Sierra Dojo began as a class at what is now Pulse Fitness in Minden in 1999. Diane Ortenzio-Cooling had moved to the Carson Valley three years earlier and wanted training partners. Two years later, she found a spot in the Minden Plaza and opened her own training facility.

Sensei Mike Bern began High Desert Martial Arts in 2002. He wanted to continue the traditions of his teachers and share his knowledge of the martial arts with others. They combined their schools into one location in 2014 to better serve their students.

Through the years we’ve changed locations, but we’ve never changed our goal: To offer a method for people to become confident and stronger through martial art training. Come learn the fundamentals of martial arts. Why techniques work and how they work. You will grow in ways that you didn’t think possible!