Martin Amba of Sparks, Nevada has introduced a series of new youth and adult martial arts classes through the Sparks Parks and Recreation Department. Amba is considered one of the top pointfighters in his division in the United States, having won three national championships and finishing 2010 ranked third in the National Blackbelt League (NBL) World Championships. NBL recognizes its top three finishers in each division a world champion so Amba is considered a World Champion by NBL.

Also a member of the world championship team, Team Proper, Amba is the only member of the team from Nevada. Team Proper is based out of California and is primarily made up of martial artists from California. There are only two members outside of California that are part of this national touring team. Amba from Nevada and the other is from South
Carolina. Members of Team Prooer are hand selected by the team’s coaches.

Although he is recognized as a top tournament competitor, Amba will primarily be teaching the martial art in which he received his black belt, Goju-Shorei Karate. Goju-Shorei is a close-combat, Okinawan, martial art. Amba is one of only 127 Goju-Shorei black belts since the self defense system came to the United States in the early 1950s. Amba’s son is also sponsored on a national martial arts team and happens to also be one of the 127 as well.

The base of the martial arts program will be Goju-Shorei but will also feature tournament-style sparring, forms, and conditioning. Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays evenings at the Sparks Senior Center, located at 97 Richards Way, Sparks. There are two classes, one for ages 8-13 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on both days, and an adult class (14 and above) from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. on both days.

To register, call (775) 353-2376.