Traditional Roots, Modern Impact
Returning traditional martial arts to their full-contact foundations
"Karate" is a name that’s fallen far.
Let's be honest - you already know something's missing from your training.
You've invested years mastering forms, perfecting techniques, and climbing the ranks in traditional martial arts. You've put in the work, earned the belts, maybe even taught some classes.
But deep down, there's that nagging voice asking: "Would this actually work in a real fight?"
Every time you see MMA or boxing, you can't help but notice how different their training looks from yours. While you're doing kata, they're pressure testing techniques against resisting opponents.
And yeah, maybe your dojo does some "sparring"...
But you know that light-contact point fighting isn't preparing you for a real knock-down, drag-out brawl.
That doesn’t mean those systems don’t have merit. The ability to stay consistent and master any skill is insanely important for success in life.
But somewhere between preserving "tradition" and making the monthly rent, the real fighting got stripped out of most traditional martial arts schools.
Looking back,
Moving forward
Here's the good news: You don't have to throw away years of training to add that missing piece.
Knockdown Academy bridges the gap between traditional martial arts and full contact fighting by teaching you how to apply your existing skills with full power.
We're not here to replace your style or tell you everything you've learned is bullshit.
We're here to show you how to transform those techniques into weapons that work against someone who's actually trying to knock your head off.
This isn't theoretical. The knockdown system has been pressure-tested over decades of full-contact competition. It's produced champions worldwide and saved my own ass countless times during my 10+ years in private security work.
What our students are saying:
How does it work...?
I hate subscription fatigue as much as you do. The last thing you need is another monthly payment just to watch some videos.
That's why Knockdown Academy is built different. You're not just buying access to decades of hands-on experience, recorded into easy-to-follow lessons - you're joining a complete system for adding full-contact skills to your existing martial arts foundation:
Video Lessons
A complete progression from traditional techniques to full-contact application
Detailed breakdowns of how to modify your current skills for real fighting
Training methods that let you practice full power without destroying your training partners
Community
Connect with other traditional martial artists making the transition to full contact
Share experiences, ask questions, and solve problems together
Find training partners and competition opportunities
Direct Coaching & Support
Regular live sessions where I help you adapt your style for full contact
Personalized guidance on modifying your techniques
Competition prep support when you're ready to test yourself
The video library starts with your existing knowledge and shows you exactly how to pressure test it. We're constantly adding new content and improving past lessons based on member feedback.
But most importantly, you'll have direct access to me. I'm in the community every day, answering questions, hosting discussions, and helping you build an action plan that works with your current training.
Speaking of which...
But, who am I?
I'm Andrew Hedges, and I've spent 20 years bridging the gap between traditional and full-contact martial arts.
I'm a 3-time North American Knockdown Champion, training under knockdown legend Norm Rivard at Kihon Karate. Between us, we've won full-contact championships all over North America.
But more importantly…
We've helped hundreds of traditional martial artists add that missing piece to their training. People who knew their techniques but needed to learn how to apply them under real pressure.
Now, through Knockdown Academy, we're bringing that knowledge beyond our local dojo to martial artists worldwide.
WHAT IS KNOCKDOWN?
Knockdown isn't just another style trying to replace what you already know.
It's a proven rule set that lets you test your techniques at full power while still having a long and healthy training career.
At high-level competition, there's no pads or gloves - just a cup and a mouthpiece. Every technique is thrown full-power against an opponent who's actively trying to put you on the ground.
Here's the twist that makes it work: We don't allow punches to the head.
Now before you roll your eyes, think about it:
• Most martial artists who "train with head punches" barely make contact
• The ones who DO go full contact end up with scrambled eggs for brains
• Meanwhile, we're throwing everything else at full power…
• Including show-stopping head kicks
The result? You can train harder, fight longer, and actually test your techniques without ending up in the ER every week.
Of course, when you're learning to throw full power, you need the right progression.
That's why our training system uses carefully selected protective gear and pad work to let you develop real power without crushing your training partners.
No bullshit. No pulled punches. Just progressive development of legitimate striking power, and how to use it.
Here's how to start:
The combined experience in this system represents over 50 years of teaching, training, competing… and even testing this stuff off the mats in real life-or-death situations.Private instruction from coaches with this level of full-contact experience typically runs hundreds per hour...But full access to Knockdown Academy is just $40 monthly.
But full access to Knockdown Academy is now only $40 per month!
That Gets You:
Our complete library of technical instruction
A community of martial artists on the same journey
Direct access to champion-level coaching
A structured path to adding full-contact skills to your current style
Click here to get started with Knockdown Academy:
It's never too late to start...
You've already heard it from senior students at your dojo: "I wish I'd started this kind of training years ago..."
Here's the truth: Every year you spend training without testing your techniques under pressure is a year wasted.
Meanwhile, the martial arts world keeps evolving. The longer you wait to add real contact to your training, the further behind you fall.
In 12 months, you could:
Still be doing light-contact point sparring, wondering if your techniques actually work, or…
Become a proven full-contact fighter who KNOWS they can handle their shit
It’s your choice.
Who it’s for... and Who it’s NOT for
Knockdown Academy is for traditional martial artists who are tired of training in a bubble.
You love your art, but you know there's more. You want to:
• Test your techniques against real resistance
• Add legitimate power to your strikes
• Prove your skills in actual competition
Remember - we're not here to "convert" you, or trash your style.
This isn't about replacing your current training. It's about adding the missing piece that turns those techniques into genuine fighting tools.
And while we're built for traditional martial artists looking to level up, we welcome anyone ready to learn real fighting skills. Our system builds from the ground up, so even complete beginners can jump in.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Will this mess up my traditional training?
Hell no. Everything we teach complements traditional techniques. You'll just learn how to make them actually work under pressure.
Question 2: Do I need to leave my current dojo?
Absolutely not. We're not trying to steal students or replace your training. Think of us as the "full contact supplement" to what you're already doing.
Question 3: I've never hit anyone full power - is this too advanced?
That's exactly why I built this system. We'll show you how to progress safely from traditional training to full contact without getting crushed or injured.
Question 4: I do [insert traditional style]. Can I train knockdown?
If you can punch and kick, you can train knockdown. Your specific style doesn't matter - we'll show you how to adapt your techniques for full contact.
Question 5: Isn't full contact training dangerous?
Less dangerous than spending years learning techniques you've never tested. Our system is specifically designed to let you train hard while staying healthy.
Question 6: Will this help my self-defense skills?
I spent over a decade in private security dealing with real violence. No rules. No referees. I’ll be honest: nothing prepares you for actual fighting like training with real contact against resisting opponents.
Click here to get started with Knockdown Academy for just $40 per month:
You've already put in the work learning your art.
Now it's time to turn those techniques into real fighting tools.
Picture this:
Someone squares up to you at the gas station. Your heart rate spikes - but not from fear.
From knowing exactly what you're capable of.
No more second-guessing your training. No more wondering "what if." You've pressure-tested every technique in your arsenal against people trying their hardest to stop you. You know exactly what works, what doesn't, and how to execute under real pressure.
Or how about…
Raising your fist in the air after three rounds of all-out battle.
Your shins are aching, your lungs are burning…
But the crowd is chanting your name.
I still remember the first time that happened to me.
That's the difference Knockdown Academy makes.
In just a few months, you'll:
• Face any confrontation with the calm confidence that comes from real experience
• Know in your bones that your techniques work because you've landed them full-power on resisting opponents
• Move with the authority of someone who's been tested in the fire of full-contact fighting
• Feel the quiet pride of transforming from a martial artist who hopes their training works to one who knows it does
• The next time someone asks if your martial arts "actually works," you won't need to explain or justify anything.
You'll just smile, knowing you could prove it right now if you had to.
Ready to develop that unshakeable confidence that only comes from real fighting experience?
Join Knockdown Academy, and start training today:
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