Master Johns has been training for 28 years in a variety of systems with an emphasis on Filipino Martial Arts, particularly in Modern Arnis. He also has experience in Kung Fu, aikido, Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do, and Vee Jiu Jitsu, and continues to further his understanding of Modern Arnis by attending numerous Modern Arnis camps and seminars.

No previous Modern Arnis experience is necessary.

Registration costs are $40 for adults, and $20 for Juniors. Please contact UMAC at (585) 461-1070 for more information.

This is a great opportunity that we are thrilled to be able to provide to our students and friends in the martial arts community. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot early!

(For a copy of our flyer announcing the event, click here.)

UMAC is looking for volunteers to help make us even better. We are looking for dedicated people to help with the following projects or events:

Set-up/Clean up, Registration, Pro Shop, Timekeepers/Scorekeepers

Painting, pro-shop display improvements, updating photos, etc.

UMAC is always on the lookout for dedicated adults to help teach kids classes

Answering phones, entering information into the computer, light clerical work, etc.

If you are interested in helping out, please let us know!

Sensei David Kalish earned his third degree black belt on the same day. Sensei Kalish is the head instructor and operator of the United Martial Arts Center in Victor, NY. He and his phenomenal staff are directly responsible for facilitating the growth of hundreds of students since it’s opening in April of 2007. Sensei Kalish is an incredible tournament competitor and uses the skills that make him so good in that arena as attributes to bring out the best in all!

Sensei Pam Wright was awarded a fourth degree black belt during the ceremony. Sensei Wright opened UMAC with Sensei Ingallina in April of 1999 and has been directly responsible for its success throughout the years. The amount of space it would take to list her contributions would turn this into a ten page blog so we won’t even go there. She has been involved in EVERY ASPECT of EVERY PROGRAM that has been developed at UMAC. She developed the Little Dragon and Junior curriculum. The adult program was designed on her watch. Her kickboxing class has rocked Rochester for almost twelve years. She directly helps the lives of all in her role as a self defense instructor. And on and on… Although her titles are many, her biggest gifts cannot be measured. She is a role model to the young and old. She inspires people just from being with them. She is a friend, confidante, coach and inspiration to all of us. UMAC is what it is because of Sensei Pam Wright. Please let her know just how much she is appreciated and loved. There’s only one of her and we all feel lucky she’s ours!

The Hattatsu Ryu Yudanshakai takes great pride in welcoming its newest inductees after one of the most exciting Black Belt tests we have ever witnessed. Heidi Lyndaker, Andrew Wagoner, Kate James, Matt Healy and Kevin Mulvehill put it all on the line on August 14th as they demonstrated all their talents during a four-hour test. The candidates performed group kata (forms), individual kata, all waza (techniques), nage waza, (throws), katame waza (grappling), and goshin jitsu (self-defense) from both empty handed and armed attackers. They finished off with kumite (sparring) against their classmates then with each other.

Although words could never do justice to the immense sense of pride and gratitude we have for these students, suffice to say we are honored to have them as students and friends. We wish them all the best as their training continues. They know that although attaining a Black Belt in Hattatsu Ryu Karate shows they have an excellent understanding of their concepts and skills, it is a beginning to much more.

Please join us in congratulating them when you see them. Stop, bow and let them know how happy you are to have them in your life. We certainly are!

Sensei Ingallina has been teaching martial arts for 22 years and holds three other black belts, but says this one was the most rewarding.

Ingallina stated, “To receive an award such as this from a man of Patrick McCarthy’s stature is truly an honor. It was a long but extremely rewarding journey. The biggest thrill for me is to be able to share the knowledge I have obtained with my fellow instructors and students.” Mr. Ingallina has owned the United Martial Arts Center in Brighton for twelve years and the school by the same name in Victor for three. Along with teaching karate, he regularly teaches many law enforcement personnel and is an advisory board member at Rape Crisis Services of Rochester.

“I am very proud to be able to have an individual such as John Ingallina as a representative of our tradition. His quick ascent was due to his lifelong study of the arts and a true passion that is evident whenever he steps on the floor,” says Hanshi McCarthy.