New Martial Arts Academy Personalizes Classes

Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Aikido. The , a new business in Lacey Township, teaches a "unique" blend of martial arts.

“We are a full service martial arts group,” owner Art Hinkelbein said.

The academy, which was previously located in Point Pleasant and opened in early January, serves a variety of needs from enhancing concentration levels to a cardiovascular workout and self defense, Hinkelbein said.

“We liked the area,” instructor Melissa Bogart said regarding the move to Lacey. “We saw room for growth”

Some students followed Hinkelbein and Bogart to Lacey, she said. “The students understand that you can’t duplicate what we do.”

The training sessions are personalized to each individual student, Bogart said. The academy offers adult and youth programs, cardio kickboxing and private lessons. Classes are divided by age groups.

“There are always enough instructors on the floor for everyone’s needs,” she said.

Hinkelbein has been an instructor for 44 years while Bogart has been training students for 19 years.

“We always trained with the student in mind,” Bogart said.

Hinkelbein compared their training system to a tree. Each form of martial arts is a branch and is incorporated into a single training session.

“(Each form) have a different approach mentally and physically,” he said. “There is a nice blend of a lot of different concepts and ideas. It enhances confidence and self-esteem. As a student, you get everything.”

The Art Hinkelbein Martial Arts Academy is open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information call 609-242-4034.

From time to time Lacey Patch profiles new businesses. If you know of a new business in town, e-mail elaine.piniat@patch.com.