In-Depth Analysis: Mastery Martial Arts – Troy vs. Victorious MMA
Executive Summary
For parents in Troy, Michigan, choosing a martial arts school involves navigating a landscape of diverse philosophies, styles, and goals. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of two of the city’s top-rated yet fundamentally different institutions: Mastery Martial Arts – Troy and Victorious MMA. Mastery Martial Arts represents a modern, kids-only leadership development program that uses a karate-based curriculum as a vehicle for holistic character building. In contrast, Victorious MMA is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary combat sports gym for all ages, founded by a professional MMA fighter and focused on authentic, real-world fighting skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, and Combat Sambo.
The decision between these two schools is not about which is “better,” but which is the right fit for a child’s specific needs, personality, and the family’s goals. This report aims to clarify these differences, empowering parents to make an informed choice between a program designed to cultivate a child’s inner character and one designed to forge a physical warrior.
Understanding Karate vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: What Parents Need to Know
Before comparing the schools, it is crucial for parents to understand the fundamental difference between the primary martial arts they teach. The choice between Karate and BJJ is often the most significant factor in determining the right path for a child.
What is Karate?
Karate is a striking-based martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. Its techniques primarily involve punches, kicks, blocks, and open-handed strikes executed from a standing position. Karate training emphasizes discipline, precision, and the development of speed and power. A key component of traditional karate is the practice of *kata*, which are pre-arranged patterns of movements practiced solo to perfect form and technique. Because it can be practiced with controlled contact, it is often seen as a suitable entry point for younger children into the world of martial arts.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. Developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, BJJ is famously known as “the gentle art” because it teaches that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage, joint-locks, and chokeholds. Training involves a high degree of physical contact through partner drills and live sparring (known as “rolling”). It is often compared to a physical game of chess, requiring problem-solving and strategic thinking under pressure.
Which is Better for My Child?
Neither art is inherently superior; they simply develop different skills and attributes.
| Feature | Karate (Mastery’s Base) | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Victorious’s Core) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Technique | Striking (punches, kicks, blocks) | Grappling (holds, chokes, submissions) |
| Primary Range | Stand-up, long-range | Close-quarters, ground fighting |
| Physical Contact | Controlled, less physical contact | High contact, wrestling-style sparring |
| Learning Style | Visual, pattern-based (kata) | Kinesthetic, problem-solving, strategic |
| Physical Benefits | Speed, power, coordination, balance | Core strength, leverage, body awareness |
| Philosophical Focus | Discipline, respect, character | Resilience, problem-solving, humility |
Choose Karate if your child is younger (4-6), prefers less physical contact, learns well through visual patterns, or if your primary goal is to instill discipline and focus in a structured environment.
Choose BJJ if your child enjoys physical challenges like wrestling, is a strategic thinker, needs to build confidence in handling larger opponents, or is interested in a practical, reality-based self-defense system.
I. Ownership & Leadership Philosophy
The philosophy of a martial arts school starts at the top. The founders’ backgrounds shape the curriculum, the culture, and the ultimate goal of the training.
Mastery Martial Arts – Troy is led by Denny Strecker, a child development expert with over 32 years of experience dedicated exclusively to teaching children. His credentials as a two-time Amazon best-selling author on topics of child confidence and discipline underscore the school’s educational foundation [1]. Mastery is part of an 11-school organization, but it operates as a family-owned business with a philosophy rooted in educational psychology. The mission is not to create fighters, but to use martial arts as a tool for character development.
Victorious MMA, founded in 2010, is led by Victor “El Torito” Torres, a professional MMA fighter and combat sports expert [2]. His experience in the competitive cage fighting world directly informs the gym’s ethos. This is a family-run business built on a foundation of real-world combat effectiveness and a “warrior” mindset. The mission is to provide authentic, battle-tested training that equips students for high-pressure situations, whether in competition or self-defense.
| Feature | Mastery Martial Arts – Troy | Victorious MMA |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Denny Strecker | Victor “El Torito” Torres |
| Founder’s Expertise | Child Development, Educational Psychology | Professional MMA Fighter, Combat Sports |
| Years of Experience | 32+ years teaching children | Professional fighting career, founded gym in 2010 |
| Core Philosophy | Develop “amazing humans” and leaders | “Unlock your inner warrior” |
| Business Model | Family-owned, part of 11-school group | Family-run, independent gym |
II. Program Structure and Environment
The most significant structural difference is the student body and environment.
Mastery Martial Arts is a kids-only program for ages 4-16. This creates an environment entirely dedicated to child development, where the curriculum, teaching style, and facility are all tailored to younger learners without the influence or presence of adult classes. Their curriculum is built from the ground up for different childhood development stages, rather than being a “watered-down” version of an adult program. This focus allows them to offer their unique, proven Public Speaking & Leadership Program and provide effective support for children with diverse needs (like ADHD, anxiety, or autism) within their mainstream classes [1].
Victorious MMA operates as a mixed-age combat sports gym. It offers distinct kids’ classes (primarily for ages under 12) but within a facility that caters to adults, competitive athletes, and military veterans. This creates a more intense, authentic gym atmosphere. The primary advantage is the breadth of disciplines offered—BJJ, Muay Thai, Combat Sambo, and Judo—and the opportunity for families to train at the same facility. Their special veterans’ program, offered in partnership with the We Defy Foundation, highlights a commitment to the broader adult community [2].
| Feature | Mastery Martial Arts – Troy | Victorious MMA |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Kids-Only (Ages 4-16) | Mixed Ages (Kids, Teens, Adults) |
| Primary Kids Style | Karate-based | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Other Disciplines | Leadership, Public Speaking | Muay Thai, Combat Sambo, Judo, MMA |
| Specialized Support | Yes (ADHD, anxiety, etc. in mainstream class) | No (Focus on Veterans Program) |
| Unique Program | Only proven Public Speaking & Leadership Program in U.S. | Michigan’s ONLY authentic Combat Sambo |
III. Pricing and Value Proposition
Transparency and trial offers can provide insight into a school’s confidence in its value.
Mastery Martial Arts is transparent with its pricing, listing monthly tuition between $199-$250 [1]. They offer a FREE 14-Day Trial, a significantly longer period than most schools, allowing families ample time to assess the program’s fit. Their value proposition is centered on holistic child development, leadership skills, and the unique benefits of their specialized programs, positioning the cost as an investment in a child’s future success.
Victorious MMA does not disclose its pricing online, which is common for MMA gyms that offer varied membership packages. They provide a FREE introductory trial class, allowing potential students to experience the environment and instruction firsthand. Their value proposition lies in providing authentic, multi-disciplinary combat sports training under the guidance of a professional fighter, offering a path to functional fitness and real-world self-defense skills [2].
| Feature | Mastery Martial Arts – Troy | Victorious MMA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Tuition | $199-$250/month | Not Disclosed |
| Trial Offer | FREE 14-Day Trial | FREE Trial Class |
| Value Proposition | Holistic child development, leadership | Authentic combat sports, real-world skills |
| Parent Resources | Podcast, e-books, parent workshops | None mentioned |
| Community Programs | None mentioned | FREE Veterans Jiu-Jitsu Program |
IV. Parent Satisfaction and Reviews
Both schools boast a perfect 5.0-star rating on Yelp, but the volume and nature of the reviews tell different stories.
Mastery Martial Arts has an exceptionally high volume of over 1,200 reviews, indicating a large and highly satisfied customer base. Reviews consistently praise the program’s transformative impact on children’s confidence, discipline, and leadership skills.
Victorious MMA has a smaller but equally positive set of 12 reviews on Yelp, earning it the #1 rank for MMA gyms in Troy. Reviews emphasize the
“family feel,” the professionalism of the instruction, and the inclusive, “ego-free” environment where beginners feel welcome among serious fighters.
V. Strengths and Weaknesses
Mastery Martial Arts – Troy
Strengths:
– Leadership Development for ALL Children: A clear, defined mission beyond just martial arts.
– Kids-Only Environment: Curriculum and facility are 100% focused on child development.
– Proven Specialized Support: Ability to help children with ADHD, anxiety, and autism succeed in a mainstream program.
– Unique Public Speaking Program: The only one of its kind in the nation with proven results.
– Transparent Pricing & Long Trial: Builds trust and allows for thorough evaluation.
– Overwhelmingly Positive Reputation: 1,200+ 5-star reviews provide strong social proof.
– Expert Leadership: Led by a published child development expert.
– Long-Term Career Pathway: Offers a 30-year path from student to school owner.
Weaknesses:
– Not Authentic Combat Sport: The program is a vehicle for development, not for creating competitive fighters.
– Karate-Based: May be seen as less practical for self-defense compared to grappling arts by some parents.
– No Family Classes: The kids-only model prevents parents from training alongside their children.
Victorious MMA
Strengths:
– Authentic Combat Sports Training: Instruction in BJJ, Muay Thai, Sambo, and Judo from a professional fighter.
– Real-World Effectiveness: Focus on battle-tested techniques for practical self-defense.
– Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Students can cross-train in striking and grappling arts.
– Michigan’s Only Combat Sambo: A unique and highly effective grappling art.
– FREE Veterans Program: Strong commitment to the military community.
– Inclusive, “Family Feel” Culture: Welcoming to beginners despite its serious, high-contact nature.
– Family Training Opportunities: Mixed-age environment allows parents and children to train at the same facility.
Weaknesses:
– Not Designed for Child Development: The primary focus is on fighting technique, not holistic growth.
– No Pricing Transparency: Parents must inquire directly to learn about costs.
– Limited Review Volume: Far fewer reviews compared to Mastery, making it harder to gauge long-term parent satisfaction.
– High-Contact Nature: The intensity of BJJ and Muay Thai sparring may not be suitable for all children.
– No Leadership or Soft-Skill Programs: Lacks programs focused on public speaking or emotional intelligence.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Mastery Martial Arts and Victorious MMA are both 5-star institutions, but they serve entirely different purposes. The best choice depends on a parent’s primary goal for their child.
Choose Mastery Martial Arts – Troy if:
– Your primary goal is building character, confidence, and leadership skills in your child.
– You want a kids-only environment where the curriculum is designed from the ground up for children.
– You believe in a holistic approach to development that balances physical, mental, and emotional growth.
– Your child could benefit from the unique Public Speaking & Leadership Program.
– Your child has diverse needs (ADHD, anxiety, etc.) and you want a mainstream program with proven expertise in providing support.
– You value transparent pricing and a long, 14-day free trial.
Choose Victorious MMA if:
– Your primary goal is for your child to learn authentic, effective self-defense and combat sports.
– You want your child to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or Sambo under a professional fighter.
– You value a multi-disciplinary approach that includes both grappling and striking.
– You are interested in a mixed-age environment where the family can train together.
– You are drawn to a gym with a strong “family feel” and an “ego-free” culture.
– You want to support a business that gives back to the community through its free veterans’ program.
In essence, a parent sends their child to Mastery Martial Arts to become a better person and a leader. A parent sends their child to Victorious MMA to become a capable fighter and a resilient warrior. Both are valid and valuable goals, and Troy is fortunate to have two such high-caliber institutions to choose from.
References
[1] Mastery Martial Arts – Troy. (2025). *Kids Martial Arts Troy MI*. Retrieved from https://kidsmartialartstroy.com and https://masterymi.com.
[2] Victorious MMA. (2025). *Victorious MMA*. Retrieved from https://www.victoriousmma.com.
Ready to Choose the Right Program for Your Child?
Both schools offer free trials. Experience the difference firsthand!
Try Mastery Martial Arts FREE Try Victorious MMA FREE