About Us – Dragon’s Edge Academy of Martial Arts
Our Unique Edge
What sets Dragon’s Edge Academy of Martial Arts apart is our unique lineage and commitment to the betterment of our community. Our founder, Sifu Dan Rivera, brings decades of martial arts experience and has had the honor of training under two of Bruce Lee’s original students, Leo T. Fong and James DeMile. This connection to Bruce Lee’s teachings infuses our programs with a rich heritage, martial art and martial philosophy. Additionally, we are the only school in Putnam County to offer KunTao Silat and Eskrima, providing a unique and comprehensive training experience you won’t find elsewhere. No matter the art, or it’s country of origin, they all follow the same philiosophies as handed down to us by Bruce Lee, this is our Edge!
Real Martial Arts. Real Self-Defense. Real Transformation.
At Dragon’s Edge Academy of Martial Arts in Mahopac, NY, we’re more than just a martial arts school—we’re a community of motivated individuals committed to growth, strength, and self-mastery.
Led by Sifu Dan Rivera, our academy blends tradition with modern-day effectiveness to provide practical, adaptable martial arts training for both kids and adults. Whether you’re here to improve fitness, learn self-defense, or build confidence, you’ll find a welcoming space and a results-driven program. We believe martial arts is a lifelong tool for building confidence, strength, focus, and discipline. Our mission is to empower students of all ages through practical martial arts and fitness programs that develop the body, mind, and spirit.
Based in Mahopac and serving Carmel, Yorktown Heights, and the greater Putnam County area, we offer a modern, non-traditional approach to martial arts. You won’t find memorized forms here, nor traditional uniforms and bare feet. Instead, our students train in school t-shirts, sweatpants, sneakers, and train in reality-based techniques that work in the real world.
Our Lineage & Disciplines Include:
- Jeet Kune Do-Bruce Lee’s Art and philosophy
- Wing Chun Kung Fu – focused on structure, redirection of force, trapping, and centerline control
- Filipino Kali & Eskrima – including stick fighting, knife defense, striking, grappling and flow drills
- KunTao Silat & Southeast Asian Combatives – for close-quarters control, groundfighting and weapons
- Wei Kuen Do/Trap-Boxing & Kickboxing – developing timing, power, and striking precision, with a Kung Fu flare
- Krav Maga & Real-World Self-Defense – tactical and situational training
Meet Sifu Dan Rivera
Founder, Chief Instructor, 8th Degree Black Belt
Sifu Dan Rivera brings decades of experience, not only as a martial artist, but also as a teacher, coach, mentor, and lifelong student of combat arts.
He is an 8th-degree black belt in Wei Kuen Do and holds full instructor certifications in Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, Silat, Kickboxing, and Krav Maga. Sifu Dan has trainedwith many esteemed instructors, including two of Bruce Lee’s original students — Leo Fong and James DeMile — and continues to carry forward a modern, evolving approach to martial arts. He is also a Certified Police Tactics Instructor and a Certified MMA Conditioning Coach, and has taught self-defense workshops for women, professionals, and youth throughout Putnam County and New York City.
Dan’s mission is simple: To help students unlock their potential through the discipline, philosophy, and power of martial arts while improving their confidence and personal saftey.
Sifu Dan’s Ranks Include:
- Certified MMA Conditioning Coach, NESTA
- Certified Tactix Instructor, NESTA
- Full Instructor, Jun Fan Gung Fu/Oakland JKD – GM Leo Fong
- 8th Degree Black Belt- Chief Instructor, Wei Kuen Do – GM Leo Fong/GM Jeff Jeds
- Full Instructor, Progressive Fighting Systems – Contemporary JKD and FMA – Sifu Dan Andersson/SiGung Paul Vunak
- Full Instructor, Jun Fan Gung Fu/JKD – Larry Hartsell’s Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Grappling Association
- 6th Degree Black Belt, Jedokan Chentaido Karate-GM Jeff Jeds
- 4th Degree Black Belt, Armasan Eskrima-GM Jeff Jeds
- Level 1 Instructor, Wing Chun Kung Fu- Yin Wing Chun-Ip Man Family System
- Instructor Level 1/1st Degree Black Belt in KunTao Silat and Kali – Guro David Seiwert
- Instructor Level 3, Krav Maga-National Krav Maga Association
- Instructor Expert Level 7, Police Tactics Instructors of America
Our Philosophy
We believe martial arts is about more than kicks and punches. It’s about becoming more confident in conflict, and disciplined in everyday life.
At Dragon’s Edge, we don’t focus on outdated traditions, flashy moves, or cookie-cutter forms. Instead, we teach real-world techniques that work—drills and strategies that develop agility, awareness, and the ability to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Every class is designed to challenge your body, sharpen your mind, and elevate your spirit.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced martial artist, we’ll meet you where you are and help you level up.
Fun Fact
Sifu Dan is also a certified special effects makeup artist and horror film fan. He’s worked on some independant films and is also the creator of the Mahopac Monster Makers Club — a seasonal workshop where kids and teens learn how to create movie-style monsters using FX makeup techniques in a safe, creative environment.
📍 Located at P.A.G.S. Fitness 654 US-6 Mahopac, NY 10541
📞 Call or Text: 845-208-5929
📧 Email: DragonsEdgeAcademy@gmail.com