Fishhawk Martial Arts Academy Offers Top-Notch Martial Arts Training Programs

"Ready...ich (one), ni (two), san (three)..., ju (ten). Relax."

If you are either aiki jujutsu students or parents who sit and watch the class at Fishhawk Martial Arts Academy, you'll hear Renshi (instructor) James Jones say this quite often.

"The academy tries to reproduce the authenticity of training as if they (the students) are training in Japan," said Jones, a 5th-degree aiki jujutsu black belt and a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer.

"The core of the school is to teach of being. It's a continuation of the premise of samurai of old Japan," he said. "We don't just teach the techniques, how they work but why they work."

Prior to opening its door in March, this 2,800-square-foot dojo, or a place for the practice of martial arts, had a humble beginning.

Jones trained in his 352-square-foot home garage with Jason Rock, an active-duty U.S. Army Special Operations officer who's now his "dai-sempai," or senior student. He then expanded to teach his neighborhood kids free of charge. However, Jones requested only one thing in return.

"Parents were asked to contribute what they could afford for the maintenance of the dojo, mats and equipment," Jones said. That was when an empty dog treat container labeled "dojo relief fund" was born.

At the present dojo location, Jones is proud to show autographs signed on a concrete floor by his 15 aiki jujutsu students from the garage dojo days. The autographs are covered by mats now, but Jones is happy to peel back the mats to show them off.

Jones says the signatures are symbolic. They are to remind everyone of their humble origin, who they are now, their commitment and where they are heading to. Their teaching principles of "reiho," or respect, reflect that spirit as well.

FHMAA staff do not teach their students to be aggressors.

"Aiki jujutsu is defensive art. If it was used for anything other than that, you'd be expelled from school," said Jones in a serious tone. A violator's name would be written on a piece of paper then each student would take turn lining it out. Afterward Jones would tear the paper in pieces. There would be no mention of that name again at the dojo.

"Respect in all life is ultimate," said Jones.

FHMAA staff also teach tai-chi, meditation and yoga. There is a 10 percent discount for military and public safety personnel. They also offer a one-week free trial. FHMAA is certified by American Budokai International.

For more information, visit http://www.fhmaa.com. 

The studio is located at 15272 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia. The office number is 813-315-9894.