Guiding Central Texas Families Since 1992, Serving Waco Since 2007

At the family-owned Central Texas Martial Arts Academy, we’ve been a cornerstone of the Central Texas community for nearly three decades, and a fixture in Waco since 2007. We nurture confidence, discipline, and personal growth through the transformative power of martial arts. Our state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students of all ages.

Square feet of training space dedicated to various martial arts disciplines
Students trained, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Cumulative years of experience empowering individuals & promoting wellness in the community.

Mission Statement

At Central Texas Martial Arts Academy, our mission is to empower individuals of all ages through martial arts of Bujutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes physical fitness, discipline, respect, and personal growth. Through expert instruction and a focus on self-defense, character development, and community engagement, we strive to cultivate confidence and resilience in our students, helping them to reach their full potential both on and off the mat.

Our Values

Cultivating Warriors, Building Skills and Character

1

Empowerment and Confidence

We believe in empowering our students by helping them gain self-assurance through mastering martial arts techniques and achieving personal goals.

2

Discipline and Focus

Martial arts teaches the importance of discipline and mental focus, which are essential for personal growth and success both inside and outside the academy.

3

Community and Support

We strive to create a strong, welcoming community where students feel supported and encouraged to connect, collaborate, and grow together.

4

Excellence and Integrity

Our experienced instructors are committed to providing high-quality training while maintaining integrity and respect in all interactions.

5

Safety and Inclusion

We prioritize a safe and inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age or background, feels comfortable and motivated to learn.

6

Holistic Development

We focus on the holistic development of our students by promoting physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional balance through well-rounded martial arts training.

Meet the Team CTFK Staff

Discover the passionate individuals dedicated to empowering our community and guiding each step of your journey at CTFK.

Master Scott Bainton

Founder
Scott Bainton, a longtime resident of the Waco area, brings over 42 years of martial arts expertise to CTMA, including Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, Kuk Sool Won, Kung Jung Mu Sul, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Japanese Jiu Jitsu. With a 7th Degree Black Belt in both Ba Ki Do and Bainton Bujutsu, Scott’s achievements also include graduating Valedictorian from Hawaii Pacific University with an International Business Degree and induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in August 2018.

Tara Bainton

Since 2023, Tara Bainton has pursued martial arts as a White/Black Belt (Junior Black Belt Candidate) in Bujutsu, supported by her academic background with a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Tarleton State University. Tara is married to Master Scott Bainton, strengthening her ties to martial arts and leadership within the team.

Professor Brad Scott

Professor Brad Scott is the head instructor at CMJJ headquarters and an ambassador to the Carlos Machado association. He specializes in teaching parasitic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a submission-based style that focuses on using an opponent’s attributes and skills to their disadvantage. Professor Scott’s approach emphasizes linking submissions from various positions while conserving energy. Following the tradition of old-school master Carlos Machado, he ensures that every student receives the full experience by grappling with each participant at the end of his seminars.

Master Tyler Simonek

Tyler has been teaching and training since 2007 and is currently a 4th Degree Black Belt in Bujutsu, and is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Ba Ki Do. He has a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and studied to become a medical doctor.

Master Simon Peter Bar-Jona

Simon has been training since 2011, has been on staff since 2012 and is currently a 4th Degree Black Belt in Bujutsu and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Ba Ki Do. He is also a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Simon has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is currently teaching at Waco ISD. 

Discover Your Martial Arts Journey

Join Central Texas Martial Arts and unlock your potential with expert guidance in an empowering and supportive community. Whether you’re boosting fitness, enhancing focus, or having fun, our programs cater to all ages and skill levels. Start mastering martial arts and life skills today!

Explore Our Training & Schedule

Master Zachary Lange

Since 2009, Zachary has honed his skills in martial arts and currently holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Bujutsu and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Ba Ki Do, alongside his training (and is a Purple Belt) in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As the assistant manager, Zachary continues his academic pursuits in college and is training to become a State Trooper.

Sensei Truett Teague

A martial artist since 2008, Truett excels with a Red Black Belt in Bujutsu and ongoing training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Truett leads as the manager of the Hewitt location, offering expertise and guidance to students. He is also a professional disc golfer.

Sensei Cooper Cherry

Cooper Cherry, training since 2011 and teaching since 2017, holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Bujutsu and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As an honors student at Texas A&M University, Cooper balances academics with martial arts instruction.

Discover Your Martial Arts Journey

Join Central Texas Martial Arts and unlock your potential with expert guidance in an empowering and supportive community. Whether you’re boosting fitness, enhancing focus, or having fun, our programs cater to all ages and skill levels. Start mastering martial arts and life skills today!

Explore Our Training & Schedule

Sensei John David Moran

JD Moran has been an active practitioner since 2012 and an instructor since 2018, with a 1st Degree Black Belt in Bujutsu and a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. JD proudly serves in the United States Air Force while continuing his martial arts journey.

Sensei Zoey Canuteson

Having trained since 2015 and taught since 2021, Zoey Canuteson excels with a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Bujutsu. An honors student at Midway High School, Zoey is dedicated to both academic and martial arts excellence.

Sensei Hadyn Charles

With a focus on growth since 2013, Hadyn Charles is currently a 1st Degree Black Belt in Bujutsu and began teaching in 2021. An honors student at Midway High School, Hadyn merges academic achievements with martial arts instruction.