A “Ninja Day” event will be held on Saturday morning August 14th by Under the Mountain Martial Arts (UMMA). This event, which starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m., is aimed at members of the community: adults and youth. It will be held at Old Logandale School at 3011 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.

UMMA will also be organizing registrations for their classes which include Mini-Strikers for ages 3-6, Little Strikers for ages 7-11 and Big Strikers for ages 12 and up. They also take interest cards for a girls / women self defense class.

“This will be a great time for parents and those interested in karate lessons to come and ask questions and find out about the services we offer,” said Nick Yamashita, head instructor at UMMA.

Yamashita graduated in 1997 from Moapa Valley High School and has a 3rd degree black belt in American karate Kenpo, a 1st Dan (black belt) in taekwondo, a former MMA athlete and trainer. He has also completed training in several martial arts including Silat, Jiujitsu, Tang Soo Do, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do and others.

UMMA was officially launched at Overton in 2017. The program currently has over 20 students and is open to more enrollments.

This year, UMMA has set up competitive teams that will travel to regional tournaments and compete for medals and points in a national ranking system.

“We want to grow where we compete regularly and give these kids a wonderful experience in individual and team sports and learn so much in discipline, confidence and hard work,” Yamashita said.

On Saturday, UMMA will feature fun skill building challenges and games that will highlight ‘Ninja’ skills. These activities are open to all youth and families to enjoy while registration is in progress. They include stealth walking, plank breakage, obstacle course, balance, etc.

“Come check it out and have fun,” Yamashita invited. “Even if karate lessons don’t interest you. Get out and get away from the TV and have fun.

For more information on UMMA, contact Yamashita by email at [email protected] or by SMS (702) 286-5469; or visit the UMMA facebook page.