What are martial arts?

       Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development.

       The term martial art has become heavily associated with the fighting arts of eastern Asia, but was originally used in regard to the combat systems of Europe as early as the 1550s. An English fencing manual of 1639 used the term in reference specifically to the "Science and Art" of swordplay. The term is ultimately derived from Latin, martial arts being the "Arts of Mars," the Roman god of war.

       Some martial arts are considered 'traditional' and tied to an ethnic, cultural or religious background, while others are modern systems developed either by a founder or an association.

       Weapons used are not limited to melee or bladed weapons. Some traditional martial concepts have seen new use within modern military and law enforcement training. Perhaps the most recent example of this is point shooting which relies on muscle memory to more effectively utilize a firearm in a variety of awkward situations, much the way an iaidoka would master movements with their sword.

       The Southeastern Martial Arts Association, LLC (SMAA) was founded in 2005 by Arnaldo Lugo, Soell Lugo, and Wayne G. Lyles with the vision of building individuals who are strong in body, mind, and spirit by providing an educational, positive, and productive training experience in a safe environment. What started as an organization focusing on the local community has grown into an international organization with members worldwide. The SMAA became an LLC in 2011.

       The SMAA’s team of instructors have provided professional training to not just private individuals seeking to expand their knowledge but to Law Enforcement Officers, Correctional Officers, and private security agencies alike and have been contracted by universities, colleges, private corporations, and government agencies to develop specialized training programs and provide professional training in defensive tactics, firearms, use of force, chemical agents, and more.

       The SMAA has numerous societies under the S.M.A.A. umbrella that focus on individual disciplines in order to better serve our members and continues to grow by developing partnerships with other organizations that share our vision. In order for the organization to be posted in our site it must be registered in the state as either a Corporation, LLC, Non-Profit Organization, or sanctioned by one.

       The vision of the S.M.A.A. is to build individuals who are strong in body, mind, and spirit by providing an educational, positive, and productive training experience in a safe environment.

The mission of the S.M.A.A. is:

• To provide professional training to individuals of all levels in a safe environment by qualified professional instructors.

• To provide a complete system to teach individuals, law enforcement, corrections, and private security agencies the necessary techniques needed to defend themselves quickly and effectibly in threatening situations. 

• To bring martial artists together and to recognize individuals, schools, and organizations for their outstanding achievements, determination, hard work, and contributions to the martial arts.
• To create a worldwide network of professionals.

• To educate children, adults, and families about the positive benefits that the martial arts offers.

• To seek new innovative ways of teaching martial arts while maintaining centuries of tradition.

• To develop an environment which will enable each individual the opportunity to pursue and achieve greater skill.

• To promote good health, sport, and self-defense while focusing on character building values.

• To be a productive part of our community by offering free seminars by professional staff in the topics of crime prevention, safety awareness, first responder, defensive tactics, and related topics.