Elite Martial Arts - Springfield, IL

Huge thanks to Eric Griggs and Bradyn Coad for helping to tear down and move the rest of the items from EMA.

I was packing up, Eric was busy with the drill taking things apart, and Bradyn was getting his work out in by literally single handedly moving everything into the truck and then to storage.

As I gave the school one last look before permanently shutting our lights off and locking the doors one last time…I was overwhelmed with how thankful I was for each student who has walked through EMA’s doors for training over the last 8 plus years.

From my own children to students who have become family…the last 8 years have been a blessing for me. Some may have only trained once…others consistently over the last 8 years.

Thank you all for your support and entrusting Elite Martial Arts with your martial arts training. It has been an honor and a privilege to share with you something that I am so passionate about.

As EMA’s door close…I am excited about this new chapter in my life and look forward to hearing from you all.

Jin Joong!
HapKi!

Most of all…Thank You!

*This page will be removed within the next few weeks.

Last night of classes for Elite Martial Arts is in the books. Thank you to Chief Martin Coad, Bradyn Coad, Chris Watts, Tara Watts, Josh Oh, Alex DeLuna, Adam Goetz, Ryleigh and Delton (Kimberly Sharp Hahn), Emmy Oh, Dash, Arlen, and Brandon Rebbe for coming in tonight! Coad and Watts families…you guys really put a smile on my face tonight!

It was so good to see some of my former students and instructors come in to see the place one last time.

Bitter sweet. But onto new and exciting things!
The mats are cleaned, rolled up, and ready for MMA superstar Vincent P Eazelle to be used at his facility. Got a good load of things cleared out, pitched, and moved tonight. Tuesday…we break down the rest and clear out.

It’s been a great ride! Thank you to our Elite Martial Arts family for a wonderful and fulfilling 8 years. Once EMA…Always EMA.

HUGE thanks to Mr. Eric Griggs. My brother from another mother and one of my best friends. We’ve trained together since I was 15 and he was 16. He has helped me to move, build, teach, and been a great sounding board and EMA historian. I am so thankful for his friendship and loyalty. He is my big brother and martial arts co-Instructor and most importantly…FAMILY. I could not have done this without his help.

Well I think I have notified all current students…so it is safe to post it publicly.

After opening Elite Martial Arts just over 8 years ago…we have sure had a wild ride and it has been an absolute honor and privilege. However, it is with mixed emotions that I am announcing the official closure of my dojang.

I opened up in honor of my mother. When she was battling cancer she reminded me of how much I loved teaching. She passed in June and I opened up in fully in Oct 2014. Since that time…I have given it my all and have made memories that I will treasure forever. Several of my students have become FAMILY. Most importantly…I have had the honor and pleasure of teaching, mentoring, and coaching some AMAZING students. It has never been about money…but rather always 100% about practical application self defense. For me personally…I got to train and pass along my knowledge to my own children and watched them grow and develop into amazing martial artists.

-We started on Mather’s Road
-Then we expanded that building to having 2 separate work out areas.
-We had to move and relocated to West White Oaks and did a complete build out from ground up.
-We survived Covid and the shut downs.
-We then resumed classes, had to move, and relocated to our current location on North Street where we did another build out from ground up. Unfortunately…it is that time and it’s time to move…

I promised myself and my brother and best friend, Eric Griggs that this last move was our last. Well…I am making good on that promise. I want to thank Griggsy for his friendship, brotherhood, dedication and loyalty. While often it is like a page from “Grumpy Old Men” or even “Best of the Best” (musical montage and all) - when he and I are on the floor teaching…we made an amazing duo. Our non traditional and in your face approach to teaching was able to take our students to the next level and pushed them past their boundaries. I can count on one hand people who have my back - no matter what. He is one of them.

Thank you Jason Voyles for the hospitality. I am so very happy and proud that Premier Auto is flourishing. We wish you the best!

EMA will have our remaining classes this Thurs, next Tues, and our last set of classes will be taught next Thurs, 20Oct2022. Past EMA members (must be considered to be in good standing - trust me…if you are not…you already know who you are) are welcome to come join class one last time to celebrate EMA before we close EMA’s doors.

As for me…I am taking this next chapter in life to heart and look forward to new opportunities and experiences.

No classes tonight due to bothcinstructors having work commitments.

Parents/Students - I will ne contacting all current students/parents today/tomorrow for an update on a few items.

No classes tonight. Both Instructors have to work late tonight.

See you all Tuesday.

Please let me know if you are planning to make kids/adult classes tonight!

Congratulations to all new belt ranks!

No classes tonight!

Calling it for today. I am out and about and it is slick. Mother nature needs to take her anti-crazy pills. No class tonight. Be safe. See you all Tuesday.

Classes are cancelled tonight. It is already sleeting pretty heavily right now and things are slick outside. Be safe.