(586) 894-836271310 Van Dyke, Romeo MI
Serving Romeo, Washington Township, Shelby Township, Bruce Township, Ray Township, Imlay CIty, Richmond, Armada, Almont, Macomb Township, Oakland Township & Lake Orion
EliteMartial Arts
About Us

Building Confident People Since 2017

Elite Martial Arts has called Romeo home since 2017.Get to know the coach, the mission, and the community behind it.

Our Story

Where EMA Began

Elite Martial Arts opened its doors in Romeo in 2017, founded by Coach Joe Yaquinto on one simple belief: that martial arts is one of the most powerful ways to build confident, focused, and disciplined people. What began as one coach's mission has grown into a community that has trained more than 3,577 students across Romeo, Washington Township, Shelby Township, Bruce Township, Ray Township, Imlay CIty, Richmond, Armada, Almont, Macomb Township, Oakland Township & Lake Orion.

We teach authentic Karate · Tai Chi the right way, for kids as young as four all the way through adults. Our background-checked, experienced coaches do far more than teach striking. They learn every student's name, celebrate every win, and help each person discover exactly what they are capable of, on the mat and off it.

Young student training at Elite Martial Arts
Coach Joe Yaquinto with his family at Elite Martial Arts in Romeo, MI
Meet your Sensei

Meet Sensei Yaquinto

Sensei Yaquinto has been a dedicated martial artist since he was a young teenager, and that passion still drives everything we do at Elite Martial Arts. His training has taken him to Japan many times, where his cultural adaptability and multilingual skills have deepened his understanding of the arts he teaches.

He holds black belts in multiple martial arts and is committed to passing that knowledge on to every student who walks through our doors. As a competitor, he has tested himself at the national level, earning three grand championships in Karate and Kobudo.

What matters most to Sensei Yaquinto is you. He takes genuine pride in encouraging every student to pursue their goals and dreams, and he makes sure each person is recognized for the effort they put in. That's the heart of what makes Elite Martial Arts feel like family.

2017Year established
3,577+Students trained
5 ★★★★★61 Google reviews
What we stand for

The EMA Standard

A black belt is earned in the small habits, not the big moments.These are the values every EMA class is built on.

Respect

Everything starts with respect: for yourself, for your training partners, and for your coaches. It is the first thing we teach.

Discipline

Showing up, working hard, and following through. The habits built on the mat carry straight into school, work, and home.

Confidence

Our students stand taller, speak up, and meet challenges head-on, with a calm, focused mindset that follows them everywhere.

Community

We are a community, not just a gym. Every age, every background, and every goal is welcome here, and nobody trains alone.

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  • Friendly Instructors who care about you and your child
  • A safe, clean space families trust
  • Convenient classes that fit real family schedules

"Elite Martial Arts is beyond a karate school!!! Kids don't just train here, they become a better person in many aspects of life. We are greatly thankful to the amazing Sensei and Sempai and all trainers for being such outstanding individuals. Thank you for being so dedicated, capable and thank you for your guidance to our children!"

E. K. Google

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