Sabens Martial Arts Academy Introduce
For anyone in Illinois, particularly those in the southern region, seeking a high-quality martial arts school with an exceptional community, look no further than Sabens Martial Arts Academy in Carbondale. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to this local "gem," as one customer so aptly put it. We'll delve into what makes this school a standout choice, from its robust training programs and welcoming atmosphere to its convenient location and accessibility. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, a curious beginner, or a parent looking for a positive and disciplined environment for your child, Sabens Martial Arts Academy offers a unique and valuable experience that is well-regarded by its students.
Sabens Martial Arts Academy is more than just a place to learn techniques; it's a hub for serious martial artists and hobbyists alike. The school has a reputation for teaching "real functional battle tested jiu jitsu," as noted by one of its dedicated members. This emphasis on practicality and effectiveness is blended with a willingness to embrace "modern trends," including leg locks and wrestling techniques, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded and current education in the sport. The instructors are not only highly knowledgeable but are also a part of the welcoming community, often "more than willing to help you" with anything from technique to strategy. The inclusive and friendly atmosphere is a recurring theme in customer feedback, making it a place where you can truly "find your people," whether you want to engage in deep discussions about specific chokes or simply enjoy a challenging sparring session.
Located at 1224 W Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA, Sabens Martial Arts Academy is conveniently situated for residents of Carbondale and the surrounding communities. The school’s location on a major street in town makes it easy to find and access. Accessibility is a key feature of the academy, which boasts a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. These features are a testament to the school’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all, ensuring that physical access is not a barrier to training or visiting the facility. The ease of access and central location make it simple for students to fit training into their daily routines, whether they are coming from work, school, or home.
The school's owner, Andrew D. Sabens, has dedicated many years to perfecting the training environment. He has traveled across the United States to visit some of the world's most impressive martial arts gyms, including the Gracie Academy in Torrance, CA, and Dan Inosanto's Academy in Marina Del Rey, CA. This dedication to learning from the best ensures that the instruction at Sabens Martial Arts Academy is based on proven, high-level techniques and a well-informed philosophy of martial arts training. The students benefit from an instructor with a deep and broad understanding of the martial arts world, providing a truly world-class experience right here in southern Illinois.
Sabens Martial Arts Academy offers a diverse range of services, catering to various martial arts interests and skill levels. The curriculum is comprehensive, allowing students to train in different aspects of combat.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu: The core of the academy's offerings, with classes for both Gi and No-Gi training. Students learn practical, functional grappling techniques for self-defense and sport.
Judo: An additional grappling discipline that focuses on throws and takedowns, complementing the ground-based skills of Jiu-jitsu.
Striking Classes: For students interested in a more comprehensive martial arts education, the academy provides striking classes, which, according to one review, are a great option for those who want to broaden their skill set beyond grappling.
Wrestling: The school embraces wrestling techniques, which are crucial for success in modern grappling and MMA, providing a well-rounded approach to stand-up grappling.
Private/Semi-Private Instruction: For students who want to accelerate their learning, one-on-one or small group sessions are available to focus on specific techniques and personal goals.
The school also offers specialized programs and features that make the experience even more worthwhile.
Gi and No-Gi Training: The academy provides both types of training, which is a significant advantage for students who wish to compete in both formats or simply want a more complete understanding of grappling.
Great Instructionals: Customers praise the quality of the instruction, noting that the teaching methods are clear, effective, and build upon a solid foundation.
Welcoming Environment: The friendly and supportive community is a highlight, creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and encouraged to train and improve.
Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot: A commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the academy is open to everyone in the community.
For those ready to take the next step and join the Sabens Martial Arts Academy family, contact is easy. The physical address is 1224 W Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA. You can get in touch by phone at (618) 559-5239 or via mobile at +1 618-559-5239. The staff is always happy to answer questions about class schedules, programs, and how to get started.
What is truly worth choosing about Sabens Martial Arts Academy is its unique blend of traditional martial arts values and a modern, progressive approach to training. As one customer review perfectly encapsulates, the school is "probably the gem of the whole town." The academy offers a place to "get a good sweat going" and work on various positions in a relaxed environment outside of a student's main daily life. It is not a place for those who want to coast; the "your guard will be passed here" comment is a humorous but clear indicator that the training is challenging and effective. Students are pushed to grow and learn, but always within a supportive and positive culture. The fact that the owner is a local who grew up with the instructor, and now trains there with his own father, highlights the deep community roots and family-like atmosphere that makes this school truly special. It's a place where students are not just clients but are part of a shared journey, helping each other improve and celebrating each other's successes. If you’re looking for a martial arts school in Illinois where you can get excellent instruction, form meaningful connections, and train in a fun and challenging environment, Sabens Martial Arts Academy is the place to be. As one student passionately recommends, "STOP BY AND TRAIN you won’t regret it."
Sabens Martial Arts Academy Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Sabens Martial Arts Academy Photos




Sabens Martial Arts Academy Location
Sabens Martial Arts Academy
1224 W Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Sabens Martial Arts Academy Reviews
brazilian jiu jitsustudentsenvironmenttrain
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Probably the gem of the whole town. Outside of studying, I can really relax here and work on various positions or just get a good sweat going. Great jiu jitsu, great vibes, fun times.Real functional battle tested jiu jitsu is taught here that has always been around, along with embracing the modern trends. Judo, leg locks, wrest ups, etc….If you play half guard , your guard will be passed here.You can definitely find your people here if you are a jiu jitsu nerd who wants to chat about some random arm in choke or just want to get some scrappy rounds in with a wrestler.
July 01 · Joseph RuizI love the environment here I’m a local to the area and my dad grew up with the instructor so this is where we both train. Great instructionals and everyone here loves the sport and is more than willing to help you. STOP BY AND TRAIN you won’t regret it. Both gi and no gi, and striking classes if that’s your thing. Good techniques and good rolls. Favorite part of the week is getting to come in and train with everyone.
October 28 · Cole YoungAmazing instructor's! They live and breathe what they teach. The students bond like family, a family that likes to roll around the living room trying not to break the furniture or trip grandma. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're into McDojo's. But if you truly want to learn, Sabens Martial Arts Academy is worth a 2 hour drive to study under the amazing instructors on staff.
December 29 · omen7474 dirtyBeen training here for a year now and always come back. Everyone is always welcome no matter how hard or how often you train. Theres pros and beginners, variety of personalities. There's no nonsense, just a good time with calories getting burned, bonds being formed, legends being created (and lots of laughs if you work with me). Laid back teacher that is always respectful and tolerant. You will make friends and get in shape at the same time!
January 19 · Kelsie BenderIf you're looking for a place to learn how to defend yourself or just to get an awesome workout, then look no further. I started training here in August of 2020 and I have loved every minute of it. Andy is a phenomenal practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and everyone there is friendly and supportive. Whether it's in the sweltering heat or freezing cold, I guarantee you'll have an awesome time learning jiu jitsu.
July 12 · Patrick Padilla
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