GREENVILLE — Young Forest Martial Arts is leaving its current location at 120 West Third Street in Greenville for new digs, likely within the next month.
Jesse Berry, the studio’s Sifu, or “master/teacher,” says he hopes the studio will inaugurate its new location, 106 North Broadway, sometime in June with an in-school tournament followed by an open house for the students’ families and friends. The precise date of the studio’s grand reopening is yet to be determined, pending zoning approval from the city.
He says the new location “is about three times the size of our current location and will allow us to expand and add additional programs and services — such as additional classes, a Zumba program taught by a certified Zumba instructor, etc.”
“One of our current partners, Greenville Strength and Conditioning (who teaches strength and conditioning classes in our off hours) will be coming with us and eventually offering additional hours and sessions.”
“We’re also planning on expanding one of our other businesses into some of the additional space of the new location. We own and operate an online artisan tea retail store, Blue Lantern Tea, and plan on expanding a small seating area by the end of the summer,” he added.
In anticipation of the move, young students on Monday participated in a “Kick-A-Thon” fundraising event to raise some additional moving funds and upgrade and add new furniture.
Berry and his wife, Kim, first opened Young Forest Martial Arts in August 2013.
The studio teaches students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. Training is based on Chinese Kung Fu concepts and principles, covering all ranges of combat and self-defense.
Berry says these concepts and principles are directly related to life skills, and through Kung Fu training, individuals not only learn and develop martial skill but improve their character, health, relationships and overall way of life.
To build strong families and strong communities it must start with the individual. Young Forest Martial Art’s primary objective is to develop strong moral character and life skills in children and adults through martial arts training.
For further information on programs at Young Forest Martial Arts, visit the studio’s website at youngforestmartialarts.com, call 937-423-2862, or email [email protected].
