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Martial Arts Advantage proudly serving Tampa
Martial Arts Advantage has Martial Arts Classes, Camps, and After School Programs in Tampa – perfect for Kids, Teens, and Adults.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since our opening in 1998, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people – one person at a time, through martial arts education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Master Anthony Kuntz
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Master Anthony Kuntz is the owner of Martial Arts Advantage, Master Instructor and a 7th Degree Black Belt. His also holds a degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Behaviorism (Behavioral Psychology).
Master Kuntz’ dad will tell you that young master Kuntz started training in the martial arts after seeing a Bruce Lee movie at age 3. He was karate chopping the lamps in their home so Daddy Kuntz decided he should take lessons. They were living in Turkey at the time. That was the beginning of the martial arts journey for Master Kuntz. He went on to train in several different countries, including Korea and Japan, and in several different disciplines. His passion is for Tae Kwondo, Krav Maga, Muay Thai Kick-boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. All of the disciplines we offer at our academies.
Master Kuntz’ passion for martial arts was initially based on the physical aspects of the discipline. The kicking and punching and pushing his body physically were what drove him to learn more, achieve higher levels. After completing his education he realized that he could positively shape and influence lives in a positive way using his formal education coupled with his advanced training in the martial arts. What started as a passion for the physical aspects of martial arts grew to include the mental, emotional, and intellectual elements of the training. He made a commitment to positively impact the lives of his students with life skills they could take with them wherever they go in life. It was a combination that led to the opening of Martial Arts Advantage over 23 years ago. Our unique curriculum is based on Master Kuntz philosophy of developing not just martial artists but future leaders and great humans!
Today he owns 3 martial arts related companies – 2 locations of Martial Arts Advantage training academies and our After School Ninjas Program, which he co-owns with Ms Monica Chandler. Master Kuntz and his wife Rebecca own 2 real estate related companies – Gasparilla Title Company and Next Home Bay Area Experts. When not at one of the academies, Master Kuntz enjoys time with his wife and 2 “Bonus” sons, and their 5 dogs. They enjoy traveling, camping, and adventuring together. He also enjoys the friendship and camaraderie of his fellow instructors and staff here at MA2.
Monica Chandler
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Monica Chandler is the Director, Managing Partner and Co-Owner of MAA After School Ninjas.
She is also a tax and estate, attorney but decided to take a break from practicing law and open After School Ninjas as a way to balance family and work life. Monica has been married for almost 22 years and has two children who attend Plant High School. Monica served on the Roosevelt PTA Board for 8 years, Coleman PTSA Board for 5 years and now serves on the Plant Academic Foundation Board as well as President-Elect for the Plant Band Booster Organization. Monica has a Bachelor of Business from University of Texas and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. Monica still calls Texas (where she was born and raised) home but also loves living in South Tampa since 2003 along with her husband, Cory; 11th grade daughter, Georgia; and 9th grade son, Lincoln. Georgia & Lincoln grew up at Martial Arts Advantage and are currently ranked as 2nd degree black belts.
Mr Jared Northup
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Mr Jared Northup is the Chief Instructor and Curriculum Leader at Martial Arts Advantage. He currently holds a 6th degree black belt and has been a critical member of our team here for 6 years.
Mr Jared began his martial arts training under the instruction of his father, Master Russ Northup, 8th Degree Black Belt (and 2 times National Champion) when he was 4 years old. Mr Jared moved with his family to Indianapolis from Memphis, Tennessee where he then earned his black belt and continued his training. He also began teaching classes, and assisting with camps for his father. Master Northup helped Mr Jared reach his goals of becoming a world champion by aligning him with the proper instructors and helped him become a better instructor by helping him find good mentors in life.
Mr Jared works closely with Master Kuntz and the other instructors to refine our curriculum, schedule classes and special events. His passion for martial arts and MA2 is followed closely by his passion for Cooking. He earned a degree in Culinary Arts and has worked for Disney in the past. He frequently treats the team to his great food when we get together on our off time.
Mr Alex Kuntz
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Mr Alex Kuntz is an instructor at Martial Arts Advantage spending time in both our locations. Mr Alex serves as our events coordinator, making sure our Parent’s Night Out events, Birthday parties and other special events are organized, safe, and lots of fun!
Mr Alex officially started martial arts training when he was 6 years old (15 years ago), but you might say that martial arts is “in his blood” since he is the nephew of Master Anthony Kuntz. Martial arts was family fun for this guy when he was just a toddler! Mr Alex says, “Martial arts has helped me stay active and most importantly strengthened all my relationships with both my friends and family. I hope when I’m teaching the kids that they can use me as one of their mentors and look at me as someone they can learn from. My ultimate goal is to make an impact on everyone I meet through my work at Martial Arts Advantage.”
Mr Alex is a 2nd Degree Black Belt and an integral part of our team here at MA2. In his spare time he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his family.
Mr Cristian Weaver
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Mr Christian Weaver has been training in martial arts for 8 years now. He is one of the lead instructors at the MA2 North location. He is also an active member of the US Marine Corps.
Mr Christian says. “Through Martial Arts Advantage I was able to build the mental, and physical confidence to push myself past my self-inflicted limits and accomplish things I didn’t know I was capable of achieving. With the positive environment they provided, and the great leadership training, I was able to open up more and feel more comfortable around people of all ages. The skills I acquired through martial arts, and Martial Arts Advantage made me wonder about all the other places I could apply these skills.”
Today Mr Christian is applying these very skills on the mats with his students every day here at the academy and in the Marine Corps. He is comfortable leading, following directions, and demonstrating discipline in all areas of his life. Mr Christian brings his Can-Do attitude every day and is certainly a positive influence for our students and their families.
Ms Elena Valeti
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(Bio Coming Soon)
Professor Bob Hughes
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Professor Bob Hughes is a master instructor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here at Martial Arts Advantage. He was 6 when he discovered Ju-jitsu. He had Brazilian neighbors and they would train. He loved it and learned through them. At 14 he got serious about his training. Ju-jitsu became his life. Professor Bob tells us he “loves its mental stimulation through discipline and awareness and the added physical strength and flexibility.” Ju-jitsu allows him to meet new people and travel. He hopes to pass on his vast knowledge and joy of training. Professor Bob has a goal to help his students become the best they can be. In his spare time Bob is a musician and loves to share and hang out with friends at his home here in Tampa.
Mr James Spaulding
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Mr James Spaulding is one of our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors. Mr James was teased and bullied when he was young and that left him feeling weak and vulnerable, unable to defend himself. This piqued his interest in martial arts but it wasn’t until later that he began his training. Mr James was an All-American athlete in Track & Field in college and after college he began looking for a new challenge. That’s when he found martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Mr James is an NASM Personal Trainer and trained in BJJ with 8-time world champion Robson Moura. He believes training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives students a boost in confidence, discipline, and physical strength while building character and cementing friendships. BJJ builds the mind, body, family and camaraderie. And the techniques of BJJ are effective no matter the size of the student or their opponents. Mr James tells us, “Mental strength is the most important thing. If you walk in with a weak mind, it doesn’t matter if you are the strongest and biggest person on the mat. A strong mind will conquer the weak-minded despite the stature of the opponent.”
Mr Steven Kuntz
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Mr Steven Kuntz is an instructor at Martial Arts Advantage. He is currently a 2nd Degree Recommended Black Belt, Level 6. Mr Steven started training in TKD when he was 8 and he still trains to this day. Like his younger brother (Mr Alex,) Mr Steven has martial arts in his blood. Growing up with Master Kuntz as their mentor and Uncle was a huge factor in that!
Mr Steven says. “Martial Arts became a staple in my life soon after I started. It helped me become more confident at school, taught me to be myself and push away peer pressure. That’s just a couple of things Martial Arts has done for me!” When Mr Steven is on the mats with our students, he strives for them to be more joyful, confident, and prideful in what they do every day of their lives. And if you know Mr Steven , you know he also loves to encourage them to have fun while taking in life and all it has to offer.
When not at one of our academies, Mr Steven is attending college and enjoys spending time with his family. And we understand he is a fierce video game player too!
Mr Landon Rodriguez
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Mr Landon Rodriguez is an assistant instructor and helper at MA2. He has been training since 2011 and is currently a 2nd Degree Recommended Black Belt. Mr Curtis feels like Martial Arts Advantage is his family. He is in his last year of high school and hopes he can impart to his students here at Martial Arts Advantage the same skills and life lessons he has learned during his time on the mats here.
Mr Curtis McIntyr
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Mr Curtis McIntyr is an assistant instructor and helper at our academy. He started training with us in June of 2012 and currently ranks as a 3rd Degree Recommended Black Belt, Level 7. Mr Curtis tells us that “martial arts training has helped me build confidence, become an active helper in my community, and has allowed me to gain better control over his ADHD.” Mr Curtis recently graduated from high school and is looking forward to helping the next generation achieve their goals.
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Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
Since our opening in 1998, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people – one person at a time, through martial arts education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
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