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
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
RSS Feed