Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center Roots Itself in Madison’s Black Business Hub
A new center for martial arts, fitness, and community empowerment has opened its doors in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center, founded by Charles Dean, recently established a location on the ground floor of the 80,000 square foot Black Business Hub, a four-story building dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs and commerce. For just over a month, Dean and his team have been offering a diverse range of classes – from martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to boxing and circuit training – alongside adaptive programming for individuals with disabilities.
“I really like the community here and I love what The Hub stands for,” Dean shared in a recent interview. “I love the opportunities that are afforded to people in the community. It’s quite uplifting to be around other entrepreneurs… this is a nice, safe environment here.” Dean contrasted this positive environment with previous locations, noting the potential drawbacks of being situated near establishments that might not be ideal for children.
Dean’s journey to founding the Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center began in 2006, but the vision truly solidified over the following decade. He officially launched the center in 2016, driven by a desire to create a business that operated according to his own principles. “One of the things that I’ve always wanted to do is have my own business, and I’ve always wanted to kind of do things under my own rules… I’ve always had those dreams,” he explained. He sought to move beyond a traditional martial arts gym, aiming instead to integrate the center into the broader community, partnering with school districts, colleges, and local businesses.
The Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center, located at 2352 S Park St in South Madison, is a testament to Dean’s dedication. He emphasized that every aspect of the center – from the branding to the class structure – is rooted in his personal experiences. Currently, the center offers a wide array of programs for all ages, including traditional martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, circuit training, and self-defense.
Dean’s own martial arts journey began in 2000 with Hwa Rang Do under Master David Kijek, culminating in a third-degree black belt. He also boasts an impressive competitive record, having become a six-time undefeated sparring champion and winning the 2011 world heavyweight grappling and weapon fighting championships.
The center’s approach to martial arts is multifaceted. “At Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center, we offer traditional martial arts, where you’re going to learn basic self-defense,” Dean stated. “There’s sparring… and then there’s a belt system, white belt all the way through black Belt.” For Jiu Jitsu, the center is affiliated with the Jared Jessup IQ Jiu Jitsu Stone Path family, providing a clear lineage and teaching methodology. Boxing, a lifelong passion for Dean, is also a core offering, fueled by years of study and a dedicated VHS library of boxing history.
Beyond traditional disciplines, the Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center is committed to inclusivity. A key component of this commitment is its adaptive program, certified by CLST [Children’s Long-Term Support], which allows individuals with disabilities to access funding for training. “We get all walks of life in here,” Dean noted, “We get kids, we get adults, we get super uber athletes, and we get people who really have never even played sports before.”
Dean recognizes the challenges some individuals face when starting their fitness or martial arts journey, particularly the fear of being intimidated by more experienced practitioners. “That is something that we battle constantly,” he admitted. “But getting people to believe in themselves is just one of the highlights of training because we always see the potential and the upside of everyone who comes in.” He stresses that the focus is on personal growth, not competition. “It is you against you. You’re not competing against anyone.”
Dean underscored the holistic benefits of exercise and movement, highlighting the social connections and goal-setting opportunities that the center provides. He also noted that martial arts can be a powerful tool for overcoming personal challenges, such as public speaking or physical fitness. “Martial arts exposes your weaknesses,” he explained, “and that is why sometimes people like to train to get over… not being physically fit.”
Community partnerships are also central to the Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center’s mission. Dean has cultivated relationships with organizations like Madison Schools Community and Recreation (MSCR), UW Leadership in Adapted Fitness, One City Schools, Edgewood College, and the Madison Mallards. He believes these connections strengthen the program and foster a broader understanding of the benefits of training and self-empowerment. The center also regularly donates to local food banks, Second Harvest and The River. A chart detailing the center’s community outreach initiatives and partnerships would be beneficial here.
Dean acknowledges the demanding nature of entrepreneurship, requiring dedication beyond traditional work hours. However, he finds fulfillment in his work. “Being an entrepreneur, you’re tied to it 24/7,” he said. “But when you can wake up in the morning and feel like, ‘I can’t wait to get to work, and I can’t wait to train the kids, and I can’t wait to help these people get to the next level,’ it’s not like it’s work.” He envisions a future with a larger, dedicated facility to further expand the center’s offerings in fitness, wellness, and martial arts.
For Charles Dean, the Wisconsin Martial Arts & Fitness Center is more than just a business; it’s a passion project deeply rooted in community and personal growth.
