A “Ninja Day” event will be held on Saturday morning, Aug. 14, by Under the Mountain Martial Arts (UMMA). This event, which begins at 10 am and will run until 2 pm, is for community members: both adults and youth.It will be held at the Old Logandale School at 3011 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.
UMMA will also be holding registration for their classes which include Mini-Strikers for ages 3-6, Little Strikers for ages 7-11, and Big Strikers for ages 12+. They are also taking interest cards for a girl’s/women’s self-defense class.
“This will be a great time for parents and those interested in karate classes to come and ask questions and find out the information pertaining to the services we offer,” said UMMA Head Instructor Nick Yamashita.
Yamashita is a 1997 graduate of Moapa Valley High School and has a 3rd Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate, a 1st Dan (Black Belt) in Taekwondo, a former MMA Athlete and Coach. He has also done trainings in multiple martial arts including Silat, Jiujitsu, Tang Soo Do, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do, and others.
UMMA was started officially in Overton in 2017. The program currently has over 20 students and is open to enrolling more.
This year UMMA has established competition teams which will travel to regional tournaments and compete for medals and points in a National ranking system.
“We want to build up to where we are competing on a regular basis and give these kids some wonderful experience in individual as well as team sports and learn so much in discipline and confidence and hard work,” said Yamashita.
On Saturday, UMMA will offer some fun skill builder challenges and games that will highlight “Ninja” skills. These activities are open for all youth and families to come and enjoy while registration is going on. They include stealth walking, board breaking, obstacle course, balance, and more.
“Come check it out and have fun,” Yamashita invited. “Even if you are not interested in karate classes. Just get out and get away from the TV and have fun.”
For more information on UMMA contact Yamashita by email at underthemtn102@gmail.com or by text (702) 286-5469; or visit the UMMA facebook page.
