Mike Cunningham had been fascinated by Bruce Lee since he was six years old. By the time he reached his freshman year in high school in 1989 he weighed 265 pounds and joined a martial arts program to help him lose weight while learning some self defense skills. In 1995 Mike was offered the opportunity to run a Brunswick martial arts school, which he did until 2005. Over the years Mike obtained his 5th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Hapkido, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Kumdo, and a Black Belt in Kickboxing. In 2006 Master Mike opened his own school with the founding of Practical Martial Arts in Brunswick, Ohio. We met with Master Mike recently, and listened as he provided this overview of his school's offerings;

Practical Martial Arts is a family-based school providing mixed martial arts instruction for students from 3½ through adults. Rather than just teaching one or two disciplines, I combine many martial arts forms to give students a well-rounded understanding of the entire aspect of the martial arts combined with the Asian philosophies of discipline, respect, and honor. Since our classes are constantly changing, your body is continually challenged and you never reach a plateau either physically or skill-wise.

We blend the techniques of Taekwondo, Hapkido, Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, and Muay Thai into a comprehensive program that provides our students with an understanding of many martial arts disciplines. They learn the holding techniques of Judo, the hand moves of Karate, the kicks and punches of Taekwondo, and Muay Thai's method of blocking with the knees and elbow. Students learn how to use their entire body to perform blocks, kicks, and punches regardless of whether they are standing or are on the ground.

Our mission is to educate the community on the three practical essentials for life. The first practical essential is developing a healthier body while learning proper flexibility, strengthening, stamina, weight control, and coordination. The second practical essential is having a strong mind. Our students gain many positive character skills, such as self-respect, self-discipline, self-control, and concentration. The third practical essential is the ability to possess a confident spirit. Having a confident spirit is a result of building self-esteem and confidence, learning humility and integrity, gaining a positive attitude toward life. These are the skills essential for relieving stress, improving body mobility, increasing mental agility, developing self-defense skills, and enjoying the comradeship with others.

We offer mixed martial arts and cardio-kickboxing classes in the mornings for stay-at-home moms and those who work second or third shifts. In the evenings we hold classes for kids ranging from 3½ to 12 years of age and family classes where parents and children can work out together, in addition to black belt, cardio-kickboxing, Hapkido Chin Na, and sword classes.

Practical Martial Arts is running a special offer called "Look Good & Feel Great in 2008". When you sign up for a three month martial arts or cardio-kickboxing program, you will receive a $25.00 value spa treatment at Christian Jomani Spa and Salon.

Practical Martial Arts guarantees you will feel the difference within ninety days of beginning classes. Call Practical Martial Arts today, and don't forget to tell them The Brunswick, Ohio Community Advocate sent you!