The dojo was founded by Gerry Blanck, a former professional kickboxing champion who lost both his dojo and his home in the blaze but resumed teaching shortly afterward in a temporary Santa Monica location.
A longtime martial arts studio in Pacific Palisades is preparing to reopen this summer after being destroyed in the 2025 wildfire.
Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center said it will resume operations at a new location at 542 Palisades Drive on June 1, marking its return after months of operating out of a temporary facility in Santa Monica.
The studio, which has served the Palisades for more than 40 years, offers classes in Yoshukai karate, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, judo and self-defense for both children and adults, including youth programs for students as young as 3½. According to the business, it plans to hold private lessons and pre-registration in May ahead of the reopening.
The dojo was founded by Gerry Blanck, a former professional kickboxing champion who opened the school after moving to California in 1982. According to the studio’s website, Blanck compiled a 23-2 professional record with 12 knockouts and later became a longtime instructor and West Coast director of Yoshukai karate.
Blanck has also had a presence beyond the dojo. The website says he has appeared on television programs including “Entertainment Tonight,” “Extra,” “Eye on L.A.,” “Baywatch” and “Dancing With the Stars,” and has trained celebrities and appeared in martial arts films.
Blanck lost both his dojo and his home in the blaze but resumed teaching shortly afterward in a temporary Santa Monica location. There, classes became a gathering place for displaced students and families coping with losses, serving not only as martial arts instruction but also as a source of community support.
