NWA Martial Arts Academy manager and instructor Michael Felix held a lifelong goal of owning his own studio.
When the academy was offered for sale in September of 2023, Felix reached out to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas. He wanted help assessing the value of the business and moving forward to purchase the studio.
Mary Beth Brooks, business consultant and director of the center, worked with Felix to complete a financial workbook, financial projections, and a business plan to develop a loan package. The purchase of the academy was made possible with a Small Business Administration loan through First Community Bank.
After teaching professionally for 17 years, Felix’s dream of owning a studio grounded in positive mental attitude, inclusivity, and fun became reality.
As owner and lead instructor, Felix is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do, has a Master certification, and has competed on several world, national, and regional circuits.
The NWA Martial Arts Academy offers training from a white belt to 4th Degree Black Belt. The studio also has a competitive martial arts team with multiple regionally and nationally ranked athletes.
While believing in the transformative power of martial arts in teaching life skills, building physical strength, and cultivating discipline, Felix and the Academy also promote fun. Along with classes, testing, and seminars, the calendar includes movie nights, holiday-themed parties, and potlucks.
Felix assumed full ownership of NWA Martial Arts Academy on Jan. 1, 2024. The first month was a whirlwind but fulfilling, he said, taking time to express his gratitude for the center and Brooks.
“Thank you for all your help and assistance along the way,” he said. “You have been awesome!”
NWA Martial Arts Academy is located at 1814 N. Crossover Rd. Suite 2, in Fayetteville.
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