Sonora MMA - Martial Arts Training with honor, respect and confidence

Finding himself the recipient of a violent mugging at the hands of a couple angry, armed thugs at the young age of 16 proved to be the impetus for Tom Theofanopoulos to learn, and eventually master, the art of self defense.  Pulling away from his family’s restaurant business to start out on the journey to becoming an 8^th degree professor was, at the time, a difficult decision, but one that he has never regretted. 

 Now with 35 years of martial arts experience behind him he enjoys his chosen path in life. “I enjoy every aspect of teaching, empowering people with self confidence” and helping people to become physically fit. “This can be life changing for some people” Tom said, pointing out that confidence is the cornerstone to daily life, ie: in the workplace, in relationships, at home, in sports, etc.

With classes held for ages as young as four years old to well in their 60’s and 70’s, Sonora MMA offers something for everyone. When asked the age range, Tom broke into a grin that lit up his face and said, “We are having a celebration soon in Oakdale to promote a woman in her 60’s to Blackbelt.” He did emphasis that in the classes for the younger children kick boxing and striking moves are discouraged. He believes in a “fun-based” way of learning self defense.

When asked what she got out of the women’s kickboxing class, one participant said,” I really don’t like to work out, but Tom always mixes it up… its good exercise with a lot of variety.”

 Sonora MMA, with the sister schools Oakdale MMA and Merced MMA, have created 8 World Title Holders in Professional MMA. Tom’s own son, Vasilios “Bill” Theofanopoulos holds a blackbelt in Kajukenbo and a black belt in jiu-jitsu. He is also the Nor-Cal grappling Champion and Gladiator Challenge Champion and belt holder.

Classes held in teen/adult, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu  and Kajukenbo are held twice weekly with open gym hours available. Kids kickboxing and women’s kickboxing are also available twice weekly. Kids competition teams are currently forming in kickboxing, jiu-jitsu and judo.

For more information on classes and times offered please call Tom Theofanopoulos at 209- 482-6505 or visit the website at www.oakdalemma.com

Sonora MMA 78 S. Washington St. Sonora, CA   95370