Teaching Self Defense and Self Respect

Broken Arrow's Martial Arts Advantage's Program teaches the life-affirming art and skills of authentic tae kwon do, and instill a high level of self respect into each student.

Instructors at Martial Arts Advantage of Broken Arrow (L to R): Master Jim Hammons, Tracy Hammons, Mina Bui and Ron Anderson.

There’s a lot going on at Martial Arts Advantage in Broken Arrow. According to Master Jim Hammons, “Our core program focuses on instilling self control, focus, self discipline, goal setting, positive attitudes, and respect in each student, whether they are four years old or 64 years old.” The programs at Martial Arts Advantage provide pathways for a journey that will last a lifetime, while creating a sharper, supple body and helping students discover their true selves in a unique way.

“Learning is the key to all our work,” says Instructor Tracy Hammons. The atmosphere is safe and enjoyable and appeals to the entire family. Unlike many sports that require a tryout to participate, Martial Arts Advantage encourages everyone to participate and begin gaining the benefits their training offers.  

If you believe that martial arts is only about kicks and punches and winning trophies, you couldn’t be further from the truth. The objective of the program is to teach the life-affirming art and skills of authentic tae kwon do, and instill a high level of self respect into each student. Students are influenced rather than forced into action, thereby creating self discipline. The programs help students realize that they have choices and abilities, both physical and mental, to deal with challenging situations and overcome them. Although martial arts teaches self-defense skills, which is equally important, it gives students the confidence needed to understand that they don’t have to fight. In her classes, Tracy stresses goal setting, getting into shape, and being fit, plus good grades and good relationships with family and others.  

Tulsa has been selected as the host city for the June 11th United Tae Kwon Do Alliance (UTA) Championships, and Martial Arts Advantage is a co-host of the event. Master Jim Hammons, Tracy Hammons, Ron Anderson, and Gordon Okerstrom recently qualified for the UTA World Team and will represent the United States in the UTA Championships. Tryouts were held in Hot Springs, Arkansas and in Dallas, and included techniques, patterns, spars, conditioning, and synchronized patterns events.

Ten-year old Michael Capps demonstrates the knife hand strike during a class at Martial Arts Advantage.

Martial Arts Advantage recently took a small group of students to the Winter Nationals in Plano, Texas, and all five participants earned either National Champion or National Runner-up rankings. Participants were: Kaylie Tucker (9 years old), Forms National Champion and Sparring National Runner-up; Jeffrey Tucker (11 years old), Forms National Runner-up; Mo Carlson, Forms National Champion and One-Step Sparring National Runner-up; Jordan Carlson (9 years old), Forms National Champion and Sparring National Runner-up; and Master Jim Hammons, Forms National Champion and Sparring National Champion.

Martial Arts Advantage is also featuring a KnockOut-WorkOut Program, giving participants the opportunity to learn about fitness and the importance of keeping mind and body healthy. Interested students may also participate in masters classes that will include a blend of grappling and martial arts weapons training in a safe environment.

Other programs in the lineup for 2011 include Lil’ Dragons (ages 3-5), Children (ages 6-12), Teen (ages 13-17), Adult Classes, and Fitness Kickboxing. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in Executive Black Belt classes, a six-month program with intensive training focusing on earning a black belt in self defense.

Visit online, ­www.martialartsadvantage.net, to get a complete class schedule for 2011 and more information about Martial Arts Advantage of Broken Arrow.

For more information, contact

Martial Arts ­Advantage

www.martialartsadvantage.net

About Author Duane Blankenship

Blankenship graduated from the University of Oklahoma and has enjoyed a lifetime career in advertising. He started his own advertising business in 1993 and enjoys creating graphic art and writing. Hobbies include hunting, fishing and pencil drawings. Duane and his wife, Janice, have been married over 50 years and are active in their church and community. He has been a contributing writer for Value News/Values Magazine since 2005.