Clos
@Manhattan_Martial_Arts

It is crazy to think that this group has been going on strong for 7 years now, a bit more if we count the craigslist days 🤦‍♂️ (ask Nico)

We have gone through many phases, most notably:

• Our friendly Manhattan fight club phase (which still really is the spirit of the group)

• Making fun of warmups to doing group warmups phase (just spar lightly to warm up, duh)

• Actually doing drills for 5 minutes before sparring phase!

• Free movable dojo for and of the people phase <------------------------you are here.

It really is amazing to think of how many people have come through M.M.A., how many friends and connections were made as a result of this group, and just how far some people came from just to take part of the group (huge shoutout to Daniel from Connecticut!). And given all of that, it is even more amazing to think about how we've had virtually no issues with anyone being malicious in any way shape or form...probably harder to be an A-hole when people are actively training to punch someone in the face, but still. Sufficient to say that it has been a privilege to be part of this group, even more so to lead it and to teach so many of you (It puts a smile in my face to see someone doing their first flying downward elbow after a little training).

If I want to be honest, our social media game has been the weakest part of our group dynamic, only last year did we start an Instagram page and really start taking group pics! Our Facebook has been neglected for years and is in desperate need of love, and we never got our banner going :(

And so, because a good martial artist always strives to eliminate his/hers weaknesses, we have created this page and will continue to update and work our social media/outreach. This is Manhattan Martial Art's donation/appreciation page. Here you can donate however much you feel comfortable giving to show your support for the group, however do not feel obligated to donate anything, we would much rather you show up to the meetups than anything else...but if you also want to leave comments on our social media saying how awesome the group is, we won't stop you.

The Manhattan Martial Arts group will always stay free and open to everyone and anyone who is interested in martial arts (whether completely new to it or a pro fighter). The dream is to one day have a permanent space of our own, but meanwhile there are a few things we can all benefit from: more pads (shield pad for low kicks and side kicks is first on the list), being able to rent studios for winter/grappling, more classes. So if you can, consider donating and helping us put the same smile in the face of a poor martial-arts-deprived individual that you had when you did your first flying downward elbow.

Here is to 7 more years of kicks, punches, elbows, and friends! See you out there and thanks for your support!