NWA Martial Arts Academy manager and instructor Michael Felix held a lifelong goal of owning his own studio. When the academy was offered for sale in September of 2023, he reached out to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the U of A for assistance in assessing the value of the business and moved forward to purchase the studio.

Mary Beth Brooks, business consultant and director of the center, worked with Felix to complete a financial workbook, financial projections and a business plan to develop a loan package. The purchase of the academy was made possible with a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) through First Community Bank. After teaching professionally for 17 years, Felix's dream of owning a studio grounded in positive mental attitude, inclusivity and fun became reality in late December 2023.

As owner and lead instructor, Felix is a fifth degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, a third degree Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do, holds a master certification and has competed on several world, national and regional circuits. The NWA Martial Arts Academy offers training from a white belt to fourth degree Black Belt and has a competitive martial arts team with multiple regionally and nationally ranked athletes.

With a belief in the transformative power of martial arts for kids in teaching life skills, building physical strength and cultivating discipline, Felix and the academy also promote serious fun. Along with classes, testing and seminars, the calendar includes movie nights, holiday-themed parties and potlucks.

Felix assumed full ownership of NWA Martial Arts Academy on Jan. 1, 2024. Stating that the first month was a whirlwind but fulfilling, he took time to express his gratitude for the center and Brooks. "Thank you for all your help and assistance along the way," he said. "You have been awesome!"

NWA Martial Arts Academy
1814 N. Crossover Rd. Suite 2
Fayetteville, AR 72701