United Martial Arts Academy

841 North Main Street – London, KY 40741 – (606) 862-6556

kentuckymartialarts.com

United Martial Arts Academy, located on North Main Street in London now offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Scott Hope, the director of the program, holds a blue belt under Carlson Gracie and is the only authorized Carlson Gracie representative in our area.

“To my knowledge, our BJJ program is the first of its kind in Laurel County,” said school owner and Taekwondo black belt, Jeremy Patton. “I believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective grappling arts in the world. Numerous mixed martial arts fighters, most notably those competing in the King of the Cage, Pancrase, Pride and the UFC include BJJ in their martial arts arsenal.”

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not only a popular style among professional fighters, it is also a safe, fun and effective art for beginners.

“What I like most about Scott is that he’s a humble person,” Patton continued. “He’s very patient and works well with beginners. Even though he’s a successful full-contact fighter, he doesn’t have the ‘tuff-guy’ attitude. He’s concerned for the well being of his students and he conducts his classes in a very safe manner.”

“Scott is relaxed, easy to learn from and you get a good workout,” said Charles York, a Taekwondo orange belt and new BJJ student. “My back has really loosened up. My whole body has loosened up and I walk a lot easier.”

Karen Byrd, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student and Taekwondo yellow belt, also spoke highly of the new program. “I think Scott explains things very well, and as a beginner in martial arts, that helps me a lot. His class has already enhanced my self-defense knowledge and I’m a lot less afraid to go out by myself.”

“Scott is an experienced grappler and professional fighter,” Patton added. “Not only does he have a blue belt in BJJ, he’s also a black belt in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. He’s studied wrestling, Taekwondo, boxing and holds a blue belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate. It’s rare to have an opportunity to train with such a well-rounded martial artist.

“London needs a good, solid grappling program,” commented Hope. “A few things I’d like students to learn from my classes are the ability to defend themselves and an understanding of ground combat.”

Hope will travel to Columbus, Ohio this Saturday to compete in the grappling competition at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic.

Those interested in taking advantage of the one month free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu special, or any other martial arts program can contact United Martial Arts Academy at 862-6556 or visit kentuckymartialarts.com.

Scott Hope displays his belt from his victory at Medieval Mayhem