I wanted to let you know about an exciting change that we’ve been working on. We’re changing our name to Next Level Martial Arts, and I’d love to tell you why. I’ve always believed that information is power, and transparency is the way. So, I’d love to share with you why we’ve decided to change our name and why we’re thrilled about it (and why you should be too.)
Parents, think back to the time before your child began karate…
How were you feeling then?
Frustrated? Your child wouldn’t listen…
Sad? Your child’s confidence was low…
Or maybe you tried putting them in team sports, just to watch them sit on the bench…
Believe me…. we know. We’ve been there….
(Side note: Kerri and I have three kids at home, so we actually, have really been there.)
When Kerri and I started Brian Mayes Karate, our vision was to build the best martial arts program possible.
Before Smartphones
One that would help students grow Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially while making parents’ lives easier.
But we also wanted to do things differently. We wanted to do things our way.
We wanted to create a program that would bring families of all backgrounds and students of all ages and athletic abilities together.
Why? Well, because when a child is given a chance, with the right guidance and support, amazing things can happen.
And so…in 1997 Brian Mayes Karate was born.
After a while in business, we started to get feedback from our members. The program was working! Not only on the mat…but off the mat too! Our karate parents were raving about how much of a difference the program had made in their child at home and at school. Students were succeeding while making parents’ lives a bit easier.
Time to Expand…
In 1999, we were still a young school with Kerri in the office and only me as an instructor. We were growing month over month. So, we needed more space.
First, we expanded our first location on Carlton St. by combining two retail spaces.
We continued to grow…
Dream Dojo…Hard Work Pays Off…
In 2000, we were growing out of our 1600 sq foot space. So together we started looking for a place to move the location. We found land on Betts Ct. and decided to build our Dream Dojo.
We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Not knowing much about construction, we got a crash course in building from my father-in-law. In under 4 months, our Dream Dojo was complete. We had 3300 sq feet with 200 amazing students who became family. As we continued to grow at our new location, it was important for us to maintain our students’ success.
It’s Time to Develop a Team…
I became a sponge studying the skills of Leadership and Management. Kerri continued to study kinesiology. With the knowledge we gained, we put in place our first instructor training program. We provided everything an instructor needs to know in order to teach a successful martial arts class. I learned more about instruction teaching this first course than I did putting the course together.
The Experience of Having a Team Taught Us
- A Teams is built around a common Mission.
- A Team must share the same Vision.
- A Team must believe in its Leader.
- A Team must trust the Process.
- NO ONE CAN DO IT ALONE
A Great Team Grows Together
Together, with a Team of Rock Stars, we’ve been able to expand our Dream Dojo (5300’ now), open multiple locations which also include Fitness Kickboxing and After School Programs, become partners in education with public schools, and improve thousands of lives through martial arts. This could only have been done with a Team. It’s become clear to us that we’re the vision for which families are looking. We are committed to being the leading provider of martial arts and fitness training for today’s family; all while developing champions in life through a comprehensive personal development program, focusing on character education and life skills.
Our New Name, Next Level Martial Arts Represents this Vision.
We’re really excited about the future – and you should be too…
We’re only changing our name. Same great Team.
So, get excited…. because great things are coming to Next Level Martial Arts, starting with a brand-new name.
