About Us
Leadership. Discipline. Lifelong dedication to martial arts.
Guy Tinkham
Founder and Head Instructor of Enlightenment Martial Arts Academy in Standish, Maine. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt under Grand Master Joe Moreira. Black Belt in Shotokan Karate under Kyoshi Fournier.
Guy has dedicated his life to the martial arts training, competing, and now sharing his knowledge with students of all ages and backgrounds.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Journey
I began my martial arts journey at the age of 8, learning Shotokan Karate under Antonio Fournier. Mr. Fournier was my first experience into the world of martial arts and was a great mentor and instructor. I had no idea that because of his support and guidance, it would change my life forever.
Over the years, I've trained in martial arts such as:
- Karate
- Kickboxing
- Taekwondo
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Muay Thai
Beyond the Mat: Serving the Community
In addition to teaching martial arts, I am a certified Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) and Direct Support Professional (DSP). This specialized training allows me to design inclusive programs for students with behavioral challenges or learning disabilities.
In the past I have helped manage a program house for individuals who are autistic and have behavioral tendencies. Before this, I served as a correctional officer for 3 years, working with juveniles and at risk teens. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how martial arts can transform lives.
My classes foster:
- Emotional regulation
- Focus and concentration
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Impulse control
- Resilience
- Teamwork and empathy
- Physical well being
A Journey Through Loss and Healing
My path hasn't been without pain. In one of the hardest chapters of my life, I lost my 3-year old son in a tragic accident involving a stolen vehicle and a reckless driver. That day changed everything.
It took immense healing, therapy, and the support of an incredible community to move forward. After losing my son, I found healing through martial arts and community.
This experience drives my mission today and it is the reason I show up for every single student who walks through that door.
My Mission & Vision
My vision is simple but deeply important: I believe that every individual deserves to know how to protect themselves.
Beyond physical skills, martial arts offer critical benefits for mental health and personal development:
- Enhanced self esteem
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved focus
- Strengthened emotional regulation
My goal is to provide these life changing benefits to all students, regardless of disabilities or life circumstances.
Martial arts is more than self defense; it's a pathway to stronger minds, bodies, and communities. Whether you're looking to learn self defense, improve your mental health, build confidence, or find a supportive community, Enlightenment Martial Arts Academy is here for you.
Our Lineage
Mitsuyo Maeda
A Japanese born Brazilian judōka and prizefighter. Known as "Conde Koma," he pioneered judo in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Maeda was fundamental to the development of Brazilian jiu-jitsu through his teaching of Carlos Gracie and the Gracie family.
Carlos Gracie
A Brazilian martial artist credited as one of the primary developers of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He acquired his initial knowledge of Jiu-jitsu studying under Maeda, then taught his brothers and helped develop the Gracie family's self defense system known as Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Hélio Gracie
A Brazilian martial artist who, together with his brothers, founded and developed Gracie jiu-jitsu also known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). He was named Man of the Year in 1997 by Black Belt magazine.
Francisco Mansur
Mansur began training jiu-jitsu at age 15 under the legendary Hélio Gracie and continued for 60 years until the passing of his master. His training included over 30 no holds barred fights, all of which he won.
Joe Moreira
Moreira received his black belt in Judo in 1986 and organized some of the first major BJJ tournaments in the USA. He competed in UFC 8 and UFC 14, and was awarded a 9th degree red belt in Jiu-jitsu by his professor Francisco Mansur.