Welcome to Nishime Martial Arts in Cincinnati OH!
Transform
Your Life
We use martial arts to transform lives by improving health and fitness, enhancing confidence, providing self defense skills, and building a community of positive, motivated people.
Welcome
With over 50 years of experience, we are the premiere martial arts academy in Cincinnati, OH and the tri-state area. We offer a full complement of traditional to modern arts from Karate to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for both adults and kids.
We are also a family-run business with a long history in martial arts, a strong sense of community, and a focus on martial arts values of respect, humility, and perseverance.
Martial arts is more than just a sport, self-defense system, or fitness program; it’s a lifestyle that improves the whole person. Our programs are designed for people of all levels, experiences, and ages from absolute beginner to world-class competitor.
Our experienced professional team will help you achieve your goals whether it’s self improvement, self defense, weight loss, confidence, or to be a world champion. In the process, you will transform your life.
*We serve the communities of Cincinnati, Miamitown, Blue Jay, Harrison, New Haven, New Baltimore, Dent, Hooven, Elizabethtown, Miami Heights, Mack, Bridgetown North, Covedale, Monfort Heights, White Oak, Northbrook, Northgate, Dunlap, and the surrounding areas. We also have a location in Florence, KY that serves Northern Kentucky.
** We are also proud to be an official affiliates of Adopt A Cop BJJ and the We Defy Foundation.
FITNESS
Whatever martial arts program you pursue, you will get in the best shape of your life. You’ll torch fat and calories while building aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. All of our programs are mentally engaging. Therefore, you’ll never be bored and always looking forward to the next one.
Confidence
You’ll have a new belief in yourself that comes from the confidence you’ll gain through martial arts. This confidence transcends sport and impacts every area of your life because it helps you believe in your ability to succeed in anything you try. Above all, this will transform your life.
Self Defense
Through martial arts, you will learn the most important forms of fighting technique from both striking and grappling disciplines. In addition, you will learn to remain calm in the most stressful of situations which is essential to effective self defense. If needed, you will have the skills and knowledge to protect yourself and your family.
Community
We are a family-run business with a strong sense of community, and we believe martial arts are for the whole family. We foster a welcoming and positive environment. In other words, you’ll be surrounded by a driven, positive, and supportive community to help you reach your goals.
Watch our video to learn more about us
PROGRAMS
Adult
Karate
Adult Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu
Kids
Karate
Kids Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu
Weapons
The Nishime Family
Started over 50 years ago by Shihan Kiyoshi Nishime, Nishime Martial Arts has taught thousands of students in the tri-state area.
A native of Okinawa, Japan, Sensei Nishime is a 9th Degree Black Belt in Karate. He moved to Cincinnati to teach karate in 1973. In 1998, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Japanese government for his contributions to martial arts and was recognized as the 1999 National Instructor of the Year by the Amateur Athletic Union.
Jason Nishime is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Karate and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the world renowned Shawn Hammonds. He’s been training in martial arts since 6 years old.
Mary Beth Nishime is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate and a licensed fitness instructor. She has been training in martial arts for over 30 years.
Our passion is in teaching and helping people of all ages and abilities transform their lives through the power of martial arts. From our family to yours … we hope you’ll join us to find a strong sense of community, empowerment, and skills that will transform your life.
Getting Started is as Easy as 1-2-3
TESTIMONIALS
I began learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Nishimi’s because, as a Shawn Hammonds affiliate, I knew I would be learning top level BJJ. With names like Chad Hardy and Chewy (Nick Albin) it’s a great network but also a great community. I have been overwhelmed by the support of the team at Nishime’s and from the Nishime family.
James Weaver
Great place for young and not so young to learn self defense.
Sharon Keith
I’ve been training Jiu Jitsu at Nishime Martial Arts for going on 4 years now and I couldn’t be happier! The skills I’ve learned and friendships I’ve made over the years are second to none. If you’re looking for a family friendly atmosphere and outstanding, high level instruction, I highly recommend you give Nishime Jiu Jitsu a try! Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn self defense, or compete in this awesome martial art, be sure to stop in and see Jason and his wonderful family.
Rob Brown
Sheila Goertemoeller
Gina Dover
More Testimonials:
FREE TRIAL!
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BLOG/NEWS
Justin’s Star: A Lesson in Discipline
Justin's parents got him involved with our martial arts classes for kids because he needs to learn focus and impulse control. He’s only four years old so we expected it to take time, but he is also a really sweet kid who tries his best. We knew we could definitely...
Our Facebook Reel Goes Viral
In the ever-evolving, over-saturated landscape of social media, you never know what is going to capture people’s attention. Recently, a reel we posted on Facebook did just that, getting an impressive 1.6 million plays. The reel featured Deshi Jacob practicing blocking...
Choosing the right Brazilian Jiu Jitu School
Key Factors to Consider During Your Free Trial Embarking on your journey into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an exciting decision, but choosing the right school can be challenging. At Nishime Martial Arts of Cincinnati, we understand the importance of finding the perfect fit...
Women’s Month May
May was Women’s Month at Nishime Martial Arts in Cincinnati. We started with a Mom’s Night where dojo mothers and their friends learned how to defend themselves from the most common attacks. Shihan Jason taught them how to use Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques to resist...
7 Ways to Stay Motivated
So what do you do when you’re finding it hard to stay motivated? Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals gives you a clear direction and purpose in your training. Whether it's mastering a new...
How Martial Arts Training Benefits Everything Else in Your Life
Instead of going straight from high school to college, I waited a few years to get started. By then, I had a small child and was running a business. It wasn’t easy to juggle everything and there were plenty of times I wanted to give up. One night I was sitting at the...
Hanshi Nishime’s Karate Journey – Part 1
At age 73, Hanshi Nishime has been training in Shorin-ryu Karate for nearly 60 years. Hanshi began his martial arts journey at 14 when he moved to his sister’s home in Naha to attend high school. He didn’t know many people and spent most of his time hanging out with...
Guest Instructor Frank Forza
Our Jiu-Jitsu journey began with a handful of passionate individuals seeking knowledge and a taste of something new. Fast forward a few years, and our program has blossomed into one of the top training rooms in the Cincinnati area. Despite being labeled as a karate...
Congrats to Eric and Phil
One of my favorite things about jiujitsu is getting to promote people. For those that don’t know, there are 5 adult belts in jiujitsu and it takes roughly 10-15 years to achieve black belt. You will spend years at a given rank as you go through your own personal...
Why is it a fish?
Often, the first thing someone asks when they see our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu logo is, “Why is it a fish?” As Shihan Jason Nishime is quick to point out, it’s not just a fish; it’s a koi. Koi fish are symbols of strength, perseverance, and fulfilled destiny. Their...