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Martial Arts has always been a passion for my family we take it very seriously when it comes to bullying and self defense. Growing up we’re were always taught that fighting is never the answer to anything but defending yourself if needed is important. I started my first karate in Gainesville Florida at the age of 5 years old with my younger brother at a place called Wado Kai which is a form of Japanese style that originated in Okinawa called Wado Ru. This school has been around for many years and has taught my family as well. My uncle Cory Schafer is a 4th degree black belt and part owner of The U.S Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championship. My father Robert Fersko and my uncle Andy Berney were brown belts at the same school as well. I had just received my brown belt before my family moved to south Florida. Unfortunately we didn’t find a similar form of karate down here so I never was able to receive my black belt. It was always a dream that one day my kids would take martial arts. 

In 2023 my son Benjamin had severe anxiety and we it would be in his best interest to do taekwondo and help him get guidance and self control he needed. Over a course of a couple of months we noticed a huge difference in his behavior and his anxiety. At the end of the school year in 2024 the school he attended closed down unexpectedly and we wanted to help our son and other kids that needed similar guidance. We decided to open our own Martial Arts school with help from friends and family. 

Since Empower Martial Arts Academy has opened we have met many families who experience the same situations we encounter. In the first year of being open we have heard success stories from parents with children with their own struggles. 

We want to continue to provide the best solution for families such as after care and many different kinds of programs we can provide.

 

 

 

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