By Nimmond Lockhart-SDM

Robert Leonard III, calm, subtle, easy going, a nice looking guy. Only one problem, he’s no nice guy after 6-hours of training  and when he steps into the ring.

Robert Leonard III, a humble, easy going, and spirited young warrior, is on his way to becoming one of the best, if not the best, MMA fighter in the world. This young man is not a mere rock; he’s a pillar of chiseled concrete, posses the subtleness of still water, and packs the power of a raging bull.

The South Dade Monitor has been following some of the events that this excep- tional athlete has participated in throughout 2009. He has been unstoppable in all his matches. He’s a competitor in every facet of martial arts, and has become the ISKA National Chinese Boxing (San Chou) Champion in 2009. He is known as one of the top Heavy Weight contenders in the International Shootfighting Association, and became the number one fighter in the heavy weight grappling division in the 2008 Sun Belt Martial Art Championship.

All of his hard work and training has given him the opportunity of a lifetime. He is now being managed by one of the most renown and respected MMA personality in the martial world, Cung Le. He’s being trained by, (without question), the best martial arts instructors in South Dade, Sifu Henry Regalado, Chief instructor and owner of the United Martial Arts Association (UMAA), located in the Florida City Outlet Mall.  Moreover, two of the men assisting in the training are, 4 times former kickboxing champion of the world, James Warring, and Shootfighting Champion Bart Vale.

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By: Sifu Henry Regalado

James Warring is an American boxer, kickboxer and mixed martial artist. He is a rare fighter who won the world titles both of boxing and kickboxing. James Warring is well known and loved worldwide. Next to being a great martial artist, he was a professional foot player for the Raiders, movie actor, among other talents.

About 20 years ago, my Martial Arts Instructor’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare cancer. I will never forget the kindness of James Warring. He visited the hospital room and donated his time, some t-shirts, and gave her some encouraging words.

That to me, is a true champion. 20 years later, he inquired about her again, and asked how she was doing. Nicole Navarro, a cancer survivor, though still having some disabilities is another champion. Nicole came with her uncle, Albert Medina, and James once again gave her his signature t-shirts and more words of encouragement and inspiration. I was touched by his humility and kindness, characteristics that some champions take for granted. I teach my students that greatness is not a destination, but a journey.

James Warring displays all the characteristics of one of the greatest martial artist I ever met, also as a great friend. In this article, I would like to take the opportunity to thank James Warring for all the great things he has done for our community and for the sport that I love, martial arts. I would like to take this opportunity to announce that James Warring is offering private classes at The United Martial Arts Academy.
For more information, please contact via phone: 786-357-4255
Web: www.h2oboxing.com

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It is an honor to be asked to write a column in The South Dade Monitor not only about martial arts, but also about some of the philosophies and concepts of the martial arts. In the following series of writings I would also like to share some of the highs and lows of having the responsibility of running a successful martial arts school.[/important]

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Published Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Sometimes it’s the smudge print of a small nose. Sometimes two large palms squeezed on the glass. Others leave two full hands, fingers spread wide. Everyone who stops at the huge front window of the United Martial Arts Academy dojo in the Florida City Prime Outlet Mall seems to leave their mark. They can’t help but lean in against the window to watch the kids inside, dressed in their karate gis, zipping out Kung Fu kicks and pounding punches into the big red bag.

Improved fitness and mental concentration are important benefits of martial arts training “We’re like a fish in a fish bowl here,” jokes Enrique Regalado, the founder and president of the nonprofit, referring to the scores of passersby who stop to watch the karate classes, peering in through the big window. Many of the curious decide to enroll their children in the classes. “It got so dirty that the manager of the mall, who used to clean it for us, had us hire someone to clean our own windows,” he says, laughing.

Enrique Regalado, or “Sifu Henry” as his students fondly call him, opened United Martial Arts Academy at a Goulds warehouse five years ago. He’s practiced martial arts for most of his life and he wanted to share his passion with kids. But there were concerns. After class his students sometimes gathered in the parking lot to continue practicing with their martial arts weapons, and the neighborhood was far from safe.[/important]

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by Michael R. Malone

Sometimes it’s the smudge print of a small nose. Sometimes two large palms squeezed on the glass. Others leave two full hands, fingers spread wide. Everyone who stops at the huge front window of the United Martial Arts Academy dojo in the Florida City Prime Outlet Mall south of Miami seems to leave their mark. They can’t help but lean in against the window to watch the kids inside, dressed in their karate gis, zipping out Kung Fu kicks and pounding punches into the big red bag.[/important]

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By Christopher Ricart-UMAA

Edited by Nimmond Lockhart-SDM

“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”
Hebbel

Passion! What do children know of passion?  If you ask the students of the United Martial Arts Academy (UMAA), located at the Florida City Outlet Mall, they will have a lot to tell you. Better yet, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. So drop by the academy and take notice for yourself.  You will witness countless hours of rigorous training from the young energetic souls.
Recently, the passionate students of UMAA were invited to the prestgious11th Annual International Chinese Martial Arts Championships in Orlando, by tournament promoter and kung fu stylist, Master Nick Scrima.[/important]

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An event of momentous proportions occurred earlier this month in the home of the United Martial Arts Academy (UMAA) located at the Florida City Outlet Mall in Florida City.  Owner and Sifu, Henry Regalado along with staff and students got the opportunity to spend the day with who is destine to become the next household name, and action-pack movie superhero of the  world of Martial Art, World Champion Mr. Cung Le. 
Despite an unbelievable busy schedule, Mr. Le took the time to fly in from California by invitation of Sifu Henry to conduct a martial arts seminar with the students of UMAA and participants from as far away as Chicago.  Taking advantage of a very rare opportunity of interaction, students and instructors eyes were peeled on every word and technique demonstrated by Mr. Le.[/important]

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