About Anthony Quatrochi’s Martial Arts Institute

At Anthony Quatrochi’s Martial Arts Institute, we teach the Japanese Martial Art of Ju Jitsu. We are dedicated to providing our members with elite martial arts instruction. We are committed to helping our students develop the attitudes and behaviors required to reach BLACK BELT EXCELLENCE - in all areas of life. Our goal is for all of our students to become focused, self-disciplined and confident individuals who have the utmost respect for themselves and others.

AQMAI was founded in 2003 by its owner and head instructor, Anthony Quatrochi. With over thirty years of experience in the ancient art of Ju Jitsu, Shihan Quatrochi and his instructors provide a well-rounded, traditional martial arts curriculum with a focus on improving the overall being, rather than just teaching someone "how to fight." In truth, we teach our students "how not to fight." Our course of study includes stretching exercises (a proven aid in long-term health maintenance) and self-defense, including kicking, punching, joint locks, pressure points, grappling, and more.

Our training is perfect for men, women and children starting as young as four-years-old up to adults who are well into their sixties and beyond. Over the years my students have come to me and told me "it is not just a martial art school - it is a life skill institute." What they like most about us is that we blend the traditions, history and physical lessons of the past with modern concepts and principles of the future. We are a Family Martial Art Center - where the past meets the present to give our students life-skills unmatched anywhere else in our area.

Awards we’ve received

Hudson Valley Magazine Best of Hudson Valley Winner 2023
Hudson Valley Magazine Best of Hudson Valley Winner 2024
East Fishkill Living Expert Contributor

Our Immaculate, Fully Matted, State‑Of‑The‑Art Facility

Anthony Quatrochis Martial Arts Institute
Anthony Quatrochis Martial Arts Institute
Anthony Quatrochis Martial Arts Institute
Anthony Quatrochis Martial Arts Institute

Helpful Info On Choosing The Right School

Finding a martial arts school is easy, however finding a good school is difficult. You should consider the following things before joining any school. Some school owners would rather we not share this information with you, because you probably would not join their school.

"Belt Factories" are simply schools that award belts to students as long as the student is paying tuition, regardless of their ability to perform the required skills. The quality and quantity of knowledge and skills that the student retains are not the focus.

At AQMAI, we do not take belt promotions lightly. We do everything in our power to teach students to be patient, determined, and goal-oriented, so when they do earn their belts, they feel a great sense of accomplishment that really boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

We recommend that you call the school and talk to the head instructor. Ask questions about their program and see if they meet your needs and goals. At that point, you might want to ask about tuition rates. If they would rather you come in to discuss it, be prepared for high tuition rates, high pressure tactics, and long-term contracts. This type of school wants you to meet in person because they know their pressure tactics will usually work.

If you see several nine year old "black belts" in the school - leave immediately! A nine year old cannot understand the basics and philosophies of martial arts, teach others correctly or even defend themselves properly, regardless of how talented or bright that child may be!

Look for a trial membership so that you are not committed to something you may not like or understand. This is also a good way to see if you can understand the instructors. The fact that someone is wearing a black belt does NOT mean they are a good instructor. Can you ask questions of the head instructor before, during, or after class?

Do NOT sign a long-term contract! Many schools have you sign a three-year contract called a “Black Belt Club" or "Masters Club” that guarantees a black belt in three years, no matter what. Do NOT get pressured into it. While you need to commit to your training for many years to be proficient, the school should not force you to do so. If you are not willing to commit yourself to the art, you are not ready to learn martial arts.

Martial artists are not as honest and genuine as they should be! Watch out for money-making schemes and price gouging! Make no mistake, schools need to make money to stay in business, but there is no reason to take advantage of you. You will be very surprised at how your tuition may be the least of all your expenses!

Ask for the price of each belt test, including the black belt. You will usually see it cost anywhere from thirty to fifty dollars for colored belts and two hundred to five hundred dollars for the black belt. What is amazing is how some schools get away with charging thirty dollars for a white belt test and then sixty dollars for a blue belt test. There is NO cost difference in the color of the belts! A yellow belt costs the SAME as a blue belt! Sometimes a solid stripe will cost two to five dollars extra, and a black belt with embroidery will certainly cost more.

Are there minimum time and skill requirements from one belt rank to the next? One money-making scam to watch out for is the "NO BELT to White Belt" scam. Similarly, beware of "Guaranteed Black Belt Programs." This is like attending a college that guarantees a diploma regardless of grades. Typical signs of factory schools are schools where students are promoted automatically every two to three months. A good martial arts school should never emphasize the belts or how quickly one will get to the next rank.

Look for class size! Large classes mean less personal attention. If there are too many in a class, the student should have the option to attend another class. We recommend a maximum ratio of 1 instructor for every 8 students. How do the students behave and act in AND out of the school? The foundation for martial arts training includes respect, discipline, character, and mental skills. You will find an astonishing number of students at some schools who behave badly and disrespectfully outside of the school. Look at how the students behave in and OUT of the school to know if the school is effective. While misbehavior is more common and understandable at lower belt levels, you should not see this behavior from higher belt ranks. A good way to find out is to simply watch the students as they leave class and are getting ready to leave the school.

Self-defense is doing what you must to prevent yourself from being harmed when unjustly attacked. Some schools that claim to focus on self-defense are, in fact, teaching fighting with rules (MMA, Muay Thai, boxing, grappling, Karate, etc.). PREVENTION is ALWAYS your FIRST Line of self-defense. You are not there to engage an opponent. You are not there to fight an opponent. In a self-defense situation, you are seeking to protect your life or prevent grievous bodily injury to yourself and/or a loved one.