If you take one thing away from this review, if you are interested in martial arts, sit with Shihan Austin Wright, Sr. for 15 minutes and you will be beyond motivated to begin training. Universal Warrior Arts is the only place in Bayonne, New Jersey to go for martial arts training, whether you are an adult or for your children.
I am a 28 year old Personal Trainer and have been going to Universal Warrior Arts for about 5 months now, after taking a 16-year hiatus. I left when I was 12 because I was more interested in video games at the time (kids will be kids, right?) I always intended on returning to receive my black belt with Shihan Austin Wright, Sr., and was happy I started going back. I did not have to think at all about which place I was going to go to; I knew I wanted Shihan Austin Wright to train me again.
Universal Warrior Arts is a great place to learn Martial Arts, but what makes it stand out is Shihan Austin Wright. He truly cares about his students and makes sure they progress properly. He taught my two younger brothers and I when we were around 10 years old, and to this day my parents still rave about him, his professionalism, and the discipline and confidence we received from the classes. I intend on bringing my 12 year old nephew in with me soon, and if Shihan is still teaching when I have children of my own, he will have some new students to teach! Shihan leaves that much of an impact on his students.
However, martial arts, like anything in life, is a two-way street, and if you do not put your work in and do your homework, you will not get results. "We do not give out black belts like candy here," is what Shihan told me the first time I sat with him. "You have to work for it." As a personal fitness trainer of almost 7 years, I can tell you that if I was not following my homework assignments and practicing my basic punches and kicks, katas (forms), sparring, and vocabulary, I would not progress with my training. I am also observant of Shihan's teaching style because it is second nature to me as an instructor myself to notice these things. What is so effective about him is that he is observant and adaptable. He notices what motivates people and what discourages them. He is always aware if I am energetic or tired, motivated or disheartened, and can always tell if I have been practicing or not!!!
So far I have been promoted from Blue to Green belt, and my next testing is early June for Green/Brown. Whether I am working in a group or in a private session, I am challenged yet encouraged by Shihan, the other instructors, and the students. It is a positive atmosphere and respect is always shown regardless of your ranking. As with anyone reading this, my schedule is very hectic, but I make the time to get there once, sometimes twice, per week, and I am safely pushed to my limit (mentally and physically) every time. I make sure I always recommend him to not only my clients, but anyone I speak to who seems interested in martial arts and/or self-defense.
If you are motivated to learn martial arts, spend 15 minutes speaking with Shihan Austin Wright, and you will be happy you did. Do not hesitate to contact me either for my unreserved recommendation to change your life with Univeral Warrior Arts. It will be one of the best decisions you've ever made. It certainly was for me.
Mike Stanlaw
Personal Trainer
NASM-CPT, CES, ISSA-CFT, ACE-CPT
stanlawfitness@gmail.com read more