Kids, Teens, & Adults

Cuong Nhu

Some martial arts use “hard” style kicks, punches, and straight angles. Other martial arts use “soft” fluid movements and subtle redirections as defense. Cuong Nhu mixes both.

Ages 4-7 (Grasshoppers)

Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Fri - 3:45-4:30pm
Kids (8-12yo)

Tues, Thurs - 4:30-5:30pm

Sat - 10:00-11:00am
Adv Kids Sparring

Tues, Thurs - 5:30-6:00 pm
Teens

Tues, Thurs - 6:00-7:00pm

Sat - 11:00-Noon
Sparring

Tues, Thurs - 5:30-7:00 pm
Adults

Mon, Wed, Sat - 11:00-Noon

Tues, Thurs - 7:00-8:30pm
Dragons Teachers

Mon - 7:00-8:30pm

Sat - 9:40-10:00pm
Self-Defense

Wed - 6:00-7:00pm

What to Expect

Students wear uniforms. If you’re trying it for the first time, wear comfortable workout clothes. Classes usually begin with warm up exercises, continue into skill development, and end with active partner work depending on the age and level of the class.

4-7 year olds - Our “Grasshoppers” have a rotating curriculum (see more) (link to grasshopper page) that includes standup techniques, wrestling, fitness, focus, and discipline. The drills will seem playful and fun but are clever ways to disguise repetition and emotional development.

8-12 year olds - Out “Tigers” begin an 18 month rotating curriculum introducing them to all of the beginning aspects of Cuong Nhu in bite sized chunks that they can master and match their developmental needs. Class is more challenging, with pushups, more complicated instructions, and flexibility training.

8-12 Advanced - If they finish the cycles before they become teens, kids enter our advanced kids program. They introduce sparring, weapons, and long forms, while taking on even tougher challenges and goals. When they finish this stage they are ready to test into the teens class as a green belt.

Teens - Our teens program keeps the advanced kids and new students that start as teens moving forward at an elevated pace matching their increased ability. Classes are broken into rank groups allowing teens to focus on their next steps, while enjoying working out with a vibrant teen community. Classes are strenuous and build fitness, skill, and resolve.

Adults - Adults of all ages train together, learning about each other’s strengths and limitations as they all strive to be the best versions of themselves. Adult classes are 90 minutes. The first thirty minutes are lively warm up drills allowing repetition of concepts learned in recent classes. The second thirty minutes introduces new concepts, mastering the curriculum of a student’s present rank. The final thirty minutes is back to lively partner work like sparring for those prepared for it, self defense practice, and other drills that help with real time interaction.

Teachers lead technique drills that improve balance, power, and coordination. Students apply self-defense techniques using other students and instructors as partners.

Balanced Fitness

Training improves strength, agility, balance, and endurance. Because of Cuong Nhu’s equal emphasis on soft styles, students also improve fluidity, posture, flexibility, and reaction time.

Diverse Curriculum

Cuong Nhu students are exposed to many styles of martial arts. They discover strategies that fit their bodies and personalities the best. Black belts remain constantly stimulated by new ideas. Also, unlike some martial arts that forbid training with other schools, Cuong Nhu encourages students to learn all they can and bring more martial arts knowledge and experience into our family!

Straight-Forward Self Defense

Our three-part self-defense system is straight forward and easy to pick up. With practice, even children can escape a much stronger aggressor.

Encouraging Community

Cuong Nhu is a family and all our schools support and encourage the others. There is no rivalry or negativity among Cuong Nhu schools. Whenever students of one school travel, they are always welcome at other schools and in the homes of students around the world. Our international annual gatherings are places of friendship, fun, and good humor. See you soon!

Find your Balance: Personalized Kids’ Martial Arts Classes for Safe and Supportive Learning.

As a parent, it can be overwhelming to try and identify the best martial arts program for your child. You want them to experience the important benefits of martial arts, but also want to ensure they are learning a safe and supportive environment.

Most martial arts programs focus on the physical aspect but neglect the mental and emotional aspects of martial arts training, leading to an unbalanced learning experience for kids. Plus they often lack specializations that cater to children with different abilities.

Our personalized kids’ martial arts program delivers all these important benefits. By focusing on the top 3 challenges parents face, we give children a well-rounded experience while helping them reach their full potential in a safe and supportive learning environment

Challenge 1:
Mental Health

Parenting can be difficult in today’s world but it doesn’t have to look like a daunting mountain. With our Kids Martial Arts classes and family-friendly atmosphere you can help your child take back control of their mental health. Our family welcoming atmosphere will provide the support needed for them to develop resilience, bolster their well-being and set themselves up for success oo matter what comes down the re.id. Don’t let anxiety or depression get the best of them. Leverage our expertise now so that they’ll thrive into tomorrow.

Challenge 2:
Technology and Screen Time

Guiding kids through the complex world of smartphones and tablets can be a struggle for parents. But with too much screen time comes issues like poor sleep,dropping grades and lack of physical activity- all detrimental to your child’s health. That’s why we’ve developed an innovative Kids Martial Arts Class that guarantees fun in a secure environment while providing beneficial exercise at the same time.

Challenge 3:
Lack of Social Interaction

In today’s increasingly digital world, one of the significant challenges kids face is a lack of social interaction. With screen time dominating their daily lives, children often miss out on valuable opportunities to develop essential communication skills & forge meaningful connections with their peers. This absence of face-to-face interactions can hinder their emotional growth, empathy. and ability to navigate social situations. It’s crucial for parents and educators to recognize this challenge & actively encourage kids to engage in activities that foster genuine social engagement & interpersonal development

The Solution:

Life Changing Martial Arts Classes

Martial arts training is more than just learning self-defense techniques: it’s a journey of empowerment, discipline & confidence. Here’s how martial arts lessons can be truly transformative:

Kids Learn to Build Character & Self-Worth

We teach kids crucial life skills such as discipline, respect for others & self confidence. Respect is emphasized both for oneself & for others, including parents & teachers. Self-discipline is essential to advance through the beIts & learn the more complex techniques. Learning these skills builds character & helps kids develop into well-rounded adults who are ready for the challenges that lie ahead in life.

Improve Mental & Physical Health

In a world where children are increasingly sedentary. martial arts classes provide an excellent way for kids to stay active and healthy. Regular exercise helps reduce obesity, build strong bones & muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and boost brain function. By enrolling your child in our martial arts program, they’ll get the physical exercise they need while learning valuable self-defense skills and techniques. Not only that, our community of making friends will positively impact your child’s self control & discipline

Help Them Feel Secure & Improve Confidence

These classes provide a supportive environment where kids can learn valuable self-defense skills while also building their self-esteem. As they progress through the ranks and master new techniques, children will experience a sense of accomplishment that instills a strong sense of self-worth. Additionally, martial arts training promotes discipline, focus, and respect further contributing to a well-rounded and confident individual.

Know

Your Instructor

The four head instructors at Unity combine more than 130 years of experience.

MEET TANNER CRITZ

Head Instructor of Cuong Nhu at Unity Martial Arts

Sensei Tanner is a knowledgeable, rigorous, and friendly martial arts instructor who has been practicing for over 30 years. He holds a 5th degree black belt in Cuong Nhu, a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and has experience in Ninjitsu, laido, and Kickboxing. He started Cuong Nhu at age 10 in 1983, and loves its rich curriculum and its vibrant, supportive community. He has a degree in Anthropology, but his most transformative education was hiking the entire 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail for six months (read his account). He learned to take risks and pursue his passion-for example, teaching martial arts full-time.

Tanner Critz was born in Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from the Donaghey Scholars Program with a degree in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and then discovered how he wanted to live his life while through-hiking 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail. After studying the martial art Cuong Nhu from the age of ten years old, he opened a school In Little Rock, Arkansas to teach students of all ages where he still lives with his family and teaches. Notable Achievements:

30 years of experience
Holds a 5th degree black belt in Cuong Nhu
3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do
Graduated from the Donaghey Scholars Program magna cum laude
Vice President of the Cuong Nhu Board of Directors

Camps and Events

Camps last a week from 8 am to 3 pm. Participants must be at least 8 years old (or have passed 2 tests at Unity for younger children). Kids must bring lunch and a snack, and shoes for running outside.