December 2024 marked a major milestone for Warrior Martial Arts: our third anniversary!
Three incredible years of kicks, courage, community, and character-building. From our very first class to the thriving, passionate academy we are today, this journey has been nothing short of amazing.
As the founder, Shun Shifu Smith, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we started, why we started, and what the road ahead looks like.
Why I Started Warrior Martial Arts 🥋
Martial arts changed my life.
Not just in terms of skill or discipline, but in the way it reshaped how I carried myself in the world. I opened Warrior Martial Arts because I wanted to give others that same gift—the gift of confidence, resilience, and growth.
I knew early on that I didn’t just want to open a martial arts school. I wanted to build something deeper: a community and a path of personal transformation. And three years later, I can proudly say we’re doing just that.
Here’s why Warrior Martial Arts exists:
- Martial arts empowers people to speak up with confidence. Many students come in shy, unsure of themselves, and afraid to use their voice. But through training, we see those same students standing taller, speaking louder, and learning to believe in themselves.
- It offers vital self-defense skills for navigating this unpredictable world. Let’s be honest—the world isn’t always kind or safe. At Warrior Martial Arts, we teach practical techniques rooted in real-life scenarios, so that every student walks away not just stronger, but safer.
- It fosters an ongoing journey of personal development. Whether you’re five or fifty, martial arts provides a framework for constant growth. We never stop learning, and each belt is just a checkpoint on a much bigger journey.
Looking Back: Our First Class to Now
Our first class in December 2021 was small, but mighty. A handful of students, a couple of mats, and a big dream. We taught every class with passion and heart, building strong foundations in Shou’ Shu’, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and character development.
Since then, we’ve:
- Grown from a few students to a vibrant community of warriors of all ages
- Launched specialty programs like our Legacy Program and Character Stripe System
- Hosted tournaments, workshops, seminars, and parent night outs
- Helped kids conquer bullying, teens develop leadership skills, and adults rediscover their strength
Our academy walls have witnessed thousands of breakthroughs—from a student’s first confident “Yes, sir!” to hard-earned belt promotions and moments of pure perseverance.
The Power of Community
What makes Warrior Martial Arts special isn’t just our curriculum—it’s the people. Parents who show up week after week. Kids who help their teammates up after sparring. Coaches who stay late to support every student’s journey.
We’ve celebrated birthdays, watched lifelong friendships form, and seen entire families train side by side. That’s the kind of magic that only a true martial arts community can create.
As we reflect on three years of growth, I can say without a doubt: this is exactly the community I dreamed of building.
What’s Next for Warrior Martial Arts?
Three years in, and we’re just getting started.
In 2025, we’re aiming higher:
- More events, including inter-academy sparring days and community outreach
- Expanding our youth leadership and Legacy curriculum
- Continuing our investment in facilities, training tools, and instructor development
- More ways for families to train together and stay active
We’re not just growing in size—we’re growing in purpose. And we want every student and family to feel part of that mission.
Thank You
To every student who’s stepped on our mats—thank you. To every parent who’s trusted us with your child’s growth—thank you. To every instructor, coach, and assistant who’s poured into this academy—thank you.
The journey isn’t always easy. But the results? Life-changing.
So here’s to our first three years—and to many, many more.
Let’s keep building something powerful together.
With gratitude and warrior spirit,
Shun Shifu Smith
Founder, Warrior Martial Arts
#MartialArtsJourney #OurWhy #CommunityPassion #WMA3YearsStrong