OAKHURST – Mariposa Martial Arts Academy (MMAA) celebrates the grand opening of their new location in the Silver Creek Plaza at 40879 Highway 41 in Oakhurst.
Festivities will take place on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will include loads of healthy fun for kids of all ages (that means grown-ups, too).
The day’s events start off with Kids age 4-12 Dodgeball at 10 a.m., followed by a Kids Bully Proof Workshop at 10:30.
The Adult Combat Fitness demo takes place at 11:30 a.m., and at noon visitors will be treated to a Kids Martial Arts workshop.
Besides the workshops, the grand opening will feature door prizes, games, giveaways and refreshments. The celebration is open to the public and free to attend.
“Anyone looking for the highest quality martial arts and fitness programs for all ages should visit,” say organizers. Consumers should be on the lookout for “one-time only super specials and drawings for free memberships valued in the hundreds of dollars!”
Drawings will be held on the hour, and MMAA’s Team Dynamite will give a performance demonstration during the day, along with special demos by students and black belts.
MMAA assistant instructor Terra Szymkowiak, 14, is currently training for her 2nd degree black belt. She has been studying for about three years and has dedicated herself to the practice.
“Martial Arts is cool because it helps with more than people think,” believes Terra. “It can help with respect, self-esteem, and even your physical and mental health. Martial Arts can change the way you think and do things.”
The philosophies behind the movements become second nature, according to Terra, a Bass Lake resident who both trains and teaches, all while a student at Glacier High School. Terra’s positive transformation has been internal as well as physical.
“We don’t just teach you how to kick or punch,” she explains. “We teach you how to respect your family, teachers and anyone around you. We teach you discipline, honesty and values.”
Terra has advanced a lot in just a few short years of intense study. She says the feeling of accomplishment is “amazing” and suggests that “everyone should go!” to the grand opening.
