Our Motto... Strong Bodies, Strong Minds

 

At AZ Tiger MMA the motto Strong Bodies, Strong Minds  refers to our method of teaching in which we seek to help students create balance in their lives through emphasizing the importance of critical thinking skills, character development, in addition to physical fitness.

 

With youth we achieve this through lessons that can improve academic performance, improve self confidence,  develop respect for others while maintaining all the benefits of physical fitness  and self defense. For adults the motto applies to developing critical thinking skills, a strong sense of self, and tools for healthy living through mixed martial arts training.

 

We are a unique find in the Phoenix Metro Area due to the wide range and skill level of students we serve, our approach to teaching children, our variety of course offerings that includes educational academic classes meeting state standards, and our mission to develop not just the body, but the mind and sense of self as well.

 

The Range Of Students We Serve

 

•  Youth C​​ompetition Team  (6-11 years old)

• Teen Competition Team (12-17 years old)

• Adult Competition Team (18+ years old)

• Tiny Tigers (4-5 years old)

• Youth Recreation Mixed Martial Arts (6-11 years old)

• Teen Recreation Mixed Martial Arts (12-17 years old)

• Adult Recreation Mixed Martial Arts (18+ years old)

• Youth and Teen Bullyproofing Program (ages 6-17 years old)

• Empowering Women Practical Self Defense

• Cuddle Cubbies (10-24 months)

• Tiger Tots (2-3 years old)

• Kinder Cubs (4-8 years old)

 

Our Unique Approach to Teaching Youth

 

Another factor that identifies Az Tiger MMA as an elite dojo is the approach we take to teaching youth. We chose to teach our students in a loving, respectful manner to build them up, not tear them down. Students refer to instructors as Coach rather than Sensei. Contrary to some martial arts dojos, we teach that striking technique such as punching, hitting, kicking, ect should be avoided during a confrontation.  Instead we emphasize the steps of our Bullyproofing program which involve how to speak to a bully, when to ask for adult intervention, final attempts to verbally diffuse a physical confrontation, and finally submission holds that serve to defend without striking.  Confidence building and character development are essential components to the youth programs as well.  Striking arts such as Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and more are still taught, but encouraged to be used only as a last defense.

 

 

About Coach Mark

 

Mark Hibler began training in martial arts at the age 7 when he fell in love with the arts.  Influenced by his Grandfather All Mccardell, Mark Began his journey with Take kwon Do- with Grand Master Bu Kwon Park & Sung Wuk Chung Take Kwon Do has some of the best kicking drills in the business. The drills taken from this art make for total focus and control of your kicking power. combined with Mauy Thai power, and Karate angles, makes for Explosive kicks. Eventually Receiving his black belt in the World Take Kwon-Do federation Mark then his second degree from Unified Take Kwon Do – Master Gus Penison

 

At age 17 he began training in Shri Ryu Karate & Sabaki Gaining his black belt under Master Glen Brooks of Lesburg Fla.Taking with him , the heavy strikes,  stable foot work, and angles of Karate.

By age 20, he had searched out Master and World Judo Champion (Cage Fighting Champion) Christopher Linenger, and began his journey to understanding leverage and throws. The Grappling arts had him hooked.

At 22 He Sought out the Ground ”Up-Grade” in Brazilian jiu jitsu finding a home with 3rd degree BJJ Black Belt Master Jerry Laurita- who is currently under the famous and respected Joe Morreria. 3 years formal training he received his blue belt and has plans to continue down his path to Black Belt in this intricate art.

 

Mark has competed and won in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling competitions as well as many stand up “Striking” competitions.

 

Today he enjoys sharing the art of MMA around the world through his YouTube Channel, and by teaching at the home academy in Scottsdale, Arizona.  He looks forward every week to coaching students in the various youth programs and the opportunity to have a postive affect on the next generation.  

 

Recently has been holding instructor certification in CQB (close quarter battle) Urban Defense. A highly aggressive military style of of elf protection. This is truly revolutionary in the way of teaching quality practical and highly effective art in a short amount of time.