Unified Martial Arts Academy Open
“I come to you with empty hands, I have not weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, or right or wrong, then here are my weapons, karate, my empty hands.
These words appear on one of the many Hall of Fame plaques earned by Grandmaster Joel Dvorin, owner of Unified Martial Arts Academy located at 686 East 185th St, Cleveland, OH 44119
Under the direction of Grandmaster Joel Dvorin, Master Harvey Fierman and Master Sean Southwick, Unified Martial Arts teaches a combination of Tae Kwon Do, Kempo and Judo, with students ranging in age from 5 to 50, Grandmaster Dvorin has black belts in Tae Kown Do and Kempo, and is the North American President of the Unified Martial Arts Federation and the Founder of TJBMA and has 60 years in the martial arts. Master Harvey Fierman has over 40 years of training and teaching in art of Judo. Master Sean Southwick has over 20 years of Tae Kwon Do Training and Teaching and after living in Israel has been trained in Krav Magra.
The academy teaches different styles each concentrating on a specific discipline, Tae Kwon Do is made up with 60-70% of leg and foot techniques, Kempo is over 60% hand and arm techniques and Judo consists of throws, takedowns, chocks, locks along with learning how to fall and roll properly. These forms complement one another, Unified Martial Arts can teach self-defense within a short period of time, even though it takes years to become a black belt.
Levels of knowledge are indicated by belt ranking, from white belt to Black belt. There are 10 colored belts and 10 black belts. Each is reached by showing knowledge of the basic techniques for that belt ranking.
Students also learn kata’s (prearranged fighting forms) sparring and the use of weapons such as the bow, sword, sai’s and kama’s. The academy does not advocate fighting, but teaches students “street wise martial arts” if a student finds him or herself in a dangerous situation. The academy also does many tournaments during the year.
The biggest challenge in the martial arts for young or old is that the martial arts is a year long commitment and must be worked in with other sports that children want to do during the year. Unified Martial Arts is open 6 days a week and also offers private lessons during the day.
Unified Martial Arts has relocated from Cleveland Hts to its new home. and is now located at 868 E 185th St Cleveland, OH for more information please call at 216-256-4298 or stop in and see Master Joel Dvorin, Unified Martial Arts is open Monday-Friday at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday at 10:00 a.m., bring this article with you and get ½ off the price of a uniform