OUR DOJO
Empowering families through Mixed Martial Arts
At 2Knucklesports MMA & Fitness Surprise South, we empower individuals and unite families through mixed martial arts and fitness.
Our programs build physical strength, mental toughness, and essential life skills such as discipline, self-defense, and confidence all within a supportive, community-driven environment.
More than a gym.
This is your family first Dojo!
A gym is usually a place people visit to exercise.
A dojo is a place where students are taught, challenged, and encouraged to grow.
At 2KnuckleSports, training goes beyond learning how to punch, kick, or defend yourself. Students learn discipline, respect, perseverance, and how to remain confident under pressure.
Every student enters with different abilities and goals, but everyone has the opportunity to improve.
This is a place to train seriously, build meaningful relationships, and become part of a dojo family.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31
Meet Your Instructors
Our instructors are chosen for their teaching potential and demonstrated knowledge of the Nikidokai disciplines. Each of our lead instructors has a passion for teaching others and working with students of all skill levels and abilities to help them accomplish their goals.
Coach
Calvin Thiele
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Senpai
Cyilea Thiele
Senpai
Chloe Thiele
Senpai
Bryan Thiele
Sensei
Andrea Thiele
Meet Your Instructors
All of our instructors are chosen for their potential to teach and their own demonstration of the knowledge they've learned from learning the disciplines of Nikidokai.
Each of our lead instructors have a passion to teach others and work with all different levels and abilities to help our students accomplish their goals.
Coach
Calvin Thiele
Senpai
Chloe Thiele
Senpai
Bryan Thiele
Sensei
Andrea Thiele
Senpai
Cyilea Thiele
Improving Lives &
Uniting Families
It isn't just our motto, it's the heart behind how we teach, train, and serve our community.
Our goal is to create a dojo where people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels feel welcome. Whether someone is stepping onto the mat for the first time or returning to mixed martial arts after years away, we want them to know there is a place for them here.
As a family-first dojo, we believe mixed martial arts can be something families share together. We encourage parents to be involved, support their students, and when possible, step onto the mat alongside them as they grow.
That same mission shapes the way we train through the Nikidokai system, giving students a clear path to build confidence, discipline, practical skill, and personal growth through the art of five disciplines.
At 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness, we practice the art of Nikidokai, founded by Hanshi Nico and built on the knowledge of five martial arts disciplines. This unique blend gives students a well-rounded foundation in striking, movement, self-defense, discipline, and personal growth.
Nikidokai is designed to meet students where they are, helping kids, teens, and adults build confidence, improve fitness, and develop practical skills in a supportive dojo environment.
THE NAME
Nikidokai was given its name based on what the art represents as most all Martial Arts are given their names. The name is made up of mostly Japanese words, being that 4 of the 5 disciplines are Japanese and that the teachings are representative of what is known in Japan as Budo, (The Way of the Martial Arts.)
The Ni of Nikidokai first represents its founder, which is often customary. But this has a dual meaning and gives a great clue to the purpose of Nikidokai. Ni (in Japanese) also can mean 2 or dual/multiple. So translated can mean “The Multiple Ways in which Ki Participates.” And this is a very important meaning to understand. As students you should contemplate and meditate on this meaning.
Ni (Nico) Ki (Universal/internal Energy) Do (the Way) Kai (Participant)
The Art of 5 Disciplines
The art of Nikidokai was founded by Hanshi Nico. Based in the knowledge of 5 disciplines Nikidokai is as diverse as it is complex. Yet at its core its simplicity is rarely seen in the Mixed Martial Arts.
Shorin-Ryu Karate
A traditional Okinawan martial art emphasizing powerful strikes, joint locks, and mental discipline for self-mastery.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a striking art that uses punches, elbows, knees, and kicks, with an emphasis on balance and physical conditioning.
Jiu-Jitsu/Judo
A grappling-based art focusing on throws, joint locks, and using balance and momentum for effective self-defense.
Aikido
A defensive art that blends with an opponent's movements using joint locks and throws, emphasizing harmony and self-defense.
Kobudo
The art of weaponry using traditional tools like the bo staff and nunchaku, teaching discipline, focus and technique.
Our Founders
Nikidokai and the 2KnuckleSports franchise were founded through the lifelong friendship, training, and shared vision of Hanshi Nico and Shihan Bill Cook.
Together, they built more than a mixed martial arts system. They helped create a dojo family rooted in discipline, practical skill, brotherhood, and the mission of improving lives and uniting families.
Hanshi Nico
Founding Father of Nikidokai
A Legacy of Discipline, Strength, and Family
Hanshi Nico began training in martial arts at a young age in the Philippines before moving to the United States in the early 1970s.
After years of training, teaching, and competing in karate, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Aikido, Judo, Kobudo, and Jiu-Jitsu, he founded his dojo in 1986 and later created Nikidokai, a system built from five martial arts disciplines.
Over the years, Hanshi Nico trained students of all ages, coached amateur and professional champions, promoted Arizona’s first televised Muay Thai fight, taught self-defense and rape prevention classes, and continued his mission of improving lives and uniting families through mixed martial arts.
Shihan Bill Cook
Co-Founder, Champion, and Builder of Dojo Families
Shihan Bill Cook is a co-founder of Nikidokai, leader of the MMA Brotherhood, and ambassador for MMA Youth Outreach.
His martial arts journey began when his grandmother placed him in training to help him build discipline, and within his first year, he quickly became one of the top students in the dojo.
Through that journey, he formed a close bond with Hanshi Nico and was later adopted into the Fernandez family.
Over the years, Shihan Bill became a Muay Thai Kickboxing State Champion, competed in karate and bare-knuckle fighting, won multiple championship titles, and continued sharing his passion for mixed martial arts, family, and community through the Nikidokai legacy.
Our goal is to meet you where you are and help you take the next step.
Explore our programs to find the right class for you or your family.
At 2KnuckleSports Surprise South, our programs are designed for students of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
From young children taking their first steps onto the mat to teens and adults building confidence, fitness, discipline, and practical mixed martial arts skills, there is a place for every member of the family to grow.
Programs for Everyone
Hanshi and Shihan
ONE STEP.
AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY!
