Tue, 22 May 2012 12:50:26 -0800WeeblyThu, 20 Oct 2011 10:47:23 -0800http://www.unitedmartialartsjax.net/2/post/2011/10/tong-hop-moo-sool.htmlTong (or Jong): To Combine or Unite
Hop (or Hap): Coordination
Moo (or Mu): Stop or Start Aggression
Sool: The Practice of

“Tong Hop Moo Sool”
“Combination of Martial Arts”
“United Martial Arts” ]]>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:05:40 -0800http://www.unitedmartialartsjax.net/2/post/2011/08/back-to-school-2011.htmlJust wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped out with our renovations. The dojo looks great. We still have a few small finishing touches but everything is coming together nicely. Pictures are posted in our Photo Album but you must see it in person!
  We are running our classes a little different now. No more themed weeks. We will be working on everything in every class so make sure to always bring your sparring gear! We have been running classes this way for the past couple of weeks and have gotten nothing but positive feedback.
 Also, we have started our 2011-12 After School Karate and look forward to seeing progress in those students. There are only a couple of spots left so be sure to sign up soon if you are interested. We are offering pickup for…
University Christian
Parkwood Heights
Merril Road
Don Brewer
Ft Caroline ]]>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 06:02:26 -0800http://www.unitedmartialartsjax.net/2/post/2011/07/does-karate-teach-kids-to-fight.html  Absolutely not! Kids often act violent or become bullies because of a lack of confidence. They feel like they have to prove how tough they are to everyone by bullying others. Karate helps kids and adults find confidence by discovering what they are capable of in the Dojo. After studying
Karate, kids will realize that they don't need to prove themselves outside the dojo. This confidence helps kids who have anger
problems as well as those who
are targeted by bullies. As a Christian Martial Arts School we teach our students strong values such as Honor, Discipline, Respect and Self Control. These lessons and many others learned at our
Dojo will help any individual become successful in many aspects of their life.
]]>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:06:08 -0800http://www.unitedmartialartsjax.net/2/post/2010/12/december-news.htmlParents and Students, we have a lot of exiting things going on this month at United Martial Arts!

Congratulations to Quavion Smith on ranking 1st place in forms and 3rd place in sparring at the Lion’s Den Tournament in St Augustine, Fl! We will be working with students on techniques needed to compete in upcoming BBFC tournaments in 2011. Click here for more info on Black Belts for Christ tournaments.

 We are currently taking donations for our deployed military serving in Afghanistan. The soldiers have requested three items to be sent in care packages. Socks, antibacterial wipes, and Scoal. Any donations are greatly appreciated.

We are also taking donations of warm clothes, blankets, toiletry items and diapers for the families living at the Sulzbacher Foundation here in Jacksonville. Thank you for helping families in need this Christmas.

 Don’t forget, 2010 Winter Camp starts on December 20th and week one runs until December 23rd. Week two starts on the 27th and runs until the 31st. Camp ends early on New Year’s Eve (3pm). This is a great camp for Christmas break. We have a lot of fun doing crafts, playing games, watching movies, and running the Karate obstacle course! Camp also includes Karate classes and self defense training. For more information on camp call us at (904)762-9687 or (904)568-1782.

 Attention family members of active UMA students! January 2011 is family participation month at United Martial Arts. Parents/ Guardians and siblings of active students are encouraged to join us for classes all month long. This is a great opportunity for your family to learn some karate basics and important self defense techniques.

Have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

]]>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:30:07 -0800http://www.unitedmartialartsjax.net/2/post/2010/10/point-sparring.html Don't forget to bring your gear! It's sparring week! Our school practices multiple types of sparring including kickboxing, point sparring, grappling, and mma.
  In point sparring, students learn to control their techniques as they practice techniques against their opponent with controlled power and accuracy. This style of sparring is used in most Karate competitions including the “Black Belts for Christ” tournaments.
  Point sparring rules (These are our school point sparring rules. Most Karate Tournaments use these same basic rules. However, there may be some differences in scoring, target areas, or etiquette depending on the circuit you are competing in.)



1. Objective: The objective of point sparring is to gain the most points by contacting your opponent with legal techniques while keeping yourself guarded. The maximum number of points need for victory is decided by the center judge. Examples:
     a. Three minute match, most points wins
     b. First to five points or a three point lead
     c. First to five points or most points after set time

2. No excessive force: Point sparring is meant to develop speed and accuracy in a safe manner. If a student strikes their opponent with too much force a warning will be called against the aggressor. Too many warnings will lead to loss of points or disqualification. The amount of force allowed is decided by the judges and based on the age and skill levels of both participants.


3. Target Areas: Points are only awarded for contact to the front or sides of the torso or the sides or top of the head. Light contact to the face is allowed for adults and advanced students but is not recommended for the sake of avoiding a penalty. A controlled punch that stops an inch or so from the face but could have made contact is still awarded a point. Strikes to the arms and shoulders are considered blocks and do not count as points. Strikes to the back, the neck, or below the belt are not allowed and will be counted as penalties.


4. Boundaries: Sparring rings are marked on the Dojo floor and competitors must stay inside the boundaries. If a student lands a technique with one or both feet outside the ring there is no point awarded. However, if a student with both feet in bounds lands a technique while their opponent is out of bounds, the technique is legal and a point is awarded.


5. Judges: Most in-school point sparring is conducted with three judges. The senior judge will take the roll of center judge and call for points. If contact is made, any judge can call break. The competitors must stop when any judge calls break and both must return to their starting position. The center judge will then call out “Judges Score?” and each judge must IMMEDIATELY give their score. They have the option to point in the direction of either competitor indicating a point. If they wish to call a warning they will point downward in the direction of the offender. If both competitors make contact simultaneously, the judge with hold both fists together indicating a clash. No points are awarded for a clash. If a judge does not see the contact first hand, they will cover their eyes indicating a “no see”. At least two out of three judges must agree for a point to be scored. Remember, sparring is fast paced and the judges may not catch everything. It is the student’s responsibility to show respect for the judges at all times. This means DO NOT ARGUE with the judges call.

6. Conduct: Remember, Martial Arts teaches respect. In some Dojos, students are required to bow and say “Thank you sir or ma’am” each time they are struck by an opponent. This practice is not required in our Dojo, but respect and good sportsmanship is required at all times. Students will bow, shake hands and say “Thank you sir or ma’am” at the beginning and end of each sparring match. Students must also practice controlling their emotions during a match. If a student gets angry during a round the judges may call break and the student may be disqualified. Remember a good Martial Artist has control of his body and emotions alike.

]]>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:45:53 -0800http://www.unitedmartialartsjax.net/2/post/2010/10/united-martial-arts-of-north-florida.html  United Martial Arts of North Florida (Previously First Coast Christian Martial Arts) is a Christian based mixed martial arts (MMA) school in Jacksonville, FL. Our unique style, “Tong Hop Moo Sool” (which is Korean for “Combination of the Arts”) was originated by Shihan James Pierce.
  Formally a Chief in the U.S. Navy, Shihan Pierce has studied various martial arts over the past thirty years. His training began in “Tae Kwon Do” which roughly translates into “The way of the hand and foot”. After receiving his Black Belt in TKD, Shihan Pierce went on to study various styles of Martial Arts including; Hapkido, Judo, Shotokan, and Shorinryu. It was from these five styles that Tong Hop Moo Sool was born. The style has developed over the past 15 years and grown to incorporate Ju-Jitsu, Aikido, Kickboxing, and other influences of practical Karate styles.
  At United Martial Arts we offer a diverse array of classes designed to cater to the needs of students from children to adults. Tong Hop Moo Sool is designed to discipline a Martial Artists mind, body, and spirit. Progression through the style is easy to track with our 9 belt rank system which is structured as follows:
White Belt
Yellow Belt
Orange Belt
Green Belt
Blue Belt
Purple Belt
Brown Belt
Red Belt
Black Belt
 In each belt, students are required to learn and effectively perform various self defense techniques, Katas (forms), traditional stances, blocks, hand techniques, and kicks. We also practice various styles of sparring (controlled friendly fighting) which includes Point sparring, Kickboxing, Grappling and Wrestling (These styles will be further explained in future blogs).
  In addition to the physical requirements, students are also required to memorize Bible verses in order to test for the next rank. Teenage and adult students are also required to write short essays on the subject discussed in each set of verses from Green belt to Black belt.
  UMA also offers Self Defense and “UMA Fitness” classes as separate courses from Tong Hop Moo Sool. Our Self Defense classes are designed for those who wish to defend themselves without going through the physically challenging journey of becoming a Black Belt. This street smart program teaches basic to advanced strikes, joint locks, and weapon disarming. Self Defense also helps build confidence which can help one improve many aspects of their life.
  UMA Fitness classes are held twice a week and are strictly for strengthening the body. These classes are open to adults of any shape or size. The workouts led by our qualified trainers are meant to help each student reach their own personalized goals, whether it is exercise for weight loss or muscle toning and building. You can feel stronger, healthier, and become a better you.
  United Martial Arts also offers Century’s “Lil’ Dragon” Program which is designed specifically for children ages 3-5. The Lil’ Dragon program teaches balance, coordination, focus, problem solving, and encourages kids to stay healthy and grow strong.
  Classes at the Dojo are held Monday – Friday in the evenings and daytime home-school classes are available.
Dojo Address: 6180-9 Fort Caroline Rd. Jacksonville, Fl. 32277
Dojo Phone #: (904) 762-9687
Shihan Pierce Phone #: (904) 568-1782

]]>