At Student 1st Martial Arts, everything we do is built around one core belief: the student comes first.
Founded by Cole Stanley, a lifelong martial artist, educator, coach, and family man, this program was created to give students more than just training—it’s designed to build confidence, discipline, and success in every area of life.
Cole brings over 16 years of experience in public education, including 8 years in special education, along with a deep understanding of how to connect with students of all learning styles and backgrounds. His ability to teach, motivate, and develop young people is what sets Student 1st apart.
On the mat, Cole’s background is just as strong. He is a 2nd Degree Judo Black Belt (Nidan), a wrestling coach of 16 years, and a multiple-time state and national medalist. His training combines the effectiveness of wrestling, judo, and grappling into a system that is practical, structured, and easy for students to understand and apply.
But beyond accolades, what matters most is impact.
As a husband and father, Cole understands the importance of creating a safe, positive environment where families feel comfortable and confident in their child’s development. Every class is built with that responsibility in mind—focused not just on skill, but on character.
We take pride in offering a welcoming, structured, and family-oriented atmosphere where beginners and experienced students alike can thrive.
Whether your goal is to help your child build confidence, improve focus, get in shape, or compete, Student 1st Martial Arts is a place where students are supported, challenged, and set up to succeed.