A Mountain Top martial arts center that has provided self-defense training for more than two decades has a new location.
Mountaintop Martial Arts Center recently moved into a new, spacious location at rear 58 S. Mountain Boulevard, behind Domino’s Pizza.
The center was founded by Grand Master David Sparks, who created its system of martial arts aimed at providing realistic and effective self-defense for children, men and women of all ages. Sparks has been studying martial arts for more than 40 years and is widely respected in the martial arts community.
The center offers a wide curriculum taught by master instructors with many years of experience. The curriculum includes Aiki Jutsu, a modern martial art geared to realistic, dynamic self-defense; and adult Karate, which follows a traditional curriculum comprised of sparring, forms, breaking and weapons, while specializing in self-defense.
The children’s program, for children age 5 and above, is designed to teach children effective self-defense against bullies and kidnappers while learning the traditional Karate curriculum. The program is taught in small groups to ensure proper attention and quality instruction.
Two of the center’s instructors who work with both children and adults are “Shihan” Joe Duda and Master Alyssa Byrne. Duda, who has 30 years’ experience in martial arts, has been with the center for 20 years. Byrne has been with the center more than 17 years and been studying martial arts for 27 years,
“You should know how to defend yourself even if you never need to use it,” Duda said. He described that axiom as the center’s core value. “We try to teach the very best in self-defense,” he added.
Tuition for the martial arts center is $125 a month, which includes unlimited classes. Both morning and evening classes are available. The center offers discounted family rates. Duda pointed out the center offers and its staff are available for demonstrations and seminars.
“We try to share our knowledge, so people know how to defend themselves,” he said. The staff has provided free seminars to Scout groups, women’s programs, and even domestic violence centers.
For more information, contact the center at 570 474-0171 or visit its website at www.mountaintopmartialarts.net.
