Finneys Martial Arts Academy-FMA

20 Years Ago Today 🥋

On September 1, 2006, I made a decision that changed my life — I turned a dream into reality and opened my own school.

Over the years, we've gone through a few name changes, tied to different organizations we were part of along the way. Every chapter had its ups and downs, and I've learned something from each one. (Take a look below to see where it all started vs. where we are today!)

This industry is one of the hardest a business owner can be part of. Every student who walks through your door will eventually walk back out. What I've always hoped to give them before that happens is guidance, leadership, confidence, and life skills that go far beyond the mat.

Because for me, this has always been more than martial arts. It has been about creating a space where people can be themselves, share what they're going through, and get advice when they ask for it. I don't always know if I'm making a difference — but when a student who trained here back in middle school stops by years later as a college student just to say hi, I know every struggle along the way was worth it.

The last four years have been the hardest this industry has thrown at me. There are martial arts schools everywhere now, and families have more choices than ever. One of the best pieces of business advice I've ever received was this: encourage people to try a few schools before they settle on one. The school has to match the student. You'll never hear me talk down about another school or style — every one of us serves our own purpose.

Enrollment has been a real challenge these last few years. But I have never once regretted this decision.

Set your bar. Dream big. Live it. 💪

Happy Sunday! Check out our weekly update.

Happy Sunday! Check out our weekly update!

Who is ready for Warrior Challenge next week?
Go to the events tab and register!

🔥 WARRIOR CHALLENGE 🔥 August 5th–8th | Finney's Martial Arts Academy

Calling all Warriors! It's time to put your strength, speed, and spirit to the test.

The Warrior Challenge is a timed obstacle-style event running right during regular class hours, open to ALL ages and ALL ranks. Every student gets 2 attempts to complete each challenge and rack up points toward their very own Warrior Medal.

Students compete in their own age and skill category: Little Warriors • 5–7 Girls & Boys • 8–9 Girls & Boys • 10–11 Girls & Boys • 12–15 Girls & Boys • 16 & Up Girls & Boys

Whether you're brand new to martial arts or a seasoned black belt, this challenge is built to push you, test you, and celebrate everything you've been training for.

📅 August 5th – 8th 🥋 Runs concurrent with regular class times 🎯 2 attempts per challenge 🏅 Earn your Warrior Medal

Spots are limited — sign up today on the Zen Planner app!

🥋 FMA'S NEWEST BLACK BELTS 🥋

Success isn't the belt itself—it's discovering who you become through the challenges, setbacks, sacrifices, and moments when quitting feels easier than continuing.

For the past three years, these young martial artists have shown perseverance, discipline, resilience, and heart. They navigated obstacles, adapted through a system change, stayed committed to the process, and never lost sight of their goal.

This week, we had the honor of promoting seven incredible students to the rank of Black Belt. Their achievement represents far more than a new belt around their waist. It represents years of dedication, growth, character development, and the decision to keep moving forward when things became difficult.

Please join us in congratulating FMA's newest Black Belts:

🏅 Ana Sofia Garcia-Barboza
🏅 Nathan Longnecker
🏅 Juliette Colombo
🏅 Dish*ta Pandey
🏅 Ruthik Gunturu
🏅 Jace Suhanovsky
🏅 Jolene Suhanovsky

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them. 🖤