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D E F I N I N G
Here at Action Martial Arts....
we are a vessel for commitment, truth, integrity, safety, and discipline. Our training not only breeds those virtues but it becomes absorbed within the students. We don't believe in "good enough", but rather, the best we can achieve by exuding the most that we have to give.
K A R A T E
Within our dojo we study the art of Karate. Literally translating to, "empty hand", Karate is an Okinawan Japanese martial art comprised of striking and blocking techniques including punching, kicking, kata, sparring, and self defense. The terms “empty hand” refer to the fact that karate was developed without weapons in mind - only using the hands, feet, knees, and elbows to defend one's self. Weapons were later adopted into the system of karate in the form of farm tools alternatively used to protect villagers.
I S S H I N R Y U
More specifically we train the style of Isshinryu, which is a sub-style of Karate. Correctly pronounced, "EE-Sheen-Ree-oo", it originates from the island of Okinawa and was created by Tatsuo Shimabuku. Isshinryu is a hybrid style of the two much older styles, Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu. After becoming proficient in both, Tatsuo took what he deemed to be the best of each style and created his own blend and called it, Isshinyru - literally translating to "One Heart Method". Choosing this name allowed Tatsuo and future students to embrace the ideology of giving one's whole self, or whole heart and effort.
I N S T R U C T O R
S T E V E M I L L E R
Hello! I am the owner and head instructor at Action Martial Arts. I've been training karate for 30 years and have been captivated by the martial arts since I was 7. I started training at the age of 12 in Isshinryu Okinawan Karate under 9th degree Master KEITH BICE and 5th Degree ROBERT BARLOND of Parma, MI.
I earned and obtained my junior black belt at age 16 and was awarded adult black belt at age 18 while currently holding a 5th degree black belt. I started teaching kids karate classes at Academy of the Arts dance studio in January of 2005 and then went on to open my own school in September of 2012 at the Village Crossing Mall in Spring Arbor. I "retired" from teaching in August of 2021 but after a nice break and some mindful reflection I've realized teaching the martial arts is what I'm supposed to be doing. There is little I take more seriously than teaching quality martial arts to hard-working students. I take much pride in knowing I am taking something I love and using it to shape kids and adults into confident, controlled, safe human beings.
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