On Oct. 4, Martial Arts America of Hicksville held a grand celebration in honor of the school’s 15th anniversary. Throughout the day, martial arts demonstrations took place and awards were presented. The event also featured fun for all with slides, bouncers, a dunk tank and carnival treats. The Nassau County Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard opened the ceremonies while international martial arts super star Marc Canozioldo gave a spectacular demo and Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Rose Marie Walker presented the school with a proclamation recognizing its important role in the community.
Martial Arts America in Hicksville, located at 300 South Broadway/Route 107, teaches children, teens and adults the ability to focus and concentrate, build confidence and self-esteem and prevent unhealthy peer pressure.
During the anniversary celebration, over 150 children and adults who have graduated and received new belts were recognized, including the following students who earned black belts:
1st Dan Black Belt: Ian Cairney, Nicholas Donohue, Jordan Francis, Daniel Kwak, Yattana Negash, Yohannes Negash, Nicholas Pallone, Cameron Pereda, Carlos Pereda, Christian Pereda, Emma Seeley, Ashish Vengal and Ryan Wimbiscus
2nd Dan Black Belt: Lisa Llinas, Joe Llinas, Donny Rubbo, Prateek Thakur, Paul Desimone and Paul Donohue.
On Oct. 3, Canozioldo taught classes at the Hicksville martial arts school. Canozioldo has appeared on television around the world and in numerous martial arts publications. He is an 8-time NASKA world champion, has represented the U.S. in the WAKO games.
During his visit, Canozioldo not only trained the children and adults in an effort to help widen their performance and confidence, he also signed autographs on photos taken while filming his video series.
According to Mike Donohue, senior instructor, “Canozioldo is not only a martial arts personality, but one of the most exciting and energetic instructors I have ever known.”
Donohue continued, “Marc realizes the value of his TV and movie exposure, and instead of showing off what he has done he used it to advance other martial artists throughout the country. Instead of playing on his fame, he used it to develop a children’s belief in themselves, that they can achieve anything they can put their mind to. Many times he told them ‘if you can see it and you believe it, you will achieve it!’”
