We are a leading institution for karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Yamanni-Ryu instruction. Why Choose Nishime Martial Arts?
Established in 1988, Nishime Martial Arts is a distinguished martial arts school dedicated to the art of self-discipline, physical fitness, and personal growth. Welcome to Nishime Martial Arts – Elevating Your Martial Arts Journey Since 1988! At Nishime Martial Arts, we take pride in our rich legacy of martial arts instruction that spans over three decades. Since our establishment in 1988, we have
been committed to providing top-notch training in karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Yamanni-Ryu to individuals of all ages, from 4-year-olds to adults. Our dojo is not just a place to learn martial arts; it's a community that fosters personal growth, physical fitness, and a deep appreciation for the martial arts heritage. Meet Our Master Instructors:
Our legacy is built on the expertise of our head instructors – Kiyoshi Nishime and Jason Nishime. Kiyoshi Nishime, hailing from the martial arts epicenter of Okinawa, Japan, brings an unparalleled 51 years of teaching experience to our dojo. His teachings are deeply rooted in tradition, providing students with a unique blend of ancient martial arts wisdom and modern application. Jason Nishime, with 26 years of teaching under his belt, adds a contemporary touch to our instruction, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience for our students. Diverse Martial Arts Programs:
At Nishime Martial Arts, we believe in offering a comprehensive martial arts education that caters to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Our programs include:
Karate: Immerse yourself in the art of karate, where you'll learn not just physical techniques but also the mental discipline and focus that come with this traditional martial art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Explore the ground game with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that emphasizes leverage and technique, making it suitable for practitioners of all sizes and strengths. Yamanni-Ryu: Dive into the intricacies of Yamanni-Ryu, a unique martial art that combines elements of Okinawan traditional martial arts with a focus on practical self-defense. Ages 4 Through Adult – Inclusive Learning Environment:
We welcome individuals of all ages to join our martial arts family. Our specialized programs are designed to cater to the unique needs of different age groups, ensuring that everyone, from 4-year-old beginners to adult enthusiasts, receives personalized attention and guidance. Legacy of Excellence: With over 30 years of experience, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality martial arts education. Authentic Instruction: Our head instructors bring a wealth of experience and cultural knowledge, providing an authentic martial arts experience. Diverse Programs: Choose from karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Yamanni-Ryu, or combine them to create a well-rounded martial arts education. Inclusive Community: Nishime Martial Arts is more than just a dojo; it's a community where students support each other on their martial arts journey. Life Skills Development: Our programs not only focus on physical fitness and martial skills but also instill valuable life skills such as discipline, respect, and perseverance. Community and Camaraderie:
Joining Nishime Martial Arts means becoming part of a supportive community. Our dojo is a place where friendships are forged, and students motivate each other to reach new heights. The camaraderie extends beyond the mat, creating a positive and uplifting environment for personal and collective growth. Achieve Your Full Potential:
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, our dojo is the perfect place to refine your skills and unlock your full potential. Our instructors tailor their approach to accommodate individual learning styles, ensuring that each student receives the guidance they need to excel.
06/11/2026
The Nastold family's connection to Nishime Martial Arts goes back to the 1990s. Bill Nastold and his three children, William, Shannon, and Austin, trained for years together, earning black belts and competing nationally while developing discipline, confidence, and leadership skills.
Life took them in other directions but today, Bill is back at the dojo with a new generation—his nephew Denzel and granddaughter Aria—continuing a family martial arts tradition that spans decades.
We love seeing former students return and share the benefits of martial arts with their children and grandchildren. Moments like these remind us that martial arts is about more than self-defense; it's about family, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
If you're looking for martial arts classes in Cincinnati for children, teens, or adults, we'd love to help your family begin its own journey.
Nishime Martial Arts — Building confidence, character, and family traditions since the 1990s.
06/10/2026
Training never ends.
As we prepare for our upcoming seminar and demonstration at the WUKF World Championships in Romania, Hanshi and Shihan Nishime continue refining the principles of Kumibo, proving that mastery is a journey, not a destination.
Every repetition, every correction, and every training session is an opportunity to learn, improve, and preserve the traditions of Okinawan karate and kobudo.
The higher the rank, the greater the responsibility to keep learning.
See you in Romania.
06/10/2026
Strong Girls. Strong Friendships. Strong Futures.
Karate is about more than punches and kicks. It’s about building confidence, developing resilience, and creating friendships that last far beyond the dojo.
In every class, these girls encourage each other, celebrate each other's successes, and grow stronger together. Through training, they learn leadership, discipline, self-defense, and the confidence to face challenges both on and off the mat.
When girls support girls, amazing things happen.
06/06/2026
Tanner has been attending Nishime Martial Arts since 2021. He started with the mighty might program at the Florence Dojo. I can’t say enough good about Nishime . Tanners self control and confidence has definitely improved since becoming a student . He has learned so many skills that will not only help him with self defense but also with every day life .
The instructors Drew , Cole , Aiden , and Jacob are great also !! It’s obvious they have a passion for teaching the kids. They connect not only with Tanner but with each child individually. I couldn’t ask for better role models for Tanner . We are so blessed to have Tanner in Nishime . They truly care about the students and teaching them
06/05/2026
First-day nerves are real. Confidence is earned.
Watch this young martial artist go from feeling anxious and unsure on her first day to practicing strong basics, performing kata with focus, and stepping onto the sparring floor with confidence.
Martial arts isn't about being fearless. It's about learning to face challenges, build resilience, and believe in yourself one class at a time.
Every black belt started as a beginner.
06/03/2026
In this reel, Jason Nishime demonstrates how to follow up a lasso sweep when the opponent tries to defend the position. Learning chained attacks and transitions is a huge part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because high-level grappling is about timing, adaptability, and staying one step ahead.
Drilling follow-up techniques helps students improve problem-solving, control, reaction time, and overall effectiveness in live rolling.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes at Nishime Martial Arts help kids, teens, and adults build confidence, self-defense skills, fitness, and technical grappling ability in a structured training environment.
06/03/2026
At Nishime Martial Arts, sparring drills are about learning distance, control, discipline, and how to stay calm under pressure. These drills teach students how to think, move, and respond while building respect for their training partners.
Karate training helps children improve self-defense skills, athletic ability, confidence, and mental focus both on and off the mat.
05/29/2026
Spots are still open
05/28/2026
From a shy 5-year-old stepping onto the mat for the first time to a confident young adult returning with a new purpose, Isaac’s journey is what martial arts is all about.
In over 8 years of training at Nishime Martial Arts, Isaac earned his Black Belt in karate, competed at national tournaments, and became one of the very first students in our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program.
Life took him in different directions for a while, but the lessons learned on the mat never leave you. Now Isaac is back with a renewed passion for jiu jitsu, proving that martial arts isn’t just an activity for kids; it’s a lifelong journey of growth, discipline, resilience, and self-discovery.
Watching students grow from children into strong young adults is one of the greatest rewards of teaching.
05/27/2026
We would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Nick on achieving his purple belt in jiu-jitsu. Nick has been a member of our program since day 1 over 12 years ago, having been part of the Day 1 group, and despite life's interruptions, he has consistently returned to jiu-jitsu.
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