⬤ Waterford Lakes · Orlando, FL · 11602 Lake Underhill Rd
FOUNDERS PAGE
MEET grand master
VON SCHMELING
Founder & Grand Master — Victory Martial Arts
One of the most respected figures in martial arts, Grand Master D. Von Schmeling has dedicated his life to teaching, refining, and sharing authentic martial arts with students across the world. His work has impacted hundreds of thousands of students — from beginners and families to competitors and instructors — across 45+ Victory locations.
📍 Waterford Lakes 📍 Avalon Park 📍 Union Park 📍 East Orlando 📍 UCF Area📍 Alafaya 📍 Oviedo
9TH
Degree Black Belt
30+
Years of Teaching
45+
Locations Worldwide
1993
Victory Founded
The Origin Story
Why I Started This
Grand Master D. Von Schmeling's journey began in South America, where he earned his black belt at the age of 18 and opened his very first martial arts school at 19. From the earliest days of his career, he understood that martial arts was never just about technique — it was a path for complete personal transformation.
"One of the most valuable lessons I teach is how to become the best possible version of yourself. We make discipline fun."
After building his reputation across multiple countries, Grand Master Von Schmeling saw a clear opportunity: bring world-class structured martial arts to families who needed it most. His mission became simple — help people grow stronger in body, mind, and character through consistent, principled training.
Through decades of dedication, sacrifice, and teaching, he built the Victory Martial Arts organization — now one of the most successful martial arts organizations in the world, with over 45 locations including our Waterford Lakes studio at 11602 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando FL.
His vision has always been the same: create an environment where anyone — child or adult — can build real confidence, resilience, and self-belief. Not through gimmicks or shortcuts, but through structured, disciplined, joyful training.
Experience & Expertise
Credentials &
Achievements
A lifetime of training, teaching, and building a global martial arts organization — these are the milestones that define Grand Master Von Schmeling's legacy.
9th Degree Black Belt
One of the highest belt ranks in the martial arts world — earned through decades of dedicated training and teaching
Founder of Victory Martial Arts
Established in 1993 — now one of the most successful martial arts organizations in the world with 45+ locations
30+ Years of Teaching Experience
From his first school at age 19 to a global organization — three decades of transforming lives through martial arts
Instructor to 250,000+ Students
Hundreds of thousands of students worldwide have achieved their goals through the Victory system
Recognized Global Martial Arts Leader
His reputation is recognized worldwide among practitioners, instructors, students, and martial arts organizations
The Journey
Featured In & Timeline
⭕️
Age 18
Earned his black belt in South America — beginning a lifelong commitment to the martial arts
⭕️
Age 19
Opened his first martial arts school — the earliest expression of the Victory philosophy
⭕️
1993
Founded Victory Martial Arts — the organization that would grow to become one of the most successful of its kind in the world
⭕️
2000s
Expanded Victory across multiple US states — FL, CA, TX, NV, MI and beyond — each location built on the same core values
⭕️
today
45+ locations worldwide · 250,000+ students helped · Victory Waterford Lakes proudly carries this legacy in East Orlando
Age 18
Earned his black belt in South America — beginning a lifelong commitment to the martial arts
Age 19
Opened his first martial arts school — the earliest expression of the Victory philosophy
1993
Founded Victory Martial Arts — the organization that would grow to become one of the most successful of its kind in the world
2000s
Expanded Victory across multiple US states — FL, CA, TX, NV, MI and beyond — each location built on the same core values
today
45+ locations worldwide · 250,000+ students helped · Victory Waterford Lakes proudly carries this legacy in East Orlando
Featured In
🔴 International martial arts seminars and workshops
🔴 Martial arts conferences and training events worldwide
🔴 Instructional appearances and media interviews
🔴 Guest speaker at youth development and leadership events
🔴 Recognized globally among martial arts organizations
The Foundation of Victory
What We Believe
At Victory Waterford Lakes, we believe martial arts should develop the whole person — not just physical ability.
These four pillars shape everything we do at 11602 Lake Underhill Rd.
Discipline
Progress comes from consistency, effort, and deep respect for the process. We don't rush. We build. Every belt earned at Victory Waterford Lakes is a real achievement — never given, always earned.
Structure
Clear systems create real improvement and measurable growth. Every class at Victory Waterford Lakes follows a proven curriculum — so students always know where they are and where they're going.
Confidence Through Achievement
Students earn their results through effort — not shortcuts, not participation trophies. That earned confidence extends far beyond the mat into school, work, and everyday life across East Orlando.
Positive Training Culture
A supportive, encouraging environment helps students thrive and stay committed long-term. At Victory Waterford Lakes, you're never just a student — you're part of a family that shows up for each other.
We don't chase hype. We build real skill.
victory team
Von Shmeling
founder
victory martial arts
D Von Shmeling
director
victory MA-waterford lakes
mr. martinez
chief instructor
victory MA-waterford lakes
More Than Techniques
We Develop the
Martial Artist.
At Victory Waterford Lakes, we carry Grand Master Von Schmeling's original mission into every single class — no gimmicks, no shortcuts, just real structured martial arts training that changes lives.
✔ World-class curriculum built by Grand Master Von Schmeling
✔ Certified, background-checked instructors at every class
✔ A respectful, disciplined academy culture since 1993
✔ Emphasis on character, focus, and self-control — not just kicks
✔ No gimmicks — traditional martial arts values, modern delivery
✔ Serving East Orlando, Avalon Park, Union Park & the UCF area
Train Under a System Built on Decades of Excellence
Work With Our Team.
Train under a system built by Grand Master D. Von Schmeling and led by our Waterford Lakes directors. Your FREE VIP Week is the best way to experience the difference.
Victory Martial Arts · 11602 Lake Underhill Rd Suite 132 · Waterford Lakes, Orlando FL 32825
GET IN TOUCH
Have Questions?
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Whether you want to know more about this program, schedule a visit, or just talk to someone on our team — fill out the form and we'll get back to you quickly. No pressure, ever.
✉️
📍
Address
11602 Lake Underhill Road, Suite 132
Orlando, Florida 32825
In Waterford Lakes Town Center
🕐
Class Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Closed
Monday
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
SUNDAY-CLOSED
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7 days of unlimited classes, personal attention from our instructors, and a real taste of what Victory can do for you or your child.
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