Coach Mark Moore is teaching more than just martial arts
Coach Mark Moore owns and operates Underground Martial Arts in Washington Township, and, while at its core, he is teaching martial arts and self-defense tactics, those are just superficial.
Moore believes deeply in teaching his students to be “go-givers,” citizens who make a difference in their community.
The most interesting testimony of this comes from 12-year-old student Kirsten Bradford. Bradford, a brown belt at Moore’s academy, has been there for almost four years.
“Coach came to my school and he was very inspiring. His story and how he started made me want to start [martial arts],” she said.
“What I love about the presentation,” Moore said. “It has nothing to do with martial arts, it’s all about character and who you are as a person.”
The presentation they are referring to is called “Ten feet tall bully proof” and it’s about helping kids become confident raising their own self-image and self-esteem. The purpose of this is to fight three epidemics that Moore feels are prominent in today’s culture.
“Right now there are three epidemics,” he said. “One out of four kids is bullied, one out of three is obese and suicide rates are climbing. Martials arts is a perfect vehicle for self-development.”
Moore is a living, breathing example of how martial arts can shape somebody’s life. As someone who didn’t excel in sports, had braces and acne, he was bullied and felt he didn’t have a place to belong.
“I did martials arts with a friend one day,” Moore said. “It gave me a place where I felt respected and safe. I could do things at my own pace and I developed confidence.”
From there, Moore began coaching. He uses his platform to make a difference in people’s lives through acts of kindness and charitable donations.
For instance, the concept of competition isn’t something that he and his students shy away from; he just ensures there is always a deeper meaning. For example, in April he held an in-house karate tournament where the proceeds went to autism research.
“We raised over $8,000 for autism research,” he said. “When they step on the mat, there’s a competitive spirit but they know they’re here for a bigger purpose. That’s the vibe we like to give our students,”
The giving doesn’t stop there for Moore. In August, he held a back-to-school promotion called “Black Belt Strong Back to School Special.” With August being a traditionally slow month for businesses, the team at Underground Martial Arts held a promotion where it would be $49 to take martial arts classes before school. The enrollment fee was used by Moore to purchase roughly $1,000 of back-to-school supplies for underprivileged youths.
“The secret to living is giving. There’s no better power than giving to other, it’s a guaranteed happiness,” Moore said. “When you focus on giving you’re excited about helping others.”
Bradford’s mom, Peg, noticed a difference in her daughter.
“Her confidence level grew and she wants to help people and do things in the community,” Peg said. “She says coach is her mentor.”
She noted Kirsten has done past work with Alex’s Lemonade Stand and is looking forward to continuing to work with them in the future. Peg added Kirsten wanted to volunteer a pet store due to her love of animals but was turned away because she’s too young.
Moore makes an impact both on and off the mat. While he teaches martial arts and self-defense techniques, he doesn’t want his students to have to use it.
“Anybody can kick or punch, we like to build champions in life,” he said. “Where you’re the type of person who likes to give. You like to lead by example.”
These lessons really hit home for Kirsten — she credits Moore for her development as a person.
“I’ve gained more respect, more confidence, I’ve gained every personality trait to make me a better person,” she said. “The biggest room in the world is room for improvement, Coach Mark taught me that.”
