Erica’s Martial Arts Academy

Erica Sweeney was just nine-years-old when her mother, Alice James, introduced her to Martial Arts. Now, at twenty-five, she is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and has been nominated Instructor of the Year in this year’s Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Sweeney was promoted and nominated by Grand Master James Goodwin of 4 Mile Hill Taekwondo in Searcy Arkansas!

“16 years ago, my two older brothers, Brandon Sweeney and Jonathan Sweeney and I was introduced to a summer Martial Arts program on a flyer by our mom,” says Erica, “Our biggest inspiration was the anime, Naruto!” She added that they wanted to train and fight like them, to do Ninjutsu, and even walk up trees using their Chakra! “My favorite character, hands down, is Gaara.”

The Sweeney siblings trained under Jason Froman for about a year, when their mother and stepfather joined. They all trained together for another year Mr. Froman decided to go back to college and finish his degree. “We wanted to keep doing martial arts, so we bought the school and everything in it, renamed it Sweeney’s Martial Arts Academy in Newport, Arkansas!”

They needed a Black Belt to teach classes, so they brought on Jaimie Wollman; a trainee of Joey Perry’s studio in Jonesboro, Arkanas. Soon, they were all training under Master Perry. It took the family an additional 3 years to reach Black Belt, “but we needed those extra years,” Erica admits. “We all received our first and second degree Black Belts between 20122014. Erica’s training was put on hold as she graduated high school, entered the workforce, and then started her own family. It has taken the young mother a while to get back in the swing of things. “Definitely can’t do the things I used to do! Haha!”

“Starting out here in Batesville, Arkansas was a little rough. Had a few challenges.” The first, was finding a place to rent or to teach martial arts in some else’s facility. The Ultimate Training Center allowed Erica to teach out of their facility for six months, “they were very kind to allow me to teach in their facility for that time! I took a break looking into renting my own place. My fiancé and I basically looked all summer for a place. Until we came across the building we’re at now!” Erica is happy to be training in her own studio now, Erica’s Martial Arts Studio at 1108 Vine Street!

Age wise, my youngest student is 4 and my oldest is 58 years old!

Erica shares, “Martial Arts has strongly affected my life. I love doing it and I love sharing it with people who want to learn. Martial Arts has definitely helped me over come a lot of obstacles in life and it continues to do so.” She speaks to the support, encouragement and inspiration from all the family and friends that surround her. She adds, “Pal-Gye 6 is the concept of water. Water is an element that never loses its composure and it leads to inherit strength. This teaches the student that they can overcome any life obstacles without sacrificing their state of being.”

She says they are currently on reworking the belt system, however, it should take a person about 3-4 years to achieve their Black Belt.

“I offer Traditional Taekwondo, Muy Thai Kickboxing, MMA, and Weapons training! The ages right now are 4 and up!”

Erica says you don’t have to know martial arts to take classes. Everyone starts out as a white belt. Every belt color has a different meaning in where the student is at on their path to becoming a successful Black Belt. The white belt indicates that the student is pure without knowledge of martial arts. “Everyone begins their journey differently, taking that first step into the unknown is very difficult, different and even uncomfortable. But sometimes it’s what you have to do in order to get to where you want to be, not only in martial arts but in life as well.”

As a Chief Instructor, Sweeney has seen many students overcome life challenges and many students who just gave up on life. “I will be here to help you every step of the way, to become a better you for yourself.”

Erica Sweeney is living her dream, as a powerful woman, strong mother, and in our book, Instructor of the Year! “I do want to to Thank my coworkers, my friends, my family, and my students, parents also, for inspiring me and supporting me in all that I do! A big thank you to Grand Master James Goodwin for taking me under his wing! And another big thank you to my Fiancé, Hiroki for sticking by my side and helping me achieve my dreams and goals in life! I love you all!”

Allen Wallace, Erica’s student, contacted us about publishing Erica’s story. He sings her praises for her work in teaching him how to heal his body from a severe automobile accident. He says she has been paramount to his recovery. To know Erica is to understand just how sweet and fierce this young lady can be. We wish her and her family all the best, in and out of the studio. We also thank Allen for reaching out and honor his journey in recovery. Need some martial arts in your life, find Erica at 1108 Vine Street or on facebook at Erica’s Martial Arts Academy. N

Owen Trail 4 years old

Malachi Langston 6 years old

Kaley Beck 8 years old

Anna Webster 15 years old

Eddie Thomas 16 years old

Allen Wallace 58 years old

Erica Sweeney 25 years old

(Single picture is Alton Koestner 7 years old)