The Universal Martial Arts Academy has now opened its doors to students in the north of the island.
The new branch, located in Portsmouth, was officially opened on Saturday and has already enrolled 13 students, both male and female ranging from ages five to 18.
Dominican martial artist, Sensei Shannah Robin told Dominica News Online that following the opening of his very first academy in Roseau on February 21, 2013, he always had the dream of branching to Portsmouth where he did martial arts for a very long time.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling, it’s like history for me in the sense that this is the first extension of our new martial arts system. So that is a wonderful thing for us,” he said of the opening. “I am happy and appreciative of the fact that people of Dominica embraced the powerful discipline that I offer to the young people there. I am very honored, privileged and humble, at the same time to be able to spread the knowledge that I have received over the years and to pass it on to the young people of this country and to help them fulfill their dreams.”
Robin said an orientation was held for students and parents followed by the first training session for the students.
“It was very exciting, the students were very excited, they were looking forward towards this and that was a very positive thing,” he stated. “It’s just a matter of spreading the energy, spreading the love, spreading it with discipline across Dominica and making it readily available to people or individuals who are in need of greatest, in need of character building and at the same time becoming ambassadors for their country.”
He is confident that the new branch will grow and do well.
“It’s a very positive move and I think this too will grow and I have no doubt that we will do very well,” Robin stated.
He further stated that plans are in place to have interactions from the branches in Roseau and Portsmouth.
“We will have the interaction from Roseau and Portsmouth. In the future we are looking to have small inter ‘dojo’ competitions between two schools to prepare them for international competitions,” Robin explained. “It’s going to be a positive thing in the future for the whole of Dominica in terms of martial arts and sports tourism.”
The academy will be opened every Saturday at 2:00 pm.
open one in your home town Marigot wana send my boys
tat a great class I am joining next class
Congrats Mr. robin, looking forward to more extensions opening up.
Yeah my Martial Arts brethren, great things for you and your students. You inspire me with your history. Love always. The Music Producer
Why only Saturday?? I am seventh day adventist and my son longs to go to karate class. Shucks. So close yet out of reach
me in that pic
Congrats to this wonderful and powerful man…keep stepping out in faith
It seems like Sensei Robin is responsible for a lot of good news in Dominica. Kudos to him!
Congrats Shannah!! Every time I read something positive about you I get goose bumps!! you’ve overcome adversity and you’re an embodiment of where you started doesn’t determine where you end!! keep pushing forward and remain humble!!
Is this kung fu politics? Why does sensei Robin feel like he has to be dressed in red to promote his new venture? Maybe he felt like if he on any other color the Portsmouth folks would not have been welcoming of him.
Floridian, your fingers doh get tired sometimes from typing nonsense?!
All the best to Shannah Robin and his students.
Hi. I am very proud of my Sensei and his achievement. Let me just enlighten a bit – A RED Gi is usually worn by a Grand master or a founder of a system or a master of the martial arts, ( a Gi is a martial arts uniform).
In some systems a BLUE GI is often worn by a junior instructor (first to second Dan Black Belt).
Commonly, an instructor or a Sensei or a Shihan may wear a Black Gi or a White Gi depending on the occasion. The red GI is usually for special occasions like this opening of the Dojo.
So it has nothing to do with politics. I hope this helps.
Thanks for the explanations Mr. Cadette. Tell them!
Congratulations, Shannah Robin. Keep striving, young man