About Us
Who We Are
Ignite Capoeira Virtual Academy was founded in July 2023 by Jenny Johnson-Blanchard and James Lynch. Utilizing their extensive backgrounds in martial arts training and instruction, as well as their experience founding and directing a 501(c)3 non-profit capoeira academy, whose mission was to make capoeira accessible and enjoyable to all, regardless of income, gender, sex, race, or body type, they were able to establish engaging virtual martial arts classes and a positive and inclusive community for all.
With the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, adapting to a new, Covid-cautious lifestyle was a priority for their family. Jenny and James have seen how their children (and they themselves!) have thrived through making safe connections and learning in a virtual format- from art classes, music, martial arts, programming, social groups, to homeschool co-ops.
They formed the idea of Ignite Capoeira from this- that learning, fun, and connections should be available to everyone; a virtual format makes this possible for many who are not able to take part in in-person experiences due to health history, Covid-caution level, or location. Following the forming of their virtual capoeira academy, came the establishment of a virtual karate academy for children and teenagers. Most recently, they are honored to been able to expand their classes to offer taekwondo and kickboxing for adults and older teenagers.
Our Mission
Ignite Martial Arts Virtual Academy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students to learn and grow. Our mission is to empower our people of all ages with the skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential, both in and out of class- while having fun together!
Importantly, our classes are built specifically for the virtual learner; we are able to provide high quality instruction with an emphasis on equity and accessibility. Importantly, we hope to inspire students to feel joy while participating in and practicing their martial arts and movements!
Our Values
We believe that martial arts is about more than just punching and kicking- it truly is a way of life! We hope to bring, via our martial arts instruction, to each student and class:
- joy
- connection
- a sense of community
- high quality instruction
- inclusion, respect, and accessibility for students of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life
- a path to wellbeing of mind, body, and spirit
Instructors
James and Jenny have decades of instructional experience in Capoeira, Karate, and Taekwondo. Having taught students of all ages, from young children to adults, James and Jenny tailor each lesson to meet the unique needs and abilities of individuals, fostering growth, joy, and confidence at every level.