Tom Hillman’s Martial Arts Center, Inc. has only been in business for two years, so it’s pretty impressive that the business has already expanded to a new location to allow more room for current students and additional square footage for many more students to come.
“It’s been an amazing two years running my own martial arts business. The support the community has given me has been incredible and there was a need for us to further Tom Hillman’s Martial Arts Center,” said Shihan Tom, owner.
Tom Hillman’s Martial Arts Center is now located at 6007 Brockton Drive (right off Robinson Road) in Lockport. The facility was once USA Self Defense Karate School and is now the home of Hillman’s students. The dojo offers 4,200 square feet of floor space and it also has a hair salon connected to it.
“While leaving my first location was bittersweet for me because I started Hillman’s Martial Arts Center from the ground up there, it was so exciting to my see my students enjoy their new dojo. I started in the old building with zero students and I’ve grown to more than 100, so I’ve been told that’s pretty great,” said Tom.
The business will host its grand opening 4 p.m. Thursday, June 8 with the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and Senator Robert Ortt’s office. Shihan Tom is a 7th degree black belt who has been practicing martial arts for the past 18 years. He trained at Lockport USA Self Defense Center and his instructor was a 10th degree blackbelt, the highest you can go in any martial arts style. He actually won a free month of karate from a raffle and he has been doing it ever since.
“It’s been a fun ride. I quit my full time job to do it because it’s what I love. It’s my passion and now I’m just trying to make the business grow.”
By being a positive role model for others, Shihan Tom is able to teach children and adults alike how to treat others. His classes focus on several values including modesty, perseverance, and courtesy. If you would like more information on Tom Hillman’s Martial Arts Center self defense classes, visit them on Facebook or call 716-628-0329.
