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Annual event · Rochester, NY
Renaissance Martial Arts Festival
Two days of intensive, hands-on workshops covering martial systems from around the world. A chance to be exposed to new ideas — and meet new martial family. Open to all ranks and experience levels.
2Days of training
30+Workshops per festival
15+Martial arts
20+Years running
Most recent festival
2025 RMA Festival · Sept 20 & 21
The festival returned to Rochester in September 2025. Watch our Facebook page for 2026 dates, instructors and tickets.
- Multiple sessions back-to-back each day — everyone trains together as one group
- Plenty of one-on-one time with each instructor
- Round-robin sessions where instructors team-teach the same problem
- Saturday-night group dinner with participants and instructors
- Day-of registration available, but space is limited
Arts taught over the years
Striking. Grappling. Weapons.
Wan Yi Chuan Kung FuJeet Kune DoKali & EskrimaGoju Ryu KarateHung Ga Kung FuEagle Claw Kung FuCombat SamboModern ArnisAikidoBrazilian Jiu JitsuMuay ThaiLiu Seong Gung FuPentjak SilatIaidoHapkidoKrav MagaKAPAPGenri-Ryu BujutsuIrish Stick FightingFencingKubotanCombativesSystemaSmall Circle Jujitsu& more
Past instructors
Teachers who’ve shared their art.
Instructors have traveled from across New York, New England, Virginia, North Carolina and California.
Datu Tim HartmanModern Arnis
Sensei Kevin SuggsGoju Ryu Karate
Sifu Sharif BeyHung Ga Kung Fu
Sifu Eric WinfreeJun Fan Jeet Kune Do
Sifu Raffi DerderianJKD & Filipino Kali
Sifu Erik HarrisLiu Seong Gung Fu
Sensei John BorterModern Jujitsu
Sensei Steve PearlmanGenri-Ryu Bujutsu
Rob TerlizziCombat Sambo
Serge GerlachCombat Sambo
Avi NardiaKAPAP Combatives
Master George Curbelo Jr.Self-defense & ground
Sifu Frederick JamesEagle Claw Kung Fu
Sensei John IngallinaKoryu Uchinadi
Master Michael MacarioHapkido Cane
Sensei Jeff MelanderPentjak Silat
Sensei Al BlakleyIaido
Master Dominick ViolanteKempo & Aikido
Kru Shaun HahnMuay Thai
Sifu Tom MooreIrish Stick Fighting
Sensei John Farrar Sr.Brazilian & Japanese Jiu Jitsu
Coach Semion KiriakidiFencing
Guro Doug MarcaidaKerambit
Sensei Lou ZuccaroZenbu Ryu JuJitsu
Festival archive
A Rochester tradition.
2007Oct 13–14 · Goju Ryu, Systema, Aikido, European longsword
2008Oct 18–19 · Sambo, Krav Maga, Gumdo, Hapkido
2009Nov 7–8 · Snake & Dragon Kung Fu, KAPAP, the kerambit
2010Nov 6–7 · Iaido, Modern Arnis, Pentjak Silat, Eagle Claw
2011Nov 5–6 · Muay Thai, fencing, Irish stick fighting
2012Aug · Seminar with Grandmaster Richard Bustillo, one of Bruce Lee’s original students
2016Oct 15–16 · 16th annual · Praying Mantis, Shaolin Kempo, Combat Sambo
2023Visitors from NY, VA, CT, the Midwest and Canada
2025Sept 20–21 · Rochester, NY
2026Dates coming soon — follow on Facebook
Bring your school to the festival.
Group ticket discounts are available — call Sifu Mark Cardona or email us to reserve spots for your students.