Martial Arts Academy in Des Plaines, IL
Built on Heart, Driven by Purpose
We started MBD Martial Arts Academy because we believe everyone — kids, teens, and adults — deserves a place to grow stronger, more confident, and more capable through the discipline of martial arts.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since we’ve opened, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through mixed martial arts, education, and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members.
We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop, and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that mixed martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience levels.
Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, but we also stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.
Our INstructors
Our certified instructors are passionate martial arts professionals who are dedicated to teaching not just technique, but also discipline, respect, and life lessons that extend far beyond the dojo.

Michael De La Rosa
Head Coach

Dhruvil Kotak
Youth MMA/Teen MMA Coach

Lesly Zepeda
Youth MMA/Teen MMA Coach

Henry Johnson
Youth BJJ Coach
Valerie Johnson
Early Childhood Coach

Kamila Yenhalycheva
Mini Dragons/Little Dragons/Youth MMA Coach
Christos Stojan
Little Dragons/Youth MMA/Teen MMA Coach

Michelle De La Rosa
Owner

Hannah Abraham
Mini Dragons/Little Dragons/Youth MMA Coach
Michael De La Rosa
Head Coach
- Brown Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Focused Fight Team)
- Certified Muay Thai Instructor (Focused Fight Team)
- 2nd Degree Black Belt, Shorei-Goju Ryu Karate (International Martial Arts Council)
- High Green Belt, Modern Arnis (International Modern Arnis Federation)
Dhruvil Kotak
Youth MMA/Teen MMA Coach
- First Degree Black Belt, MBD MMA
Lesly Zepeda
Youth MMA/Teen MMA Coach
- First Degree Black Belt, MBD MMA
- Yellow Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Focused Fight Team)
- Varsity Wrestler
Henry Johnson
Youth BJJ Coach
- Brown Belt, MBD MMA
- Blue Belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Focused Fight Team)
Valerie Johnson
Early Childhood Coach
- SKILLZ-Certified Instructor
Kamila Yenhalycheva
Mini Dragons/Little Dragons/Youth MMA Coach
- Purple Belt, MBD MMA
Christos Stojan
Little Dragons/Youth MMA/Teen MMA Coach
- First Degree Black Belt, MBD MMA
- Varsity Wrestler and Football Player
Michelle De La Rosa
Owner
- Fourth Degree Black Belt, Shorei Goju-Ryu Karate
- Level 3 Krav Maga Instructor
- Certified Fight Like a Girl Instructor
Hannah Abraham
Mini Dragons/Little Dragons/Youth MMA Coach
- Junior Black Belt, MBD MMA
Ready to get started?
Join hundreds of Des Plaines students and adults who have transformed their lives through martial arts. Claim your limited-time offer and experience the MBD difference today.

