Plus One Defense Systems teaches martial arts at 9 Tolles Street, West Hartford — not in Avon. This page is for people in Avon, CT deciding whether that drive is worth it.
Avon down Route 10 / 44
From Avon Center, plan on about 15–20 minutes down Route 10 or 44 into West Hartford, then New Park to Tolles. It is one dojo, not an Avon franchise location. If a map pack shows a karate chain closer to you, that is a different school with a different room.
Who this trip is for
Avon families usually land in the youth band (8–13): BJJ gi, Muay Thai, karate/kung fu, Saturday capoeira. Juniors 5–8 still fit the 4:30 PM slot if you can clear dismissal. Adults from Avon who want serious BJJ or MMA use the same floor in the evening.
Why drive past a closer chain
The reason the drive beats a closer rec class is lineage plus space. Marcus Aurelio’s BJJ and a 10,000 sq ft floor with a cage are not something Route 44 strip-mall karate copies. Youth black belts from this floor are named on the kids page — that is the belt path, not a two-week trial card.
Start here
Address: 9 Tolles Street, West Hartford, CT 06110. Phone 860.922.5343. Location, hours, and parking. Free intro class. Class schedule.