TIGER Academy of Martial Arts

About TIGER Academy of Martial Arts

TIGER Academy of Martial Arts, situated at 5801 Portsmouth Blvd in Portsmouth, Virginia, has been a cornerstone of martial arts instruction in the Hampton Roads area since 1968. Serving the communities of Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, the academy offers a diverse range of programs designed to cultivate physical, intellectual, and ethical development in its students. The academy’s comprehensive approach integrates martial arts skills with essential life skills, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can achieve their personal goals.

Location and Accessibility

Located in Portsmouth, Virginia, TIGER Academy of Martial Arts is easily accessible to residents throughout the Hampton Roads region. The facility’s address, 5801 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701, positions it as a convenient option for families and individuals seeking quality martial arts training. Its central location within Portsmouth allows for easy access from surrounding areas, making it a practical choice for those living in Chesapeake and Suffolk as well.

Training Programs and Classes

TIGER Academy of Martial Arts offers a variety of programs tailored to different age groups and skill levels. These programs include:

• Little TIGERS (Ages 4-7): This introductory program is designed to teach young children the basics of martial arts in a fun and engaging environment, focusing on fundamental movements, coordination, and discipline.
• Jr. TIGER Total Defense (Ages 7-13): This program builds upon the foundation established in the Little TIGERS program, introducing more advanced techniques and self-defense skills suitable for older children.
• Kids Jiu Jitsu (Ages 6-13): A specialized program focusing on the art of Jiu Jitsu, teaching children grappling, submissions, and ground defense techniques. This class emphasizes leverage, technique, and control.
• Jiu Jitsu (Ages 14+): This program is designed for teenagers and adults interested in learning the art of Jiu Jitsu, providing comprehensive instruction in grappling, submissions, and self-defense. The curriculum focuses on developing practical skills and physical conditioning.
• TIGER Total Defense (Ages 14+): This program combines various martial arts disciplines to provide students with a well-rounded self-defense skillset. It incorporates striking, grappling, and defensive tactics suitable for real-world scenarios.
• After School Pick Up Program: TIGER Academy provides a structured after-school program that combines martial arts training with academic support and recreational activities. This program offers parents a safe and enriching environment for their children after school hours.
• Summer Camps: During the summer months, the academy hosts summer camps that offer intensive martial arts training, outdoor activities, and team-building exercises. These camps provide a fun and educational experience for children of all ages.

Each program is structured to enhance physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-confidence. The academy’s curriculum integrates martial arts techniques with character development, instilling values such as respect, discipline, and leadership in its students.

Coaches and Staff

The instructional staff at TIGER Academy of Martial Arts comprises experienced black belt instructors with decades of combined experience. The team is led by:

• Shihan W. Hunter (6th Degree Black Belt): With over 40 years of experience, Shihan W. Hunter serves as the Chief Master Instructor, providing leadership and guidance to both students and instructors.
• Shihan Dai J. Hunter (5th Degree Black Belt): Shihan Dai J. Hunter brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the academy, assisting in the development and implementation of training programs.
• Sensei B. Freeman (3rd Degree Black Belt): Sensei B. Freeman is dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and mentorship to students, focusing on technique and skill development.
• Sensei T. Diggs (3rd Degree Black Belt): Sensei T. Diggs contributes to the academy’s curriculum, ensuring students receive comprehensive training in martial arts.
• Sensei M. Wyant (3rd Degree Black Belt): Sensei M. Wyant is committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, helping students achieve their personal goals.
• Sensei N. Bayot (4th Degree Black Belt): Sensei N. Bayot’s expertise enhances the academy’s training programs, providing students with valuable insights and guidance.
• Sensei C. Horton (1st Degree Black Belt): Sensei C. Horton is dedicated to helping students build confidence and self-esteem through martial arts training.
• Sensei S. Archie (1st Degree Black Belt): Sensei S. Archie supports the academy’s mission of providing quality martial arts instruction and character development.

The diverse backgrounds and expertise of the instructional staff ensure that students receive well-rounded and comprehensive training. The instructors are committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment, where students can develop their skills and achieve their full potential.

Atmosphere and Community

TIGER Academy of Martial Arts cultivates a supportive and family-oriented atmosphere. The academy emphasizes character development, respect, and leadership qualities through structured classes and positive reinforcement. Students are encouraged to support one another and work together to achieve common goals. The academy promotes a sense of community among its members, creating a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and skill levels.

Core Values and Training Philosophy

The academy’s core values revolve around fostering intellectual, physical, and ethical growth. The training includes martial arts skills and self-defense techniques designed to promote fitness, discipline, and confidence-building. By focusing on character development, TIGER Academy aims to instill respect, integrity, and leadership qualities in its students. The structured classes provide a framework for personal growth, enabling students to develop valuable life skills that extend beyond the dojo.

Detailed Program Descriptions

Each program at TIGER Academy of Martial Arts is meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of its participants. The Little TIGERS program (ages 4-7) lays the groundwork for future martial arts success by introducing young children to basic movements and instilling discipline in a playful setting. Jr. TIGER Total Defense (ages 7-13) builds upon this foundation, introducing more complex techniques and self-defense skills, empowering children with the ability to protect themselves and stand up for what is right.

For those interested in grappling and ground fighting, the Kids Jiu Jitsu (ages 6-13) and Jiu Jitsu (ages 14+) programs offer comprehensive training in the art of Jiu Jitsu. These programs emphasize leverage, technique, and control, teaching students how to effectively defend themselves on the ground. The Jiu Jitsu program is suitable for teenagers and adults, providing them with practical skills and physical conditioning. TIGER Total Defense (ages 14+) combines various martial arts disciplines, including striking, grappling, and defensive tactics, to provide students with a well-rounded self-defense skillset. This program is designed to prepare students for real-world scenarios, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves and others.

In addition to its martial arts programs, TIGER Academy of Martial Arts offers an After School Pick Up program and Summer Camps. The After School Pick Up program provides a structured and enriching environment for children after school hours, combining martial arts training with academic support and recreational activities. The Summer Camps offer intensive martial arts training, outdoor activities, and team-building exercises, providing children with a fun and educational experience during the summer months.

The Role of Experienced Instructors

The success of TIGER Academy of Martial Arts can be attributed to its team of experienced and dedicated instructors. Led by Chief Master Instructor Shihan W. Hunter (6th Degree Black Belt), the instructional staff includes individuals with decades of combined experience in various martial arts disciplines. These instructors are not only skilled martial artists but also passionate educators who are committed to helping students achieve their full potential.

Shihan W. Hunter, with over 40 years of experience, provides leadership and guidance to both students and instructors. His expertise and dedication set the standard for excellence at the academy. Shihan Dai J. Hunter (5th Degree Black Belt) contributes to the development and implementation of training programs, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date instruction. Sensei B. Freeman (3rd Degree Black Belt) is dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and mentorship, focusing on technique and skill development. Sensei T. Diggs (3rd Degree Black Belt) contributes to the academy’s curriculum, ensuring that students receive well-rounded training in martial arts. Sensei M. Wyant (3rd Degree Black Belt) is committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, helping students achieve their personal goals. Sensei N. Bayot (4th Degree Black Belt) enhances the academy’s training programs, providing students with valuable insights and guidance. Sensei C. Horton (1st Degree Black Belt) is dedicated to helping students build confidence and self-esteem through martial arts training. Sensei S. Archie (1st Degree Black Belt) supports the academy’s mission of providing quality martial arts instruction and character development.

Benefits of Martial Arts Training

Martial arts training at TIGER Academy offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-confidence. Students develop strength, flexibility, and coordination, while also learning valuable self-defense skills. The structured classes and positive reinforcement help students build discipline, focus, and self-esteem. The academy’s emphasis on character development instills values such as respect, integrity, and leadership, which are essential for success in all aspects of life. By training at TIGER Academy of Martial Arts, students can transform themselves into confident, disciplined, and well-rounded individuals.

Contact Information and Operating Hours

TIGER Academy of Martial Arts is located at 5801 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701. The academy can be contacted by phone at 757-488-3882 or by email at [email protected]. The operating hours in Portsmouth are Monday through Thursday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The academy is closed on Sundays.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

TIGER Academy prides itself on providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can thrive. The instructors are dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere, where students feel comfortable learning and growing. The academy's commitment to character development ensures that students not only develop martial arts skills but also learn valuable life lessons that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives. The facility is designed to promote safety and well-being, with appropriate mats, training equipment, and safety protocols in place.

Conclusion

TIGER Academy of Martial Arts offers a comprehensive and enriching martial arts experience for individuals of all ages and skill levels. With its experienced instructors, diverse programs, and supportive community, the academy provides a nurturing environment where students can develop physically, mentally, and ethically. Since 1968, TIGER Academy has been committed to providing quality martial arts instruction and character development, making it a valuable asset to the Hampton Roads community. Whether one is seeking to improve their physical fitness, learn self-defense skills, or build confidence and discipline, TIGER Academy of Martial Arts is an excellent choice.