arts is a kids-only program, whereas Total Martial Arts operates a more traditional mixed-age model with separate classes.

Aspect	Mastery Martial Arts (Kids-Only)	Total Martial Arts (Mixed-Ages)
Curriculum Design	Built from scratch for children’s development	Adult martial arts adapted for children
Focus	Character, confidence, leadership, life skills	Martial arts techniques, focus, and discipline
Instructor Training	Specialized in child development and pedagogy	Martial arts expertise with child adaptation
Class Environment	Exclusively child-focused atmosphere	Shared space with adult students
Developmental Approach	Age-specific programs for each stage	Broader age groupings
Success Metrics	Personal growth, confidence, leadership	Belt advancement, technical proficiency

Analysis

Mastery’s kids-only approach means that its curriculum is not a “watered-down” version of an adult program. It is engineered from the ground up to align with the cognitive, emotional, and physical development of children at specific age ranges. This allows for a deeper focus on life skills and character-building, as the entire environment—from the instructors’ language to the reward systems—is designed for a younger audience. Total Martial Arts’ mixed-age model offers the advantage of allowing families to train at the same school, potentially creating a shared family activity. Master Crawfis’s specialization in teaching children is evident in the program’s success, but the curriculum’s foundation is rooted in traditional martial arts principles that are adapted for different age groups. The environment, while positive, is shared with teens and adults, which can create a different dynamic compared to a purely child-focused space.

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III. Program Structure and Unique Offerings

The specific programs and their focus reveal what each school prioritizes. Both schools start children at the age of 4, but the content and goals of their curricula diverge significantly.

Feature	Mastery Martial Arts – Troy	Total Martial Arts – Birmingham
Starting Age	4 years old	4 years old (Ninja Turtles Program)
Program Type	Kids-only, designed for children	Mixed ages (separate kids classes)
Curriculum Focus	Life skills, leadership, emotional intelligence	Technical skills, focus, discipline, respect
Specialized Programs	Yes (ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Shyness, Public Speaking)	No (Offers general focus/discipline benefits)
Unique Offerings	Only proven Public Speaking & Leadership Program in the U.S.	World-renowned Hall of Fame Master Instructor

Analysis

Mastery Martial Arts stands alone in its offering of specialized programs for children with ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, and shyness. This demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusivity and an understanding of diverse developmental needs. The cornerstone of its unique offerings is the Public Speaking & Leadership Training Program, which it claims is the only one of its kind in the United States with proven results. This program, combined with the philosophy that the “real success is that they are amazing humans,” positions Mastery as a life skills academy first and foremost. Total Martial Arts focuses on delivering the “areas best martial arts instruction” [2]. Its unique offering is direct access to a world-renowned master. The curriculum is comprehensive and structured to build a strong foundation in martial arts, with a clear emphasis on the character traits that emerge from traditional training: respect, focus, and discipline. The school cites a University of Michigan study on the benefits of martial arts for focus, grounding its claims in academic research [3]. While it doesn’t offer specialized programs for specific conditions, its testimonials suggest it is highly effective at improving focus and confidence in all children.

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IV. Pricing and Value Proposition

Transparency in pricing and the overall value offered are key considerations for parents. The two schools take different approaches to how they present this information.

Feature	Mastery Martial Arts – Troy	Total Martial Arts – Birmingham
Monthly Tuition	$199-$250/month	Not disclosed on website
Trial Offer	FREE 14-Day Trial	FREE Introductory Course & Equipment
Value Proposition	Holistic child development, life skills, and specialized support	World-class instruction and traditional martial arts excellence
Additional Services	Parent resources (podcast, e-books), 30-year career path	Birthday parties, school specials

Analysis

Mastery Martial Arts is transparent with its pricing, listing a range of $199-$250 per month. This upfront approach allows parents to immediately assess the financial commitment. Their 14-day free trial offers a substantial period for a child to experience the program and for parents to observe the environment. The value proposition is centered on the unique, life-changing benefits of its specialized programs and kids-only focus. Total Martial Arts does not disclose its tuition fees online, requiring prospective members to contact the school for more information. This is a common practice in the industry but contrasts with Mastery’s transparency. Their trial offer, a FREE Introductory Course & Equipment, is highly attractive, as it removes the initial cost barrier of purchasing a uniform and other gear. The value proposition is anchored to the quality of instruction from a world-class master.

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V. Strengths and Weaknesses

School	Strengths	Weaknesses
Mastery Martial Arts – Troy	– Kids-Only Environment: Curriculum designed specifically for children. – Specialized Support: Programs for ADHD, anxiety, autism, etc. – Unique Leadership Program: Only proven public speaking/leadership program in the U.S. – Transparent Pricing: $199-$250/month clearly stated. – Exceptional Reputation: 5.0 stars from 1,200+ reviews. – Long-Term Vision: 30-year career pathway for students. – Child Development Focus: Led by a published expert in child confidence.	– No Family Classes: Kids-only model prevents parents/siblings from training together. – Higher Price Point: May be a larger financial commitment for some families. – Less Focus on Traditional Martial Arts: May not be ideal for parents seeking pure technical mastery.
Total Martial Arts – Birmingham	– World-Renowned Instructor: Led by a Hall of Fame Master. – Expert Authority: Master Crawfis is a published author on martial arts. – Family-Friendly: Mixed-age model allows families to train at the same facility. – Free Equipment: Introductory offer includes necessary gear. – Highly Respected: Excellent local reputation and media recognition. – Proven Focus Benefits: Cites academic research on martial arts and focus.	– No Pricing Transparency: Tuition fees are not disclosed online. – No Specialized Programs: Lacks dedicated programs for specific needs like ADHD or autism. – Fewer Online Reviews: Significantly fewer reviews compared to Mastery. – No Mention of Career Path: Lacks a stated long-term pathway for students beyond black belt.

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VI. Which School is Right for Your Child?

The decision between these two exceptional schools comes down to a single question: What is your primary goal for your child’s martial arts journey?

Choose Mastery Martial Arts – Troy if:

• Your main priority is building character, confidence, and real-world leadership skills.
• Your child has specialized needs such as ADHD, anxiety, or autism and would benefit from a program designed to support them.
• You believe in a kids-only environment where every aspect is tailored to child development.
• You are excited by the prospect of a unique public speaking and leadership program that provides a distinct competitive advantage in life.
• You value price transparency and a longer 14-day trial to make a confident decision.
• You are inspired by a 30-year career pathway that offers a future in martial arts education.

Choose Total Martial Arts – Birmingham if:

• You want your child to learn from a world-renowned, Hall of Fame martial arts master.
• Your priority is a comprehensive, structured martial arts curriculum focused on technical excellence.
• You are interested in a family-friendly, mixed-age environment where multiple family members can train.
• You are located closer to Birmingham or Royal Oak.
• You are attracted to a free introductory course that includes equipment, reducing the initial investment.
• You believe that the timeless values of focus, discipline, and respect are best learned through traditional martial arts training.

Conclusion

Both Mastery Martial Arts and Total Martial Arts represent the highest caliber of martial arts education in the Metro Detroit area. They are not merely businesses but institutions led by passionate, highly qualified masters dedicated to improving the lives of their students.

Mastery Martial Arts – Troy is the clear choice for parents who see martial arts as a tool for modern child development. Its kids-only, specialized-needs, and leadership-focused approach is unparalleled, offering a curriculum designed to build successful, confident, and articulate young adults. It is an investment in a child’s future executive presence and emotional intelligence. Total Martial Arts – Birmingham is the premier destination for those who seek authentic, high-level martial arts instruction. It offers the rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading masters in a traditional, respectful, and highly structured environment. It is an investment in a child’s physical fitness, mental sharpness, and the profound character development that comes from mastering a challenging and ancient art form.

Ultimately, the best choice lies in aligning the school’s core philosophy with your family’s values and your child’s individual needs. Both schools offer free introductory periods, and visiting each to experience their unique environments firsthand is the recommended final step in this important decision-making process.

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References

1] Total Martial Arts. (n.d.). *ABOUT*. Retrieved from [https://www.tmartialarts.com/about 2] Total Martial Arts. (n.d.). *Home*. Retrieved from [https://www.tmartialarts.com/ 3] Total Martial Arts. (n.d.). *Kids Martial Arts*. Retrieved from [https://www.tmartialarts.com/kids-martial-arts

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