Modern Martial Arts Institute has been offering instruction and training in the martial arts since 2005. Located in Pelham, AL, Modern Martial Arts Institute has produced champions in life as well as in the martial arts.

Modern Martial Arts Institute (MMAI) is Birmingham Alabama's ONLY complete training center for the study of self-defense. At MMAI we offer a wide range skills, which will develop both the physical and mental attributes associated with martial arts/self defense training.

MMAI is focused on teaching only those techniques and systems that can be used for today's "Real World" confrontations. Not techniques that are just for sport. No matter what you come to MMAI for, we can help. Whether you come for recreational purposes, self-defense, weight loss, or any other reason we have the knowledge to help you succeed. Modern Martial Arts Institute doesn't just teach adults either. MMAI has a terrific kids program which starts out at just 7 years old. We teach them not only how to defend themselves, but we also teach them personal development and life skills as well.

The Modern Martial Arts Institute of Birmingham features three full-time training programs:

BASIC PROGRAM:
Wing Chun Kung Fu

BLACK-BELT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:
Wing Chun Kung Fu
Balintawak Escrima/Arnis

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR TRAINING:
Wing Chun Kung Fu
Balintawak Escrima/Arnis
Instructor Curriculum
Additional Martial Arts Training

SCHOOL LOCATION:
3221 Hwy 52 West
Suite D
Pelham, AL. 35124

SCHOOL PHONE NUMBERS:
205-216-3183 School
205-910-0690 Program Director
205-910-4756 Head Instructor

Master Kevin Smith is an 8th degree Black Belt and has over 26 years experience in the martial arts. He is currently certified in fifteen different arts.

Born on April 8th, 1977 in Tampa Florida, Master Smith started his martial arts journey in May of 1981. His parents first put him into a very traditional Japanese Karate system which he took for about 6 months. After that his parents moved him to a different martial arts school. This school just happened to teach an art called Wing Chun. Wing Chun is a very direct and effective art. Master Smith loved this aspect. Plus he knew that one of his idols, the great “Bruce Lee” had also studied this art of Wing Chun. He was at this school for about 6 years learning this system.

Master Kevin Smith is highly skilled in literally dozens of fighting systems, but I believe that it is his ability to seamlessly translate the concepts from all these systems into practical, real world applications that makes him such a sought after teacher. A brilliant tactician, Master Smith not only teaches his students to fight; he teaches them to be situational problem solvers that can find leverage in any combative situation. During 26+ years of dedication to his craft, Master has amassed a tremendous amount of wisdom and experience that he freely shares with his students. I am proud to call him friend and Master.
- Pete Tamisin - Atlanta, Georgia

I began studying Tae-Kwon-Do when I was 14. After about 2 years of studying I had the opportunity to apply what I had learned in a real self-defense situation. All of my hard training had not prepared me in the least for the reality of a street fight. While I was not injured in the altercation it made me realize that my self-defense skills were lacking. After trying for many years to find something that would better prepare me for the real world, I found MMAI and Master Kevin Smith. After just 4 months of training I fell that I will be better able to handle things if another situation should arise. The skills taught by Master Kevin are the most effective I have seen. They are not difficult to learn and can be learned by anyone. If you are looking for a place to learn real, useful self-defense, MMAI is it.
- David Allen- Pelham, Alabama

In addition to our main location, Modern Martial Arts Institute also offers and recommends training at these other facilities. Please call to schedule a tour of these facilities or confirm hours of operation.