Swanson's Martial Arts

Mission

Our mission is to build a better world through martial arts training emphasizing Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit.  Each month we focus on a different life skill to develop these basic tenets.  As students progress through the the ranks of Taekwondo they learn the definitions of these life skills and how to put them into action in their martial arts training,  at school or work and at home in daily life.

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Our programs build character, confidence and focus!

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Martial Arts are a great way for anyone to achieve fitness and focus.  Plus, traditional martial arts help teach self-discipline and social skills. In fact, many parents report great success with these programs because self-control and concentration are exactly the skills their kids need.  For adults you will notice improvement in your ability to focus on any task. 

Most classes are an hour-long.  After a warm-up, students practice a variety of skills, which will include kicks, punches and blocks.  We are always working hard to improve and develop skills.  We do that through consistent practice using various equipment and drills to keep the classes engaging and it's all done in a safe and fun environment.

Progress is marked by a belt system, which takes the beginner from a white belt through a variety of colors to black belt. Testing for each new level is generally every three months.  Testings are a great exercise in setting goals and taking the small steps to achieve big goals.  Hard work pays off with taking the next step toward the black belt.

Studying martial arts is an amazing journey.  It will make a positive impact on all aspects of the students life...physically, emotionally, mentally.  Students are guided and encouraged by their instructors and peers but at the same time martial arts is about the individual.  As a student, you will know when you have done your best and each class will leave you eager for more.

SMA was founded by Jason and Nicole Swanson.  The Swanson's began their training in Taekwondo in 1988 and began teaching in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1995. The Swanson's led the YMCA Martial Arts programs at the Northeast YMCA, Cooper YMCA and Copple YMCA's for over 20 years before opening the current SMA location.

The Instructor Team:

Jason Swanson -- 7th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo, 5th Degree Black Belt Combat Hapkido, 4th Degree Black Belt Philippine Combatives

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Nicole Swanson -- 6th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo, 4th Degree Black Belt Combat Hapkido, 3rd Degree Black Belt Philippine Combatives

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Suman Vallabhbhai -- 6th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo, 4th Degree Black Belt Combat Hapkido, 3rd Degree Black Belt Philippine Combatives

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Carl Steffens -- 5th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo, 1st Degree Black Belt Philippine Combatives

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Brad Sheaff -- 4th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo, 3rd Degree Black Belt Combat Hapkido, 1st Degree Black Belt Philippine Combatives

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Erin McManus -- 4th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo, 2nd Degree Black Belt Philippine Combatives

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Jessica Karas -- 3rd Degree Black Belt Taekwondo

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Chaz Grimm -- 2nd Degree Black Belt Philippine Combatives

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Alan Earhart -- 3rd Degree Recommended Black Belt Taekwondo, 2nd Degree Combat Hapkido

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Michelle Knapp -- 1st Degree Black Belt Taekwondo

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