Tae Kwon Do Times — January 2018

taekwondotimes.com / January 2018 25

Don’t let the name
fool you. Established
in 1997, UMAHoF is
much more than a
Hall of Fame. With a world-wide membership, this
organization is dedicated to the promotion, propagation and
continued betterment of martial arts.

Founded by Professor Silverio P. Guerra, Ph.D, M.A. in
Alvin, Texas, Prof. Guerra has an extensive lifetime career in
martial arts. Earning many senior black belts in a variety of
disciplines, Prof. Guerra himself has been inducted into 21
national and international Halls of Fame. He has served
on a multitude of boards and teaching associations all for
the enhancement of the arts. The list goes on. It’s evident
that this is a person who knows the world of martial arts.

I caught up with Professor Guerra for three days at the
UMAHoF’s 21st Annual Seminar/Tournament/Induction
Banquet in Houston, TX. I was greeted by a kind and
welcoming man.

“Our mission is dedicated to the growth of martial arts. We
encourage fellowship within in the community and support
the principles of respect, honor and integrity.”

I also quickly discovered UMAHoF’s commitment to youth.
“Martial arts training is especially valuable to our youth in
their formative years. We’ve developed several training
programs for young participants and even special programs
that provide free instruction and equipment for our
underprivileged.”

UNIVERSAL MARTIAL ARTS

HALL OF FAME

GM Clay Worley guides seminar participants

through Jeet Kune Do concepts.

UMAHoF Inductee for Master of the Year in Shorin Ryu

Karate Rich Muhammad and world class MMA fighter

Carlos Martinez rep out closing-the-gap drills

UMAHoF’s induction includes a

separate category for Youth

Recognition. “It’s our desire that

every young person has an

opportunity to share in the

rewarding experience of

martial arts training. We

believe that it is the best

alternative to drugs and gangs

because it allows our youth to

share a strong sense of

community, learn positive

character traits, and experience the

joy of personal achievement based on

hard work, discipline, and determination.”

The annual event opens with two days of training for all

ages, skills levels and disciplines. From stickfighting to Jeet

Kune Do to police tactics and beyond, a participant will

surely acquire new skills and knowledge from instructors

approved by Professor Guerra himself.

I was happy to train with Grandmaster Clay Worley, who

offered instruction on Jeet Kune Do and other concepts.

GM Worley is an alumni inductee and one of the top

instructors in the industry. “Teaching at the UMAHoF event

was an enriching experience! To collaboratively learn with

so many positive people recharges the soul. We were

extremely pleased by the turn out, the new friends we made,

and seeing old friends again. It’s a family friendly atmosphere

with tough, realistic training. Who could ask for more?”

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