‘United’ they stand in Waipio
By NICOLE KATO | PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE TABUDLO
The Lee family has quite an impressive resume of MMA accomplishments under their belts. Ken and Jewelz both have been professional martial arts instructors since 1992, and their four children are winning local and national competitions. Because their love of the martial arts is so strong, the Lees opened a new training facility last month in the Waipio Industrial Court, 94-547 Ukee St. #110. Ken says that United MMA’s programs focus on the seamless transitions in all the ranges of combat into a unique system of mixed martial arts and self-defense called total defense system (TDS). The facility offers professional instruction in MMA, pankration and TDS. “We are currently scouting local talent to represent Team Hawaii MMA and Team Hawaii Pankration to compete in national and world champions,” he continues. While MMA might seem a sport deemed for competitors of older ages, United MMA seeks to promote a family-friendly learning environment.
There are classes for teens and adults (13 year s and older) Monday to Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Students of all ages can take part in the open mat training on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m.
The children classes (for those 7 years and older) take place Monday to Thursday (5-6 p.m.). In fact, the Lee’s children Angela (16), Christian (14), Victoria (8) and Adrian (7) are all seasoned fighters and national champions.It’s true what they say, the family that trains together stays together.
For more information on United MMA, call 450-5700 or visit unitedmma.net.
