The Academy Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence with a Month of Alumni Trainings and Seminars

The Academy Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence with a Month of Special Trainings and Seminars

Manchester, CT – October was a milestone month for The Academy - the area’s premier center for Fitness, Defense, and Empowerment. It marked three decades of empowering students through the martial arts. The milestone month was filled with special training, community events, and a self-defense seminar that brought together students and instructors
Highlights of the month included:

• Ninjai Special Training – Students explored advanced techniques and traditional practices in this dynamic session focused on agility, awareness, and precision.
• Adult Martial Arts Special Training – giving adult practitioners the opportunity to refine their skills and challenge themselves alongside fellow martial artists.

• Public Self-Defense Seminar – Open to the community, this empowering session taught realistic personal safety strategies and hands-on defensive skills for all experience levels. Participants learned how to stay aware, think strategically, and respond confidently in real-world situations.
• Gentle Do Special Training – A unique session focused on the art of calm strength, balance, and mindfulness in motion. Students explored how control and harmony come together through flowing movements that connect body and mind—showcasing the essence of Gentle Do.
• Hapkido & Alumni Training – This special session brought together Academy students from across the years—including alumni returning after as much as 15 years away. Practitioners joined current students to celebrate “The Way of Coordinated Energy,” refining joint locks, throws, and situational applications while reconnecting with old friends. The event blended technical mastery with camaraderie, showcasing the lasting bonds and shared spirit that define The Academy.

“These events not only celebrated our 30th anniversary but also reflected the heart of what The Academy stands for — community, growth, and lifelong learning,” said Grandmaster Joel Waldron, founder and head instructor of The Academy. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come and look forward to the next 30 years of sharing the martial arts with future generations.”
As The Academy continues into its fourth decade, it remains dedicated to providing high-quality martial arts, self-defense, and personal development programs for students of all ages and abilities.

For More Information:

Learn more about The Academy of Martial Arts & Personal Development at www.TheAcademy.us and take a 3D walk-through of our state-of-the-art facility.

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Contact us at (860) 646-7993 / office@TheAcademy.us.

Visit us at 1404 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06042.