More Than a Gym.
A Place to Grow.
Structured martial arts for kids,teens, and adults
in Rochester.
Why Ronin Exists
Ronin was founded to build a different kind of martial arts academy.
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One where tradition and modern training work together.
Where structure replaces chaos.
Where students don't just train hard - they improve with direction.
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From beginners stepping on the mat for the first time to competitors preparing for championships, the goal is the same:
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Clear progression.
Strong fundamentals.
Long-term growth.
Meet Coach Adam Tucker
Adam Tucker is the Founder and Head Coach of Ronin Martial Arts Academy, bringing over 20 years of martial arts experience to his students.
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World Kickboxing Series U.S. National Champion
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2011 New York State No-Gi Absolute (Open Weight) Grappling Champion
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2nd Degree Black Belt in Goshin Do Karate
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Brown Belt in Hayastan Grappling
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Blue Belt in Bang Muay Thai
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His focus isn't just on winning - it's on building a structured training environment where students understand what they're learning and why.
Hayastan Grappling
Founded by Sensei Gokor Chivichyan, Hayastan is a combat-based grappling system blending Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo and Catch Wrestling.
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Coach Adam is a direct student under Sensei Gokor, carrying forward the system's emphasis on positional control, submissions, and practical application in both gi and no-gi training.
Bang Muay Thai
Founded by Sensei Duane Ludwig, Bang Muay Thai is a modern striking system built on precision, footwork, and intelligent pressure.
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Coach Adam trains directly under Sensei Duane Ludwig, integrating the system's structured drilling and pad development into Ronin's Curriculum for long-term progression.
Goshin-Do Karate
Founded by Shihan Norman Yonkers, Goshin-Do blends traditional discipline with practical self-defense and full contact application.
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Coach Adam is a direct student under Shihan Yonkers, maintaining the system's structured belt progression while integrating striking, grappling and applied fundamentals into modern training.
Our Lineage & Training Roots
Samantha Palella
Assistant Kids Instructor
Samantha assists across Ronin’s youth programs, reinforcing structure, discipline, and strong fundamentals in every class. In 2024, she won the Women’s New York State Absolute (Open Weight) Championship, bringing competitive experience and leadership to the mat.
Colby VanKleeck
Assistant Instructor
Colby assists in Karate, Bang Muay Thai, and Grappling classes, supporting both youth and adult programs. He reinforces technical precision, repetition, and focus during training, helping maintain the structured standards that define Ronin.
Derek Cieplenski
Assistant Instructor
Derek assists across multiple programs, helping uphold execution, accountability, and controlled intensity in class. His presence supports students as they refine skills and build confidence under pressure.
Ryan Tucker
Junior Coach - Little Pups
Ryan assists in the Little Pups program, helping younger students develop focus, listening skills, and confidence during their early martial arts experience. As a developing martial artist himself, he represents the next generation of Ronin’s training culture.
Meet the Coaching Team
Start Training With Structure
Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or preparing for competition, Ronin Martial Arts Academy provides clear progression, structured training, and long-term development.