ABOUT US

Legacy Martial Arts was founded on a powerful truth: martial arts can transform lives. Created by a family of lifelong martial artists, our school is a place where tradition meets inclusivity, and where people of all ages and backgrounds can train, grow, and thrive.

At the heart of Legacy is Sensei Jenna Garcia, our Head Instructor and Owner. Her journey began as a young girl watching martial arts movies with her father. That early inspiration led her to take her first karate class at the Martial Arts Institute, and over time she dedicated herself to a lifelong pursuit of training across multiple disciplines. These include Shotokan Karate, Muay Thai, Boxing, Filipino Martial Arts, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A third-degree black belt under Master Eric San Jose, Sensei Jenna also draws from Jeet Kune Do, blending traditional techniques with modern strategy and practical application.

For Sensei Jenna, martial arts has always been about more than technique. As a child who faced bullying and felt different from her peers, she found strength, confidence, and belonging through martial arts. That transformation continues to drive her teaching today. She believes everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from training, regardless of age, ability, or background. Legacy Martial Arts was founded during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic to offer her students a new home where they could continue to grow and train together.

Every class at Legacy reflects our core values: discipline, humility, perseverance, and respect. Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or refining advanced skills, you'll be met with structure, challenge, and encouragement. Our instructional team includes experienced black belts, youth development specialists, and fitness coaches who share Sensei Jenna’s passion for empowering students through martial arts.

Our curriculum is carefully structured to support progress at every stage. From our Little Legacies kids' program to advanced adult MMA, every class is built around clear goals and consistent growth. Students are encouraged to reach new milestones, gain confidence, and stay motivated throughout their journey.

Legacy Martial Arts is more than a school. It is a welcoming and inclusive community. We proudly serve neurodivergent students, LGBTQ+ individuals, and families from all walks of life. While inclusivity is not our brand slogan, it is a core part of how we operate, teach, and build lasting relationships.

Our Hicksville, New York facility is clean, safe, and fully equipped for striking, grappling, and weapons practice. The training environment is designed to support focused learning while maintaining a warm and approachable atmosphere.

When students walk into Legacy Martial Arts, they enter more than a training center. They find a place where they are supported, challenged, and inspired. They build friendships, gain resilience, and grow stronger inside and out. Here, martial arts is not just a skill set. It is a path toward becoming the best version of yourself.

MEET THE
LEGACY MARTIAL ARTS OF LONG ISLAND TEAM

Sensei Jenna Garcia

Head Instructor & Owner, Legacy Martial Arts

Sensei Jenna Garcia is the passionate Head Instructor and owner of Legacy Martial Arts. Her journey into martial arts began as a child, watching martial arts films with her father. This early exposure sparked a deep curiosity, which led her to take her first karate class at the Martial Arts Institute. From there, she expanded her training into various disciplines, including Shotokan Karate, Muay Thai, Boxing, Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

A 3rd-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate under the guidance of Master Eric San Jose, Sensei Jenna also incorporates Jeet Kune Do concepts into her teaching. With over 10 years of experience in Muay Thai and Boxing, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her students, combining traditional martial arts with modern techniques.

Sensei Jenna's teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that anyone can learn and benefit from martial arts, regardless of age, background, or limitations. At Legacy Martial Arts, the focus is on making martial arts accessible to all, ensuring every student has the opportunity to grow, both physically and mentally, in a supportive and inclusive environment.

For Sensei Jenna, martial arts has always been more than just a sport. Having faced bullying throughout her childhood for being different from other girls, she found a sense of community and strength through martial arts. The confidence and resilience she gained through training inspired her to share this life-changing experience with others, especially kids who are struggling with similar challenges. She understands the transformative power of martial arts and works tirelessly to create a safe, non-judgmental space where her students can thrive.

Legacy Martial Arts was founded during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic when many of Sensei Jenna’s students lost their martial arts home. Determined to keep the community together and continue sharing her knowledge, she opened Legacy Martial Arts to offer a new place for students to train, grow, and develop as martial artists and individuals.

At Legacy Martial Arts, Sensei Jenna is dedicated to fostering an environment of respect, encouragement, and growth. Whether you’re new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner, you’ll find a welcoming home where you can train, learn, and build the confidence to face any challenge that comes your way.