As its name implies, Welcome Mat Elite presents a friendly, supportive atmosphere for getting in shape and learning the martial arts. Fittingly, the training center lacks the machismo and vicious henchmen often found in globogyms and chain dojos. The coaches bring to the mat a wealth of championships, belts, and professional experience. On a mission to instruct—never to showboat—they help students build their bodies and minds with everything from the wholesome after-school education of kids' kodokan judo to the light weight work and circuit-training techniques of boxing strength training.

The academy's curriculum focuses on functional strength and useful self-defense strategies gained through shingitai jujitsu's three-fold regimen of mental and emotional maturity, technical skill, and physical fitness. Whether they're practicing throws and ground-fighting moves during friendly grappling contests or sweating and kicking during cardio boot-camp classes, students at Welcome Mat constantly challenge themselves to be better both in body and mind.