We teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Kick Boxing.
•We offer a 2 week risk-free trial.
•Experience high-level coaching and a welcoming environment.
•Kids ages 3+ and adult classes. Welcome to Enlightenment Martial Arts Academy (E.M.A.A), a family-owned martial arts academy where everyone is welcome, from first-timers to seasoned athletes. We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing,
and self-defense classes for both adults and kids, all in a friendly, supportive, and ego-free environment. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn real-world self-defense, or become a competitive martial artist, our experienced coaches will guide you at your own pace. At EMAA, we take pride in creating a community where people feel safe, respected, and motivated. With competitive pricing, flexible class options, and high-level instruction, we’re here to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Come train with us and see why so many individuals and families are proud to call our gym home. We can't wait to meet you! Founder:
Guy Tinkham
My name is Guy Tinkham founder and head instructor of Enlightenment Martial Arts Academy in Standish Maine. I am a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown belt under Joe Moreira, A Black belt in Shotokan Karate under Kyoshi Fournier and a Blue belt in taekwondo under master Park. I began my martial arts journey at the age of 8. Over the years, I’ve trained in martial arts such as: Karate, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai. I’ve trained with world-class instructors including: Grand Master Jose Carlos Moreira (BJJ red belt under Francisco Mansour) Josh Watson (Professional BKFC fighter) Jay Jack (BJJ black belt under Amal Easton) Master Park (7th-degree black belt in Taekwondo) Manny Charisarn (Champion Muay Thai fighter from Thailand) Rener and Ryron Gracie (black belts under Helio Gracie) Kyoshi Fournier (8th-degree black belt in Sh*to Ryu Karate and a 4th-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate) Rodrigo Ranieri De Faria (Black belt under Paulo Rezende and world cup BJJ champion.) I have been mainly Focusing on Muay Thai Kick boxing and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I have been doing BJJ and Muay Thai kickboxing on and off due to tragic life events for about 15 years and have been teaching for 10 years
In addition to teaching, I am a certified Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) and Direct Support Professional (DSP), allowing me to design inclusive programs for students with behavioral challenges or learning disabilities. My classes foster emotional regulation, focus, self-esteem, impulse control, and resilience, while promoting teamwork, empathy, and physical well-being. I currently manage a program house for individuals who are autistic and have behavioral tendencies. Before this line of work I was a correctional officer for 3 years working with juveniles and at risk teens. My path hasn’t been without pain. In one of the hardest chapters of my life, I lost my 3-year-old son in a tragic accident involving a stolen vehicle and reckless driver. That day changed everything. It took immense healing, therapy, and the support of an incredible community to move forward. After losing my son, I found healing through martial arts and community. This experience drives my mission: to help people heal and learn to defend themselves through martial arts and its mental health benefits. My vision is simple but deeply important: I believe that every individual deserves to know how to protect themselves. Beyond physical skills, martial arts offer critical benefits for mental health and personal development enhancing self-esteem, reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus, and strengthening emotional regulation. My goal is to provide these life-changing benefits to all students, including those of disabilities or life circumstances. Martial arts is more than self-defense it’s a pathway to stronger minds, bodies, and communities. My mission is to share these life-changing benefits with as many students as possible. Martial arts changed my life, now I’m here to help it change yours. (Our Linage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Francisco Mansur > Joe Moreira > Guy Tinkham)
