About Us

At Core Combat Sports, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts, fostering strength, discipline, and resilience in a welcoming community. With expert instructors and classes for all ages and skill levels, we help our members grow both physically and mentally on their journey to becoming their best selves.

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MEET Tommy Woodruff

Owner & Head Instructor at Core Combat Sports

Tommy Woodruff is the owner and head instructor at Core Combat Sports in Loves Park, Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in martial arts, he has dedicated his life to training, competing, and coaching. Tommy views martial arts as a vehicle for self-development and personal growth, aiming to impart the knowledge he has acquired over the years to his students.


Major Accomplishments:


• Extensive Martial Arts Experience:  Tommy has been actively involved in martial arts for more than three decades, showcasing his deep commitment to the discipline.


• Leadership at Core Combat Sports:  As the owner and head instructor, he has cultivated a community focused on learning, growth, and maintaining physical and mental sharpness.


• Promotion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Tommy has been instrumental in promoting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Rockford area, offering high-level instruction and training to both children and adults.


• Advocacy for Personal Development: He emphasizes the importance of martial arts in personal development, encouraging individuals to challenge themselves and improve their lives through training. 


Tommy's dedication to martial arts and his community has made him a respected figure in the Illinois martial arts scene.


Discover the Heart of Martial Arts: Where Community, Growth, and Resilience Come Together


At Core Combat Sports, we believe martial arts is more than just training—it’s a path to personal growth and a stronger community. Our academy is built on values of respect, resilience, and commitment, welcoming people of all backgrounds and skill levels. Led by dedicated instructors, each class is an opportunity to develop both physical skills and mental focus. We’re here to support you in reaching your goals, with a close-knit community that celebrates every step forward.


Step Into a World of Growth, Strength, and Community at Core Combat Sports

At Core Combat Sports, our training approach combines expert guidance with a personalized touch, making sure every member receives the attention they deserve. We emphasize a balance of physical fitness and mental discipline, focusing on techniques that build real-world self-defense skills and inner resilience. Our classes are challenging yet supportive, structured to encourage steady progress while fostering a sense of camaraderie among members. Here, you’ll find a welcoming space to grow, connect, and transform—whether you’re starting out or advancing your skills, there’s always a place for you in our community.

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