Unlimited Martial Arts makes its way to Miami Beach
Unlimited Martial Arts, a training facility that got its start in Brooklyn, will be expanding to Miami Beach. UMA will be collaborating with the world-famous 5th St. Gym. The gym attracted many celebrities including Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Sylvester Stallone, and Muhammed Ali. Dino Spencer, who operates 5th st., approached Sifu Anthony Fontana, a certified personal trainer and martial artist with over 20 years of experience who also runs UMA alongside Phil Cruz, with a once-in-a-lifetime offer. “He’s smiling at me with that smile of his and says ‘Come down here, bring UMA to Miami. Nobody’s doing what you do on the beach.’” After a day of thinking about what was a no-brainer, Fontana agreed. “I like the fact that down here it’s a clean slate; nobody knows us here but they will. I couldn’t tell you how many lives I’ve affected for the better and I know I’ll have that effect here; I’m here for the long-run” he adds.
UMA Miami offers a diverse array of martial arts beyond traditional training to men and women with classes including Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Filipino Boxing, Weapons (Kali) and MMA. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira will be introduced later in the year. A Battle-Ready circuit-based group class prepares participants for an actual fight, without the risk or pressure of actual harm. Group cardio and strength training classes, and two children’s programs including the “Little Dragons” for ages 8–13 and “Little Koi” ages 4–7.
Although combat is a big part if what makes UMA what it is, it isn’t the only part. Fontana is big on building a community and enjoying putting together activities where his students get to know each other. “We have movie nights, picnics and potlucks that really help bring everyone together as one and allowing them to get to know each other outside of training. “It’s fun to just get together as opposed to just beating the crap out of each other” Fontana quips.
“There’s no egos.” Anthony states, “Phil, myself and the other trainers at the school have fought in the ring as well as the street. We’ve also trained pro fighters and we’ve never had that sense of elitism. We’re all people, we’re all friends and just want to have a good time together.” unlimitedmartialartsacademy.com umamiamibeach.com
