Velez Martial Arts, with locations in Owasso and Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a premier martial arts school dedicated to cultivating a culture of discipline and personal growth through martial arts training. The school emphasizes a community-oriented approach rooted in the values of family and honor, fostering a supportive environment for personal development.
Traditional Dojo
The Philosophy of Velez Martial Arts
The dedication of Velez and his team at Martial Arts Academy paid off, and it was not long before Velez was poised to move up a notch. The progress has been organic, but focused, similar to the instructional style at Martial Arts Academy.
Velez and his team’s holistic philosophy of martial arts embraces the best of traditional ideas and infuses it with newer, progressive approaches to training. “Self-defense is very important,” says Velez, “but we also emphasize qualities such as mental strength, or focus, as well as confidence and self-control, or discipline.” In Velez’s view, the characteristics all reinforce one another, resulting in strong bodies with strong minds and healthy attitudes.
Styles and Training Programs
Martial Arts Academy first opened in Owasso in 2003. Located in Owasso, Oklahoma, Martial Arts Academy offers training in martial arts for all ages and experience levels.
Read also: Individual Martial Arts Instruction
While maintaining a primary focus on Taekwon-Do, Mr. Velez began training (specializing in tae kwon do) when he was six years old. With over two decades of experience in martial arts, Velez began training in 1989 at the age of 6 and earned his black belt as a teen. As a 5th degree black belt, he strives to guide others in finding their own inner black belt.
At Velez Martial Arts, students of all ages are empowered to face challenges and embrace new experiences through a variety of programs, including Little Dragons and Kickboxing.
Whether a student is a first-timer or a black belt, Martial Arts Academy will be able to provide a positive environment to promote focused learning. Velez does have different groups available, based on experience.
Karate for Kids: 6 Surprising Benefits You Need to Know
Unique Instructional Style
While some martial arts classes divide groups up by age or skill level, Velez takes a different approach by including students of all ages, from 4 to 40 (and older), in the same group. “I’ve found that classes with only young children tend to end up more as playtime than focused instruction,” explains Velez. “Also, many families enjoy learning together.”
Read also: The Jade Fortress Martial Arts System
Some might think that combining adults and children on the same mat may lead to distractions, but Velez’s experience has been the opposite. “The children seem to keep the adults honest - they don’t cut corners because the kids are right there, watching them. There ends up being less distractions for the youngsters because there are teens and adults, modeling the forms alongside them.” Everyone wins when the full age range is represented in the groups.
Family Martial Arts Class
The Influence of Key Figures
Anyone who has trained in martial arts consistently understands that it is more than just a practice; itbecomes a way of life-a reflection of how one lives.
My first instructor was Richard Baillargeon, who taught me from 1973 to 1987. These principles and traditional values were to be an intricate part of the physical training of the martial arts. I have seen these principles neglected to be taught in my previous training and are still neglected in most martial arts today.
Each of these three teachers-Mr. B, Kaicho Velez, and Soshi Kelley-had their own unique skills, perspectives, and teaching styles. This was largely due to the influence of their mentor, Kosho “Shogo” Kuniba. Although I never had the honor of meeting Kuniba Soke, I am privileged to have trained under three of his most outstanding students outside of Japan. The best way I can honor their legacy is to continue refining and applying what they taught me.
Read also: Deep Dive into Court Martial Films
Additional Programs and Courses
AMJ WEAPON COURSE : LEARN NUNCHAKU, HARDWOOD BOKEN, KATANA (SAMURAI SWORD), SAI , AND SHURIKEN/SHAKEN (THROWING STARS). THE WEAPON COURSE IS 40.00.
Here's a summary of the AMJ courses offered:
| Course | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| American Modern Jujitsu | Teaches jujitsu grappling techniques, control, and submission holds. | $75 (as part of a special offer) |
| Freestyle Karate | A mixture of various karate styles, including kickboxing, shotokan, kenpo, and more. | $75 (as part of a special offer) |
| Shioku Waza (Pressure Points) | Examines pressure points and pain techniques to enhance attack/defense. | $75 (as part of a special offer) |
| 8 Degrees of Self Defense (American Modern Aikido) & Knife Certification | Upper body style combat incorporating karate, jujitsu, and boxing, with knife usage. | $30 |
| Weapon Course | Teaches the use of nunchaku, boken, katana, sai, and shuriken. | $40 |
| Dragon Fist System | A street survival system with rapid strikes, available to AMJ members only. | $50 |
The AMJ Freestyle Karate Course. Israel Velez III has completed the Karate course. The karate course style is freestyle karate . "Empty Hand Combat". It is a mixture of all the knowledge and self defense Instructor Israel Velez has studied. Israel Velez III has studied freestyle karate, kickboxing, shotokan, kenpo, Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Yoshin ryu jujitsu and freestyle Jujitsu.
Rank advancement in other arts through AMJ and Velez Martial Arts Federation. 30.00 fee. Example, if you been in another art and earned a black belt than through time in rank you can andvance to your next level. must show proof of rank with date of last promotion.
Through word of mouth, classes at Martial Arts Academy in Owasso grew so rapidly that Velez found it necessary to move to a larger studio within two years. The transition to the larger facility took place in 2005, providing much needed space for instruction and offices at 9100 North Garnett Rd. He opened up a Tulsa location with his cousin, Rick Gibson, with whom he’d been training since childhood. Together, they run both facilities, with Mr. Velez primarily leading in Owasso and Mr. Gibson at Tulsa’s 61st and Memorial location.
For more information, contact Martial Arts Academy 9100 N. Garnett, Owasso (918) 376-9080.