After 15 years in the same location next to Rite Aid in Woodinville Plaza, Woodinville Martial Arts opened new doors to students and parents Friday night to celebrate the promotion of four students to Black Belt. The former Big Daddy’s space in Bear Creek Plaza, 13422 NE 177th Place, was split in half, and the martial arts academy recently took over 3700 square feet of space. “We were sorry to see Big Daddy’s close, but we are certainly thrilled to have the space to expand,” said Rachel McCarter, Instructor and Program Manager. Instructors, students, and parents all donated time and various skills the past few weeks to get the academy ready for opening.
Four students, Ian Sauve (22), Travis Kuykendall (15), Joshua Ervin (14), and Alexander Perelman (12) all received a Black Belt and sword in front of family, close friends, and fellow students. Ian Sauve was particularly eager to have his Black Belt ceremony in the new space, and spent a lot of his personal time painting, laying down the athletic flooring, and moving equipment and furnishings before the big day. “It was an honor to promote these four dedicated students, and to have their ceremony in our new academy was a great bonus,” remarked Master Instructor Daniel McCarter after the ceremony.
Students and parents have so far given their approval of the new space. “The new place is looking great. It already feels like home,” was recently posted by an Adult student on the Woodinville Martial Arts Facebook page.
Woodinville Martial Arts teaches their own unique blend of different martial arts styles, rooted in Tae Kwon Do. Students are taught hand and foot defense which includes striking and joint locks, and they begin learning practical application of various martial arts weapons at the beginner level. In addition to traditional martial arts instruction, students also get a variety of opportunities not typically offered by martial arts schools. Activities outside the academy are offered to students throughout the year such as desert and mountain camps, where they learn basic survival skills, and all day and all night training. These events provide new adventures for students and parents, and cement lifelong friendships.
“Our added square footage will allow us to expand our programs even further,” remarked Rachel McCarter. “Expect to see new and exciting programs coming from us this year,” she added. The academy plans to have an official Grand Opening Celebration in late April, and will again participate in the city’s parade in August. Be sure to stay up to date on the happenings at Woodinville Martial Arts through their website: www.woodinvillema.com.
