Colleyville dojo promotes family, life skills

When J.P. and Loretta Hamon's twins were 5 years old, Loretta said the couple wanted to get them involved with an activity that both of the kids could enjoy. The hobby turned into a family affair and now J.P. and Loretta are certified and professional martial arts instructors who teach more than 125 students at their center in Colleyville.

All four family members are third degree black belts and are active in the family-run business, instructing others of all ages in martial arts. Loretta said the center centralizes around tae kwon do and tai chi, using the activity as a means to encourage confidence, build character and emphasize that family comes first.

"This is a family center specifically because we wanted to bring martial arts to people in a more family-oriented environment," Loretta said. "It's about teaching kids and adults how to be more confident and not let things affect you."

Loretta said she focuses on a style of teaching that involves mutual respect between student and instructor. When she has to correct students, Loretta said she gives feedback and pairs it with encouragement.

"We want to be able to empower lots of people, and we want it to be in a way that is very family-oriented so you don't walk in here feeling intimidated," she said.

Through martial arts, Loretta said the center teaches life skills such as setting goals, keeping commitments and balancing life activities. Her classes also prepare willing students to become instructors.

Every student age 10 and older has the opportunity to participate in the leadership program, which trains students to become an instructor as well as serve as a mentor to their peers, Loretta said.

Leading by example, Loretta said the couple is present at the center every day in order to demonstrate an example of commitment to students and parents.

"When we're here in our classes, we're demonstrating by personal example the commitment it takes to stay with martial arts," she said. "The skills you learn here can be long-term and beneficial for anybody."

Loretta said martial arts training carries throughout an individual's life and many of her students remain under her instruction for many years. She said there are classes for every individual, and classes start at age 4.

"[Martial arts] really becomes a way of life for people. It gives people a chance to try other things, but keep this as a consistent [activity] in their life."

The center offers a variety of martial arts classes, from women's self-defense to karate.

On Saturday mornings, the center invites families to participate in martian arts activities together on the mat, allowing each person a chance to try it.

Colleyville residents for 15 years, Loretta said she and her husband enjoy the opportunity to give back to the community.

The couple offers use of the 6,000-square-foot center to local color guard teams who often need a place to practice, Loretta said.

The center is also used by the city of Colleyville for local summer camps, she said.

"We're a part of the community so we want to be able to give back to them," she said. "This is our way of doing that."

Advanced Martial Arts

6125 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, 817-488-1088, www.amai-dfw.com