Northeast Academy Of Martial Arts


As seen in the February, 2010 Issue of The Hamiltonian


Local Martial Arts Instructor Certified for MMA Training


Grandmaster Barry Black recently received certification in mixed martial arts (MMA) training by world renowned ultimate fighting organization American Top Team, under the instruction of Ricardo Liborio. A seventh degree black belt, lead instructor, and owner of Northeast Academy of Martial Arts in Mercerville, Black is a native of Hamilton and graduate of Steinert High School. MMA is an intense combat sport, utilizing a wide variety of fighting techniques and martial art discipline. Strikes, kicks, grappling, throws, and submission techniques are all used against an opponent. American Top Team (ATT) is one of the largest and most recognized fighting organizations in the world, sending many of its exceptional fighters to the UFC. Some of its accomplished members include Cole Miller, Thiago Alves publicized by the title fight against George St-Pierre, and Thiago Silva who recently fought Rashad "Sugar" Evans. Names like Mike Brown WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) former champion, Kimbo Slice, and Todd Duffy a possible heavy weight contender who has the fastest KO in the UFC all trained with ATT. Black took full advantage of the opportunity at the Florida based training center to learn from these superb UFC fighters. In attendance also included John Hackleman from The Pit, the former light heavy weight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell's personal fight coach. Having studied the martial arts for over 35 years along with training in grappling and boxing, Black is enthusiastic to further teach these methods. Designing a curriculum at NEAMA, classes are fast pace with emphasis on conditioning, and high repetition of basic drills. Members will learn how to properly perform techniques such as arms bars, rear naked chokes, triangles, and a kimura. Black's program includes these American Top Team certified MMA classes along with karate, aerobic kickboxing, power tone, and gym access. "This is a perfect for a total body workout and cross-training, the combined programs ensure a well-rounded skill set," Black explained, "constant variation within each class, you will reach peak performance with the training, conditioning, and technical ability necessary. Each class is energetic and motivating, challenging you, this is a rewarding and empowering way to get into shape and stay healthy starting off this new year."

Black's oldest son at the age of six took 2nd place at the 2009 US Open Sports Jujitsu Championship and was the youngest in his division. Black realized that although the ability to defend oneself is important, there are greater benefits your child receives while training in the mixed martial arts. Black then took his certification one step further and developed one of the only children MMA programs in the area. Designed specifically to challenge and develop the skills of those in early and middle childhood starting at age 7 to build dynamic martial art capabilities all in an encouraging environment. The structured classes teach a wide variety of techniques, keeping them active while learning important self-defense skills. By these innovative classes your child will gain confidence since each technique relies on leverage not size and strength. Just one class can greatly improve your child's mental, emotional, and physical level.

Located throughout the area, having a variety of fitness levels and accomplishments, members are taking advantage of the 20,000sq ft facilities to get the total body workout they want. Ambitious and determined several of these members are traveling to Florida for the 2010 US Open Sports Jujitsu Championship and other preparatory tournaments. Black took 3rd place in the light heavy weight division in 2009 and is looking to increase his standings. Black (43) including his son Barry Jr. (7) are not the only father-son martial arts family, Dennis Baker (45) from Bordentown with his two sons, Dennis Jr. (14) and Darren (11) are joining as well. Others include Theo Rousso (25), native of Princeton Twp, who wrestled over 11 years, and having over 7 years of martial arts experience. Tony Parga (35) from Hamilton trained in martial arts for over 20 years, and coached by Herb Perez who won the 1992 Olympic gold medal in Barcelona for Taekwondo. Brian Durcanin (17), Ryan Carson-Burch (15), and Zach Barton (17) all from Hamilton are eager, training at NEAMA establishing themselves as exceptional fighters and martial artists. Along with newcomer Matt Damiano (19) from Trenton, and fellow 3rd degree black belt instructors Matt Connolly (34) and Paul Limburg (25) from Lawrenceville and Hamilton are also enjoying the benefits of MMA.

MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world and now available in our area! NEAMA has been in the area for 20 years, located on Quakerbridge Road, 1 mile south from Quakerbridge Mall. Black concluded, "At any level, these specialized training programs will help you succeed, and will keep you motivated."

For more information visit their website at NortheastAMA.com or contact NEAMA at (609) 587-6644