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Marlow Martial Arts Academy 5-year open house set for this Saturday
February 20, 2025
Marlow Martial Arts Academy: Celebrating Five Years of Growth and Community Impact
Marlow Martial Arts Academy has become a cornerstone of the local community, offering not only martial arts training but also a variety of programs that foster personal growth, fitness, and community engagement.
As the academy approaches its fifth anniversary, founders Donnie and Ashley Herrera reflect on their journey, the evolution of their academy, and their vision for the future.
To mark their five-year milestone, the academy will host an open house on February 22nd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The event will be a come-and-go gathering featuring snacks, fun activities, and even the chance to train. Guests will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a free month’s membership of their choice, along with access to exclusive one-day-only promotions.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to our members, instructors, and the entire community,” Ashley Herrera shares. “Without their support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
What started as a small, traditional karate school has blossomed into a thriving institution. Over the past five years, Marlow Martial Arts Academy has undergone tremendous growth, moving through three different locations before finally settling into the old Family Dollar building in July 2023. This expansion allowed the academy to offer much more than martial arts, introducing programs like Marlow Batting Club—Marlow’s first 24/7 indoor batting cage—Marlow’s Best Summer Camp and After-School Program, Flying Stars Tumbling and Cheer, Kickstart (an athletic prep program for young children), and Yoga for Everyone, an inclusive adult yoga class.
“Our goal has always been to provide opportunities for families to engage in their local community while pursuing their interests,” says Donnie Herrera. “We love our town and want to give back as much as we can.”
Marlow Martial Arts Academy offers a range of training styles designed for real-world effectiveness, including Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Cardio Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and Judo. Classes are available for students as young as five years old, with one-on-one evaluations available for four-year-olds. The academy welcomes students of all skill levels, structuring their classes to cater to both beginners and advanced practitioners.
“We believe martial arts is more than just physical activity—it’s a lifestyle that enhances discipline, focus, and resilience,” says Donnie. “It’s about harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.”
Beyond the physical benefits, the academy prides itself on fostering character development. Students gain confidence, mental toughness, integrity, and lifelong friendships. Parents frequently report seeing positive changes in their children’s behavior, discipline, and overall attitude.
In addition to their regular classes, the academy is working on developing a comprehensive self-defense program and already offers one-on-one training for those in need of personal instruction.
Like any growing business, Marlow Martial Arts Academy has faced challenges—particularly balancing student consistency during sports seasons. “We understand that parents have a lot on their plates,” says Donnie. “While sports are great, martial arts is a lifelong journey that teaches lessons far beyond the mat.”
As they look to the future, the Herreras aim to continue expanding their programs and impact within the community. Plans are in motion to develop a competitive fighting team for kickboxing tournaments and further refine their training curriculum.
For those considering joining the academy, Donnie and Ashley have one piece of advice: “Just do it! Our community thrives on hard work and determination. The effort you put in today will be the success you’re proud of tomorrow.”
Interested individuals can visit the academy at 1407 S. Broadway, call 580-919-1913, or check out their website at www.marlowmartialartsacademy.com.
As Marlow Martial Arts Academy celebrates its past, it remains dedicated to shaping a brighter future. “We’re not just teaching martial arts,” says Ashley. “We’re building a community, shaping character, and inspiring people to become the best versions of themselves.”
Marlow Martial Arts Academy has become a cornerstone of the local community, offering not only martial arts training but also a variety of programs that foster personal growth, fitness, and community engagement.
As the academy approaches its fifth anniversary, founders Donnie and Ashley Herrera reflect on their journey, the evolution of their academy, and their vision for the future.
To mark their five-year milestone, the academy will host an open house on February 22nd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The event will be a come-and-go gathering featuring snacks, fun activities, and even the chance to train. Guests will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a free month’s membership of their choice, along with access to exclusive one-day-only promotions.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to our members, instructors, and the entire community,” Ashley Herrera shares. “Without their support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
What started as a small, traditional karate school has blossomed into a thriving institution. Over the past five years, Marlow Martial Arts Academy has undergone tremendous growth, moving through three different locations before finally settling into the old Family Dollar building in July 2023. This expansion allowed the academy to offer much more than martial arts, introducing programs like Marlow Batting Club—Marlow’s first 24/7 indoor batting cage—Marlow’s Best Summer Camp and After-School Program, Flying Stars Tumbling and Cheer, Kickstart (an athletic prep program for young children), and Yoga for Everyone, an inclusive adult yoga class.
“Our goal has always been to provide opportunities for families to engage in their local community while pursuing their interests,” says Donnie Herrera. “We love our town and want to give back as much as we can.”
Marlow Martial Arts Academy offers a range of training styles designed for real-world effectiveness, including Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Cardio Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and Judo. Classes are available for students as young as five years old, with one-on-one evaluations available for four-year-olds. The academy welcomes students of all skill levels, structuring their classes to cater to both beginners and advanced practitioners.
“We believe martial arts is more than just physical activity—it’s a lifestyle that enhances discipline, focus, and resilience,” says Donnie. “It’s about harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.”
Beyond the physical benefits, the academy prides itself on fostering character development. Students gain confidence, mental toughness, integrity, and lifelong friendships. Parents frequently report seeing positive changes in their children’s behavior, discipline, and overall attitude.
In addition to their regular classes, the academy is working on developing a comprehensive self-defense program and already offers one-on-one training for those in need of personal instruction.
Like any growing business, Marlow Martial Arts Academy has faced challenges—particularly balancing student consistency during sports seasons. “We understand that parents have a lot on their plates,” says Donnie. “While sports are great, martial arts is a lifelong journey that teaches lessons far beyond the mat.”
As they look to the future, the Herreras aim to continue expanding their programs and impact within the community. Plans are in motion to develop a competitive fighting team for kickboxing tournaments and further refine their training curriculum.
For those considering joining the academy, Donnie and Ashley have one piece of advice: “Just do it! Our community thrives on hard work and determination. The effort you put in today will be the success you’re proud of tomorrow.”
Interested individuals can visit the academy at 1407 S. Broadway, call 580-919-1913, or check out their website at www.marlowmartialartsacademy.com.
As Marlow Martial Arts Academy celebrates its past, it remains dedicated to shaping a brighter future. “We’re not just teaching martial arts,” says Ashley. “We’re building a community, shaping character, and inspiring people to become the best versions of themselves.”
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