INSTRUCTORS
Art Hinkelbein
Grand Master, 9th Degree Black Belt
President, Mixed American Freestyle
2003 North American Black Belt Hall of Fame
Grand Master Hinkelbein has been in the martial arts for over 40 years. He is an innovator in the martial arts world, combining his own ideas with some of the most practical concepts from more traditional styles, to create a true mixed martial arts system which he calls Mixed American Freestyle. His system always remains at the forefront of the industry, with the promise to provide contemporary ideas and fresh concepts all designed to prove effective in today’s real world. Grand Master Hinkelbein has many accolades, but for him, his most important accomplishment is having had the opportunity to change so many lives through martial arts. Over the years he has passed down his knowledge to thousands of students and has created countless champions in the ring, but more importantly, in life. In 2003, Grand Master Hinkelbein was inducted into the North American Black Belt Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the martial arts community. Even after all his success, he continues his teaching journey daily and remains committed to the integrity of martial arts by providing one of the most interesting and versatile mixed martial arts systems available.
Melissa Bogart
4th Degree Black Belt
Program Director, Art Hinkelbein Martial Arts Academy
Head Instructor, Mixed American Freestyle
Melissa Bogart has been studying Mixed American Freestyle under Grand Master Hinkelbein for 17 years. Throughout this time, Melissa has competed in over 50 mixed martial arts tournaments and has achieved 1st or 2nd place rankings in each one. She continues her martial arts journey everyday as both a student and teacher. She loves sharing her passion with students and helping them achieve the same level of confidence that has helped her have so much success in her own life. In 2005, Melissa graduated from Georgian Court University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a nearly perfect GPA. Her attention to detail is not only apparent in her own training, but in the achievements of the students she instructs. For Melissa, it’s been an honor to be able to turn her passion for martial arts into a wonderful career.
Ronika Eckart
3rd Degree Black Belt
Instructor, Mixed American Freestyle
Ronika Eckart has been studying Mixed American Freestyle under Grand Master Hinkelbein for 12 years. Throughout her martial arts career she’s competed in many mixed martial arts tournaments and always come home a winner, but more impressive is the 100% effort she consistently puts into her everyday training and instruction. Roni attended Stockton University where she was a member of both the indoor and outdoor track team all four years and captain for two years. In 2007 she was the State Hurdle Champion. As a four year Academic All-American, Roni graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2009.
Chi
Mascot, Art Hinkelbein Martial Arts Academy
Miss Melissa’s dog, Chi, is a staple at AHMA. She loves spending time with her martial arts family, and everyone loves to see her! She is one of the sweetest, most brilliant dogs you’ll meet. Over the years she has even learned some Mixed American Freestyle curriculum. She can bow, block, and even perform some self-defense techniques. You have to see it to believe it!
