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Welcome
Shabaaz Ali Founder & Chief Instructor
As the chief instructor of UMAA, I invite you to begin your study of martial arts. As with most things, the hardest step is often the first... to start! With dedicated training and patience, you will gain the many benefits and rewards of martial arts training. For me, martial arts training is something very close to my heart, it taught me to be perseverant in the face of adversity, courageous in my life choices, and humble in my conduct with others. I believe my team of diligent instructors will do their best to ensure you receive the greatest experience from your training.
I would like to share a quote for your contemplation, something which I found held truth, on a multitude of levels.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
- Lao Tzu, 500BC~
We invite you to join our UMAA family, OSU!
Mr Shabaaz Ali III Dan Black Belt
Founder & Chief Instructor UMAA
Why do We Teach Traditional Martial Arts Philosophy With Modern MMA?
UMAA teaches high-intensity MMA, incorporating the most effective parts of several full-contact martial arts including Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Kyokushin Karate.
Using only the lens of physical combat, ancient traditions that circle around building internal strength, self-affirmation, and character refinement become forgotten.
UMAA’s mission is to maintain these traditions to ensure students are both warriors of the body and mind. In class, silent sitting is done to promote introspection, standing to attention creates regimented discipline and when instructions are being given students are to respond resolutely.
Above all things is that students are taught to become better versions of themselves mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Put simply, at UMAA, we make it our mission to cultivate “warriors in a garden”
Learn more about our principles.
Have You Never Been Able To Find A Martial Arts Community That Motivates You?
Our Community values are influenced by traditional values and morals that promote respect and camaraderie. UMAA Students are friendly and encourage each other to reach their goals. We help to motivate each other and keep one another accountable for our actions in class.
Our Community will provide a positive atmosphere for you to grow in martial arts. We have people from a range of different backgrounds and ages that are within our club.
Looking To Test Yourself?
We Create An Environment For Students To Test Their Abilities In Tournaments
UMAA uses 2 full-contact sparring styles to build students physically, mentally and emotionally. K1 focuses on strikes to the head, body and legs using kicks, punches and knees. UMAA uses Kyokushin Karate style “Kumite” that has strikes towards the face removed, replaced with bare-knuckle sparring to the rest of the body.
Training this way results in a balance between strength and speed, movement and grounding, and fitness and conditioning.
Our students are encouraged to test their abilities at both interclub and national-level tournaments. Interclubs are held twice a year, upon successful completion of an interclub, students become eligible to fight at a national tournament. UMAA has produced national champions in K1, Kumati and White Collar Boxing Champions.
Interested in learning more? Click below to see pictures from these events.
Chief Instructor: Mr Shabaaz Ali Biography
Shabaaz Ali, started his formal study of martial arts at the age of 12 in Greenford, West London, studying Choi Kwang Do- a freer flowing form of Tae Kwon Do. Mr Ali graded for his I Dan Black Belt under the system's preeminent founder IX Dan Black Belt Grandmaster Kwang Jo Choi. During his 15 years with the organisation, he went on to attain III Dan Black Belt, International examiner status and became a qualified Chief Instructor.
Subsequently, as the system became less combat Specifically, Mr Ali joined the intentionally renowned fight camp, London Shoot Fighters, where he trained for over 4 years in a variety of full contact systems, including Muay Thai, BJJ and notably Kyokushin Karate often referred to as “the strongest karate” in light of its bare-knuckle sparring and highly demanding training.
Mr Ali went on to compete at the national level Kumite in Kyokushin and still trains as part of the EMAR team (Elite Martial Arts Richmond) under its chief instructor Simeon Kyurchiev. In 2017 Mr Ali successfully completed a 25-man Kumite at EMAR and is currently working towards his I Dan Black Belt in Kyokushin.
UMAA Provides A Number of Benefits For Our Students Compared To Other Clubs
UMAA Promotes the development of the mind and spirit alongside physical development, keeping to ancient traditions at the core of martial arts
Character Building
Our club provides a supportive community that helps motivate and push each student to achieve their goals
The UMAA
Community
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High-Intensity Training
Our High-Intensity training allows our students to achieve their fitness goals and motivates students to push through adversity in times of doubt