About Us
About Our School
Pouncing Tigers, Martial Arts for children, is a combination of complementary martial arts styles. It is designed to teach children that respect and learning are fun. Strength building games, listening exercises and Martial Arts techniques are covered in every class. The Martial Arts techniques in the Pouncing Tigers classes have been specifically crafted to challenge the students and to encourage their success beyond the dojo, now and for years to come. The goal is to plant a seed now so that a love of Martial Arts, and the excellent habits that come with it, will grow with your child for the rest of their lives. And they love it!
We, at Pouncing Tigers, teach the virtues of Martial Arts to develop the habit of success for all students. Using ancient techniques and modern teaching systems, we create an atmosphere where the ability to fail transforms into the opportunity to persevere. We put our students first, balancing discipline with levity so that students may reach their highest potential.
Founded in 2007, by Ken Gibson, Pouncing Tigers started with a four student Martial Arts class for children in a rented studio on the Upper West Side. Now, located in Harlem and East Harlem, Pouncing Tigers has been teaching in our community for over a decade. Our students range from 3 years old to adults.
Instructor/Owner
Mr. Gibson started his training in Martial Arts in 1989. Since then he has earned black belts in Hapkido and Farang Mu Sul. He has studied Russian Sambo, Filipino stick and knife fighting, Estakada, Juijitsu and American Boxing. He fought professionally for a short time in the Mixed Martial Arts arena, combining many of the disciplines he studied.
As founder of Pouncing Tigers, he has combined aspects of these Martial Arts to create a system for families. His guiding principle is to have families learn the basics of martial arts while allowing them to develop a love for what they are doing.
Mr.Gibson graduated from massage school in 1993. He has worked as a personal trainer since 1999. He went on to complete nutrition school in 2005 and holds a Masters of Science Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
Why Choose Pouncing Tigers Martial Arts Academy?
Fun Classes
Working hard and accomplishing goals can be a ton of fun! Pouncing Tigers students definitely have fun in class. The balance between fun and discipline gives the students an accomplishment that they can be proud of and enjoy. They know they are working hard and they look forward to class.
Live Virtual Classes
All of our classes are also available to students virtually. Students can take class online and in the School. After class, enrolled families can review a class they took or watch a class they missed to stay up to date.
LISTEN TO WHAT OUR HAPPY PARENTS ARE SAYING
We cannot say enough good things about the staff and the quality of the programming at Pouncing Tigers. I have a 7 year old who has been going for years and he is excited to go. Ken and Alex are thoughtful, kind and firm in a way that the kids really respond. A real gem in this city.
If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I definitely will. Mr.Gibson and Ms.Deborah are incredibly polite, kind and so very professional! The entire team is awesome but Ms.Deborah and Mr.Gibson are the ones I've dealt with directly, so I can say this with authenticity!
I tried testing another program in Harlem (MMA Kids Fight back) and what a world of difference in how they treat people! I called MMA to see if they offer free trials to prospective students (my son is 5) and the person who picked up claiming to be the "Master" of the studio replied "that parents need to be committed and that he's been doing this for 30yrs, so is pretty sure he's good" My unspoken reaction was like "no way in hell my child is learning from someone so devoid of basic manners"!
Ms.Deborah and Mr.Gibson were the complete opposite, even though they've got a lot to boast about. In any case, I made my decision based on the strong value alignment in addition to entrusting my child with a reputable institution.
Ms. Deborah is such a humble, strong, kind, and lovely human being! The customer service desk at the West Harlem studio was packed when I came in yet she never lost her cool and took her time to explain everything to everyone with inquiries and treated everyone with respect and kindness. She's a rock star and I am so very proud to be associated with Pouncing Tigers. I can't recommend them enough!!!
My son was so hesitant at first, but the instructor was so kind and patient. 15 min into the class, he was interacting and really enjoying himself. He will definitely be back.
