NOTICE:  As of 1-25-05, CMA is no longer offering classes at University of Maine at Machias Center for Lifelong Learning.

On February 14, 2004, Coastal Martial Arts held its grand opening of the new Milbridge school.  Recently completed, the school boasts a comprehensive set of programs for children ages 2 years to 14 years, and several adult classes which are held 6 days a week.  This traditional and spacious facility utilizes modern equipment and limits class sizes to 12 adults and 15 children per class.

Coastal Martial Arts has been in existence since 1996 and has taught in several host facilities including the Calais and Machias Recreation Departments, the Calais, Machias, Lubec, Steuben, and Harrington Elementary School systems, and other locations including the Henry Moore Parish Hall in Steuben.  Currently, CMA is offering classes at the University of Maine at Machias Center for Lifelong Learning, at the home dojo in Milbridge, and have several new locations to be announced in both Washington and Hancock counties in the near future.

“We’re re-organizing and expanding at this time, which is very exciting,” says Sensei Ruth Moore, Master Instructor and two-time inductee into the Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers, and Living Legends Hall of Fame.

The owners, Ruth Moore and her husband Alfred, are pleased to announce that the Milbridge school will offer youth karate, jujitsu, judo, boxing, and Kobojitsu classes in addition to adult classes in QiGong, Karate, Kempo, Judo, Kobojitsu, and Kickboxing.  Classes and private lessons are scheduled Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. and are tailored to the individual participants.

To the Moores, the most exciting part of the new facility will be the availability to offer comprehensive youth programs and special events in a home location.  Ruth summed it up best when she said, “It’s a ‘dream come true’ to be able to commute across the door yard to teach.”

On the list of programs are special youth parties, open classes for all martial artists of any style to work out together, and specialized classes to reach the elderly and stay at home moms.  During the opening ceremony, Ruth Moore was asked why her classes were different from other schools in the area, and she said there are three major differences.  The first was the fees; there are no hidden charges for uniforms or promotions, these are all included in the monthly fee.  The second was that the school does not engage in Martial Arts politics—meaning, there are no association dues or any types of regulations limiting students’ education and freedom.  The third and perhaps most important difference is that all curriculum is literally wrapped around the students’ needs.  This difference allows the training to be personalized and customized to the students’ individual strengths and interests.