Warrior Way Martial Arts has been offering their kids’ program for over 25 years, says Brandon McDaniel, manager and instructor at the studio. “Warrior Way is unique in that we divide our kids’ programs into three distinct age/skill level classes. In doing so, we reach students of varying ages and skill levels in a dynamic way.”
“Warrior Way was started with the collective efforts of Harvy Berman, Scott Lewis, and Bill Thompson to provide a reality-based martial arts center that focuses on building well-prepared students as well as an opportunity for students to bond in a unique way. We focus on the characteristics of tolerance, perseverance, courage, responsibility, health, respect, strength, honor, self-discipline, loyalty, gratitude, and most importantly, leadership,” explains Brandon. “Students are able to describe these characteristics and provide examples of ways they can implement them in their daily lives.”
Training at Warrior Way begins as young as four years old. “Our first program is called Little Warriors,” says Brandon, “and is designed for students aged 4-6 years old.” Little Warriors combines Muay Thai Kickboxing and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 30-minute sessions. Offered at 4:30 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, “students learn the beginning skills to defend themselves and build physical attributes that will cross over to other activities,” adds Brandon.
For ages 7 and up, the studio offers Warrior Way Kids. Also a combination of Muay Thai Kickboxing and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, students at this level train for 55-minute sessions. In this class, says Brandon, “Students learn the skills to address the bullying problems that children encounter today.” Warrior Way Kids also builds physical skills that transfer to sports, general play, and more. Warrior Way Kids is currently offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:00 PM and Saturday mornings at 10:00.
For older and more experienced children, Warrior Way offers its Warrior Way Youth programs. “These classes are designed for students aged 10 and up,” says Brandon, “as well as students who are at a higher level in our Warrior Way Kids program.” At this level, classes are separated by discipline. Youth Muay Thai Kickboxing classes are scheduled Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 PM as well as Saturday mornings at 11:00. “These classes are designed to be more competitive in nature and allow the students lots of opportunity to challenge themselves physically as they learn how to defend themselves.”
“Having been in business for more than 25 years, we are fortunate to see the fruits of our labor spread throughout the community,” says Brandon. In addition to the positive feedback they receive from students and parents about the growth and skills gained through training, some students who have grown up in the program have transitioned to a teaching role, such as Stacy Coleman. “We first met Stacy in 2014,” says Brandon, “when she was only six years old. She was a quiet young lady who seemed very apprehensive.” Over time, she developed skill and confidence, and her brother and parents also joined Warrior Way. Stacy continued to train, competed in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, and excelled as both a student and athlete. Today Stacy is a “fantastic kids’ instructor,” and is “assisting in teaching the next generation.”
Classes at Warrior Way run all summer long, says Brandon. “Give us a call or email and set up a time to have your children try a free class and see what Warrior Way can do for them!”
"We focus on the characteristics of tolerance, perseverance, courage, responsibility, health, respect, strength, honor, self-discipline, loyalty, gratitude, and most importantly, leadership.”