Pura Vida Martial Arts

Pura Vida Martial Arts delivers combat sports instruction and self-defense education at 1221 NC 16 Business Hwy in Denver, North Carolina. The academy serves youths, teens, and adult martial artists across Denver and surrounding North Carolina communities. The school is owned and directed by Professor Carlos A. Canales, a native of Costa Rica who started martial arts at age 11. Canales is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under 8th-degree coral belt master Carlos Machado with over 25 years of grappling coaching experience, a certified Judo black belt with the United States Judo Association, and a Muay Thai instructor with 25 years of teaching background. Adult classes are co-instructed by Professor Monty Massey, a black belt under Machado and Canales with more than 15 years of coaching experience. Coursework includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs structured for kids ages 7 to 9 and adults ages 14 and older, alongside traditional Muay Thai striking and self-defense classes. Prospective practitioners can begin with a complimentary one-week trial.