Phoenix Arizona USA Martial Arts students are hitting the bricks. Recently they participated in a local tournament to test their skills by breaking bricks and boards.
As more and more schools abandon traditional ways, one Phoenix Arizona school embraces classical methods of training. Founder John Nottingham says, "Today's martial arts schools are under a lot of pressure to join the MMA trend or go the belt factory method of appeasing overly protective mothers. This is why so many schools have gone maverick, no authentic certification, sham belt tests with no objective evaluations, and many creating their own small organizations to make misrepresenting and over exaggerated claims. We are proud to uphold international standards that demand inner strength, courage, character and discipline. Our students are proud to hold authentic rank and take pride in their ability to be real martial artists and legitimate Black Belts."
Inspired by their teams recent performance in an international competition held in Korea called the Taekwondo Hanmadang, these Arizona martial artists are already preparing to compete for team USA next year.
Here in Phoenix, the students competed for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals as well as trophies for division champions. The biggest prize, and the bragging rights, go to the overall tournament winner and Grand Champion with a six foot trophy. This tournaments Grand Champion was Conditional Black Belt Steve Moore.
Nottingham continues, "My foundation and my heart will always be rooted in traditional martial arts. I enjoy MMA, train in it but it often lacks the spirit, culture, refinement and wisdom of the ancient traditional disciplines. I've experienced first hand the amazing impact this training has on the mind, body and spirit. My life is evidence of it. Traditional martial arts training helped me in my service in the Military, earn Eagle Scout and have the discipline and courage to follow my dreams. I know the value of it in my students lives as well, having taught over 10,000 students in my career. Achieving Black Belt in a traditional martial art is an edge in job interviews, college selection, scholarships and much more. It is an invaluable intangible asset that one carries throughout life. This is the reason we do traditional tournament events like this."
All ages and belt ranks were invited to participate in traditional martial arts events ranging from highest number of spin kicks with a board break in 20 seconds, highest jump kick, longest jump kick and biggest power break.
According to founder and Chief Master Instructor John Nottingham, "This is just one more tool we use to build our students inner-strength and prepare them for challenges in life. We still have push ups, break boards and hold students back who do not legitimately earn rank. Patience is a virtue- not a punishment. We do our best to put principles above personalities. Our school stands for something beyond the kick, punch and throw. Not only is a breaking tournament like this highly rewarding and builds confidence, it really sets USA Martial Arts apart from your typical local Karate Dojo and Taekwondo school."
For more information on USA Martial Arts Phoenix they are offering a special trial program including a free uniform at http://KidsLoveMartialArtsPhoenix.com. It is an exclusive online offer for a limited time.
USA Martial Arts Phoenix 4731 E. Greenway Suite 9 Phoenix, Arizona 85032
SW Corner of Tatum and Greenway 602-896-8721
*Photos courtesy of P. Dean
