Metamora Martial Arts was founded in 2002 by Joe Chianakas, a former high school English teacher, as an after-school karate program. Over the years, Mr. Chianakas expanded the program, opening satellite locations at Sunnyland, Metamora Grade School, Riverview Grade School, and Germantown Hills Middle School, all led by his skilled black belts and assistant instructors.
Throughout his time at the helm, Mr. Chianakas provided numerous opportunities for students to compete at regional and national levels, attending tournaments throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. He even promoted three tournaments from 2008 to 2010. A highlight for the program was the U.S. Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championships, where a select group of students competed in Orlando, Florida in 2005 and 2007.
In addition to tournament participation, Mr. Chianakas brought in notable martial artists for special seminars, including Anthony Marquez (Kung Lao from Mortal Kombat) and Mike Chat (Chad Lee, the blue Power Ranger from Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue).
Under Mr. Chianakas, Metamora Martial Arts earned prestigious recognition, including being named Black Belt Magazine’s 2008 Best Children’s Program and receiving the Best Humanitarian Act award for organizing the Break-A-Thon during Metamora’s annual Relay for Life fundraising event.
In 2012, after transitioning to a new career, Mr. Chianakas passed the program to Adam Bockler. Mr. Bockler continued teaching at the old Metamora Legion Hall until 2014, when he shifted his focus to personal training and DDP Yoga. From 2016 to 2020, Mr. Bockler taught DDPY for the Metamora Park District.
In 2021, a parent approached Mr. Bockler, asking him to teach their son karate after the teen became inspired by the Netflix series Cobra Kai. This led to two years of training in Mr. Bockler’s basement, and by 2022, Metamora Martial Arts was officially open to more new students after nearly a decade, with classes offered through the Metamora Park District.
In March of 2023, Mr. Bockler introduced a new direction for Metamora Martial Arts, transitioning from Okinawan Shuri-ryu karate to Shinmei Shorin-ryu karate, alongside old Yang-style tai chi chuan. This blend of traditional martial arts continues the legacy of the program while offering new opportunities for students to grow both physically and mentally.
Metamora Martial Arts is an affiliated school with the International Okinawan Budo-Kai.
Martial Arts Taught
- Shinmei Shorin-ryu Karate
- Kobudo
- Old Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan
- Hsing-i Chuan
Core Values
- Curiosity – We are guided by what piques our interest.
- Growth – We seek self-improvement.
- Thoroughness – We are dogged in our pursuits.
- Achievement – We recognize and celebrate our accomplishments.
Benefits of Martial Arts
- Physical, mental, and emotional development
- Exercise for mindfulness, relaxation, and stress reduction
- Social engagement & interaction
- Life skill development
- Reduced screen time after school
- Community engagement
We support our students
At Metamora Martial Arts, we do more than just teach self-defense. We focus on the holistic development of each student, helping them build physical fitness, improve balance, and cultivate mindfulness. Beyond individual techniques, we instill valuable life lessons that positively impact every part of our students’ lives—whether it’s excelling in school, performing better in sports, or navigating daily challenges with confidence and resilience. Our classes also provide a supportive space for students to forge new friendships and connect with others in a meaningful way. We strive to create a positive environment where students can step away from their mobile phones and immerse themselves in an experience that nurtures personal growth and community spirit.
We support competitors
Our students are encouraged—though never required—to participate in martial arts tournaments. Competing in tournaments adds a valuable dimension to regular training, helping students refine their skills, build physical conditioning, and strengthen their mental resilience. Through the experience of competition, students gain a deeper understanding of martial arts, pushing themselves to improve while developing confidence, focus, and determination. Tournaments provide a unique opportunity to test what they’ve learned in a supportive environment, making them more well-rounded martial artists and helping them grow both on and off the mat.
We support our community
We’re proud to actively engage with our community. We participate in local events such as the Old Settlers and Homecoming parades, and the newest annual tradition, Shine A Light On Metamora. We also promote martial arts through demonstrations at Illinois Central College’s Arts Week and presentations for the Metamora and Germantown Hills Rotary Club. We also support local causes, including sponsored donations to the MGS Playground Renovation and the Mark Linder Walk For The Mind, which funds brain tumor research in Peoria. Plus, we sponsored the Metamora Kiwanis Club’s first-ever Boys Of Fall concert in 2024 that helped raise $12,500 for the Unified Redbirds, a program that fosters leadership and friendships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
