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Sometimes it’s the smudge print of a small nose. Sometimes two large palms squeezed on the glass. Others leave two full hands, fingers spread wide. Everyone who stops at the huge front window of the United Martial Arts Academy dojo in the Florida City Prime Outlet Mall seems to leave their mark. They can’t help but lean in against the window to watch the kids inside, dressed in their karate gis, zipping out Kung Fu kicks and pounding punches into the big red bag.
Improved fitness and mental concentration are important benefits of martial arts training “We’re like a fish in a fish bowl here,” jokes Enrique Regalado, the founder and president of the nonprofit, referring to the scores of passersby who stop to watch the karate classes, peering in through the big window. Many of the curious decide to enroll their children in the classes. “It got so dirty that the manager of the mall, who used to clean it for us, had us hire someone to clean our own windows,” he says, laughing.
Enrique Regalado, or “Sifu Henry” as his students fondly call him, opened United Martial Arts Academy at a Goulds warehouse five years ago. He’s practiced martial arts for most of his life and he wanted to share his passion with kids. But there were concerns. After class his students sometimes gathered in the parking lot to continue practicing with their martial arts weapons, and the neighborhood was far from safe.
In 2007 The Children’s Trust offered one-time “starter” grants of up to $50,000 for small, neighborhood-based organizations. The relatively small amount of funding delivered at the critical moment to these agencies, small in size and budget, but rich in spirit and commitment – like United Martial Arts – provided especially worthy investments.
Regalado, who had worked for 21 years at UM’s Radiation Safety Office, applied for and received a grant. Then he decided to take a leap. He quit his job at UM to dedicate himself full-time to teaching martial arts and relocated the gym. His son, Enrique, Jr., was newly born at the time and he relished the “chance to see my son grow up – even Donald Trump doesn’t get that.”
Students learn self-defense techniques while they enjoy class The new gym at the Outlet Mall with the big front window opened a year ago. It’s a big bright space with red mats that cover half the floor and mirrors that line one wall so students can watch the precision of their kicks and punches. Brand new punching bags swing from cleats near the window. A raised boxing ring is at the back of the studio. There are tables, a TV for the kids to watch DVDs during their lunch in the summer, shelves of martial arts and reading books, and trophies and certificates cover the walls.
“The kids are watched over here, they’re safe – the streets outside are not so friendly,” Regalado said. “What would these parents do without this? Of course, they’re thankful it’s here.”
Regalado’s father in Cuba was an expert in self-defense and young Henry got bit by the karate bug when he was growing up in Miami. His cousin, a judo expert, came often to visit the house. “They would throw each other around and work out hard, there was the smell of hard work and sweat – I thought it was the coolest smell.”
He practiced Greco wrestling in high school, then he met Joe Navarro.
“I had never seen anyone do what he did – the jumping kicks, the punches and karate forms. I begin to study with him – I was the first one there every day at this class,” Regalado said of the man who’s been his sensei or teacher these past 18 years.
Courtesy, respect and good effort are a big part of the teaching that goes on at the United Martial Arts Academy. Every year, in honor of his sifu, Regalado presents a trophy to the school’s outstanding student at a showcase event. There’s a talent show where the kids come to sing, play instruments or perform in some way.
“Sometimes the kids tell me they can’t come to practice, that they have to sing in the chorus – so I have them come to the talent show so we can hear them sing,” he says, adding that his teacher, who had a sociology degree from Northwestern University, taught him to be trusting but not naïve.
The school practices a style of Kung Fu known as Wing Tsun – more popularly known as Wing Chun or “forever spring.” In addition to Sifu Henry, the school has three paid instructors: Moses, Katdo and Crystal. Crystal is a success story in herself, having earned her black belt at the school and, most recently, her school degree.
Students can test periodically to advance to the next belt. But Enrique is the sole judge and he’s not just looking for karate skills. “They’ve got to show me respect,” he says, “and they have to earn their belt.”
Regalado believes it’s important to help and to serve the community. Martial arts has taught him that, and he instills those same values to his students. “Martial arts doesn’t lie – it’s who you are,” he says.
He does everything possible to make the classes affordable for families in the area, many of whom struggle with low wages and against the depressed economy. He charges $95 a month, $75 for young children, for unlimited classes. He doesn’t require contracts, and the school covers all additional costs – for belts, diplomas and certificates.
Kids apply math skills while playing dominoes, part of the learning that accompanies karate class The all-day summer camp is especially popular with parents, most of whom work all day. The kids arrive in the morning, they exercise, then there’s class from 11 a.m. until noon. The class is usually taught by Moses, an instructor who, like Sifu Henry, spends his whole day at the dojo working with and teaching the kids. Lunch is served, and then the kids play dominoes, a game that requires that they practice math skills. The kids love it and many are readying to compete in a dominoes tournament against another martial arts studio.
The United Martial Arts Academy took full advantage of The Children’s Trust starter grant. It expanded its program and its reach into the community and applied for funding as an out-of-school program. For its good results, this year the Academy will receive $174,833 to operate an after-school program and summer camp.
For the end of class today, the 25 boys and girls are spread across the red mats, seated in lotus position with their legs crossed, their eyes closed and their hands resting lightly on their knees. Sifu Henry is leading them in a meditation.
“You see the darkness, the quiet. Maybe your shoulder hurts, but now after class it’s feeling better. You’re thinking good thoughts, of how to help out at home, of how to do the things that your mom or dad asks you. Everyone has something to give, just keep working hard. A blackbelt never quits. Think about things. Try to be a better person,” he tells them.
Written by Michael R. Malone, The Children's Trust
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