ABOUT US

Proudly Serving the City of Las Cruces since 2010

Get to know our Maximum Martial Arts Family!

Maximum Martial Arts University, established 2010, is the premier family martial arts school serving the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico. We pride ourselves on teaching an excellent foundation of traditional martial art values, while providing the best and latest in self-defense and physical fitness. Our instructors are highly experienced, internationally certified professionals, who focus on providing quality instruction to every student, challenging them in new ways every day. We are dedicated to promoting a fun, safe, clean and interactive learning environment for our students.

Our martial arts classes are specially designed to help each student improve in all aspects of life. Respect, discipline, self-control, and self-confidence are paramount in our martial arts instruction. Our students learn to harness their emotions and to make positive contributions in today’s society, fostering a sense of “Black Belt Excellence” inside and outside of the classroom.

We Empower Human Potential & Spark the Journey of Self-Discovery

From day one, your child will build confidence, discipline, and respect. Our classes help kids become leaders at home, in school, and in the community. We focus on skills that matter for life, not just martial arts.

Every child is included in our martial arts classes—no one sits on the sidelines. No experience is needed, and beginners are always welcome! Our caring instructors guide each child step by step, helping them grow in confidence, discipline, and respect. Martial arts is more than just an activity; it’s a life-changing program that helps kids set goals, build accountability, and become leaders for life.

1. Getting Started is Easy

Let us help to find the right program for you or your children based on your needs & schedule.

2. Schedule 2 Free Lessons

Come check out our school to see how our instructors change lives! Experience the fun for yourself!

3. Start Your Journey Now!

You have a plan and now you have a martial arts community working to help you! It's time to start!

Schedule 2 Free Lessons

OUR TEAM

Justin Castillo

Director of Programs & Operations Manager

Master Justin Castillo, a native of Las Cruces, has been diligently practicing martial arts for 36 years and has been teaching for the last 32 years. Master Castillo, a 7th Degree Black Belt- Taekwondo Chang Moo Kwan & 6th Degree Black Belt- Korea Hapkido Federation. He serves as the president of the Foundation Hapkido & Self-Defense Association, Secretary General for the International Academic Conference for Taekwondo, & Former Head Defensive Tactics Instructor for the Security Officers at ADF-SW for over 7 years. He has had the tremendous opportunity to train with many different highly distinguished martial arts masters over the past thirty three years and is always ecstatic to share his knowledge with others. He has trained numerous students up through the black belt levels and has produced many state and national champion competitors. Master Castillo has also had the opportunity to help build the new Iraqi government’s police and soldier forces, teaching hundreds valuable life-saving hand to hand combat skills. One of Master Castillo’s biggest goals, is to give back to the city of Las Cruces, NM teaching students to be good citizens, who are confident, respectful, physically fit, and are able defend themselves. Maximum Martial Arts University is the only Combat Infantry Veteran owned and operated martial arts school in Las Cruces.

Mario Correa

Office Manager & Assistant Kickboxing Instructor

Mario Correa, a long-time, avid martial artist, serves our students by being the friendly face of the school, helping everyone with just about everything from enrollments to attendance, and helps with all the planning of major events. He is always happy to give a word of encouragement, and keeps the flow of information moving efficiently from our staff to the student body. He is always looking after the safety of our students coming and going from the school. Mario is very close to becoming a fully certified Kickboxing Instructor and helps with many of the Kickboxing classes. His lighthearted approach to teaching makes learning fun, especially for beginner students, who need a little extra attention & encouragement.

Joshua Brockman

Head Instructor Taekwondo, Instructor Kickboxing, Instructor Home School Program

Master Joshua Brockman, a 4th Black Belt in Taekwondo, has been training since the age of 5 years old. He has been serving in the capacity of a teaching role for the last 10 years. His upbeat attitude, technical expertise, and absolute focus on helping students to thrive on their journey toward Black Belts is what makes him an amazing instructor. He is always working on making the learning process not only more efficient but also exciting for each student. Master Brockman has a very amiable personality with a heart for teaching students of all levels & abilities to accomplish their goals, while imparting important life lessons into each class. Master Brockman helps with the overall planning of the Taekwondo curriculum and helps oversee testing preparation for most of the Taekwondo students.

Jacob Denney

Instructor Taekwondo, Instructor Kids/Teen Weapons

Jacob Denney, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, has been training since the age of 7 years old and has been helping assist and teach classes for the past 4 years. His intense focus on details, standards, and the small intricacies of Taekwondo, definitely helps each of the students go further with their training. Mr. Denney has proven to be a very dynamic instructor, bringing fun challenges to our students. He helps oversee the Weapons Forms classes for multiple belt levels. He also assists Hapkido classes, helping new students to get integrated into the class, helping them form a firm foundation before moving on to more advanced techniques.

Alexander Holden

Instructor Hapkido, Instructor Kickboxing, Instructor Taekwondo

Alexander Holden, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Hapkido and 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, and a long-time student of Kickboxing has been training for 12 years. Mr. Holden has been teaching at Maximum Martial Arts for almost 5 years. He holds at Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Science. His love for sharing the benefits of martial arts and his vast overall martial arts knowledge makes him a formidable instructor for both teens and adults of all ability levels. Mr. Holden helps with the development and implementation of both the Hapkido and Kickboxing curriculums. He is also very gifted at helping Adult/Teen Taekwondo students learn the nuances of the art, which shows them the time-tested applications of old-school Taekwondo.

Suhani Prajapati

Instructor Children and Teens Taekwondo

Suhani Prajapati, a 2nd Degree Black in Taekwondo and 1st Degree Black Belt in Hapkido, has been training for the last 5 years and has been helping assist & teach in Children's and Teen classes for the year. Her friendly demeanor, along with superb ability of making connections to the students, makes her a very valuable member of our team. Our younger students really love having Ms. Prajapati as an instructor. Her ability to gently redirect them and keep them on task, while still bringing out the best in them is her superpower. Ms. Prajapati is amazing at welcoming new students into the school, and helping them get actively involved with classes, while quelling their anxiety.

REAL RESULTS, REAL VOICES

Emiliana H.

"We’ve had such a wonderful experience here! The instructors are incredibly patient, kind, and attentive — they truly take the time to understand each child’s needs. My child, who has autism, feels comfortable, supported, and proud every class. The structure and encouragement from the team have helped build confidence, focus, and social skills. Highly recommend Maximum for any family looking for a positive and inclusive environment!"

Judith O.

"I rate this location 5 stars! The little time my son has been here has learned and mastered so much! The instructors are amazing. They train our little ones to be the very best of what they can become! They recognize and reward throughout their journey. My son absolutely loves coming here."

Jordan R.

"Can’t say enough great things about Maximum! They have impressed us since day one! It’s one the of cleanest dojo‘s I’ve ever set foot in. My kids love their program and look forward to attending each week :) highly recommended for anyone:) I even attended the women’s self defense class once and it was the best!! I was able to learn how to defend myself in a time of need! They showed me how to protect myself. I’m thankful!!!"