More Changed Lives
Story#1 – Two Brothers
Today I share a meaningful story from the mother of two of our Young Warrior kids:
“OMMA has been a blessing to my boys and myself. My husband passed away four years ago and as a single mother I feel like defending themselves is something that my husband would have taught the boys so at first, I was completely lost.
I knew from the start that my boys needed to learn to defend themselves and unfortunately that was not something I could teach them.
My sister recommended OMMA, and we absolutely love it!! My boys have been learning how to defend themselves, they have become more confident, and they are always striving and working to learn more.
OMMA has motivated my boys and I cannot thank them enough.
It has also been wonderful that my boys are also growing spiritually and are not only becoming physically fit but also spiritually fit.
At a critical point in my and my sons’ lives, OMMA provided and continues to provide a safe place and positive role models who are walking with them in their growth of learning a lifelong skill that is self-defense” (Gabby – mom)
Some of our greatest joy as instructors for OMMA comes from stories like this from our students. Your partnership allows us to continue to provide an environment where families like these can grow and experience His blessings.
Story #2 – Grampa & Grandson
Being Pearl Harbor Day, it seems appropriate to share a testimonial that involves one of our US military heroes: Grandpa Bob & his grandson, Lucas:
“At age 6, Lucas came to me and said he wanted to learn martial arts. I told his mom of his interest, but she said she thought he was a little too young and felt he would forget about his wanting to learn.
Then, just before he turned 7, he came to me again and said he wanted to learn martial arts. I told his mom and then she heard about your DOJO and that is when we all visited your DOJO.
I have seen in Lucas, a change of being more focused along with his increased love for learning martial arts for defense and thus, gaining more confidence about protecting his family first!
He is always telling me that he will protect his mom, brother, and grandma and grandpa!
He is putting his family first.
He is waiting patiently to test and earn his green belt and then wanting to earn his cammy (Camo) belt, before moving on to the adult side of learning, at age 13.
~ Grandpa”
We have seen Lucas grow so much as a martial artist and young man and are so proud of his determination to develop the skill to protect himself and his loved ones, if necessary!
One thing that we love as OMMA Instructors is seeing the children start so young, like Lucas, and grow up training in our environment for many years. It gives us many opportunities to develop a relationship bridge with them. It is our hope and prayer that this bridge will allow us to have a significant positive impact in Lucas’ life and so many others!
Thanks for partnering with us to help children like Lucas learn to protect themselves and their loved ones in a Christ-honoring environment!
Story#3 -Families Training Together
One thing that is great about martial arts training, is the opportunity for families to train together and have a common activity and “martial arts language” in common.
Many adults, who aren’t interested in tournaments or the sport aspect of martial arts, often find a home with OMMA alongside their kids, as we focus on things like self-defense, wellness, and personal growth, not competition.
It’s a blessing for us, as instructors, to see parents training alongside their children in the dojo.
The Spitler family is one such family, who train under Sensei Karen at our Winter Springs, Florida Dojo.
“On Mission Martial Arts came into our lives at a perfect time. My son was nervous to try a new activity, but one session with Ms. Karen, and he was hooked.
We decided to have our girls join as well to learn self defense and self confidence. It has done all that and more. My son is finding a fantastic physical outlet, learning how to control his power, and focus on the task at hand. My daughters are gaining confidence and learning their own power as well.
Their journey inspired me to join as well. I have found it to be a fantastic physical and mental workout. The fact that we can do all these things and honor Christ at the same time means so much to our family. We look forward to our time in class, and practicing our skills at home.
Thank you OMMA for such a wonderful Christ and family oriented program!
~ Tonya”
OMMA is not here to replace the church or the Christ-centered family. Our desire is to come alongside those Bible-teaching churches and those Jesus-centered families and support and reinforce their efforts by pointing them to Christ in their martial arts journey.
Your partnership helps us make our programs affordable for large families like these, who may be priced out of many for-profit martial arts schools.
Would you join me in praying that OMMA will continue to be a place that is a Christ-centered resource to encourage, motivate and mobilize families in the world of martial arts? THANK YOU!
~ Sensei Marco
Story #4 – A Heart for Law Enforcement
Today we continue in our series of 10 stories of “More Changed Lives” within our OMMA community with story #4 of 10. This story comes from our Zion, Illinois dojo, which is led by our newly promoted 2 Degree Black Belt Instructor, William Allen.
Personally, I have tremendous respect for those who serve our communities in law enforcement, so I was excited to hear how OMMA is equipping Mike in his desire to serve his community in this way! It’s also great to see that his wife is joining him at OMMA too!
“For me, and my wife, training with OMMA has been the sum of what we had been searching for in a martial arts dojo. High quality training, hard work, making friends, who we consider family in many ways now, and reasonable, and affordable cost.
For me, it has another great implication. On my first night of class, William, my instructor, asked me what my interest in martial arts was. My answer was the same then as today. I work security, wanting to go law enforcement, and I knew martial arts training would be good to have.
Since then, my OMMA family has encouraged me even more in this endeavor. I would encourage anyone in security or law enforcement to enhance their job with martial arts training. And OMMA provides the perfect environment and encouragement for such people in this field, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
Mike Woodall
Our constant prayer and hearts’ desire is that OMMA be a place where people can experience the martial arts as a tool to improve themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, by His grace.
Will you join us in praying for God to guide and direct Mike and his wife, Sandra, in their OMMA journey and his path toward law enforcement?
Thanks for praying!
~ Sensei Marco
Story#5 – Following their footsteps
Today we continue in our series of 10 stories of “More Changed Lives” within our OMMA community with story #5 of 10.
Natalie is one of our amazing Teen students at OMMA. She also attends our OMMA Instructor Academy and can often be found assisting with our kid’s classes at the Alafaya Village Dojo. She follows in the footsteps of her older siblings, Zac, and Emily, both of whom were valuable instructors for OMMA over several years. 
She offered to share a little bit of her OMMA story:
“For me, it was bound to happen. Previously, both my older brother and older sister joined karate at On Mission Martial Arts. Being the compliant – well, occasionally compliant – person I am, I began classes approximately two and a half years ago.
Truly I am grateful for the opportunity to grow in not only martial art skills, but also in awareness, perseverance, and humility in a Christian setting.
With enthusiasm, OMMA encourages me to teach others and get out of my comfort zone a bit more. I will always be working on that, but the blessing to participate in leadership training and work with a variety of ages and ranks has benefited me immensely.
Being welcoming and supportive, the people at OMMA are a true delight and provide a Christian atmosphere where instructors teach biblical principles.
Sincerely,
Natalie”
As you probably know, our Vision is to geographically expand OMMA so that as many people as possible, in as many cities and towns as we can reach, have the option of a Christ-centered martial arts studio.
Doing so requires continuing to expand our instructor capacity, which is one of our biggest challenges as well as being one of our greatest opportunities for increased Kingdom impact.
Your support helps us mobilize, train, equip, and fund the next generations of OMMA Instructors and future leaders, who will join us in our Mission “To see lives changed, for God’s glory, through Christ-centered martial arts.”
Thanks for your support!
Story #6 – Billy
Today we continue in our series of 10 stories of “More Changed Lives” within our OMMA community with story #6 of 10.
Billy is one of our Trainee Instructors and, despite numerous life challenges since he began training with us, has persevered and Lord willing, should be earning his Brown Belt some time in 2022.
He is a great martial artist, excellent teacher (wonderful with our kids classes) and a special part of our OMMA community.
A few words from Billy…
“I first came to OMMA in July of 2016. I was involved in a sports VBS, and I was looking to borrow some martial arts equipment. Little did I know that conversation would start me down a new martial arts path.
OMMA has given me a new perspective on martial arts and self-defense. Learning techniques is very exciting but even more exciting is how to apply them in a real-world setting.
It has definitely helped me to become more AWARE, EQUIPPED & ENGAGED.
Another very important aspect of OMMA to me is the community of believers that I get to be a part of. It is so amazing to know that I am a part of a group of likeminded people that I can grow with spiritually and physically!
Thank you, OMMA!”
I love the community that God has developed within OMMA. It’s certainly not perfect, but people like Billy help foster a group of people that seek to love one another, serve one another, serve WITH one another, train with one another, pray with one another and encourage one another, among others. It’s a joy for me to be a part of!
Billy is also someone who we hope and pray will be able to take on a more significant leadership role with OMMA in the months to come – it’s exciting to see his commitment to the vision and mission of the organization.
Thanks for your support – we couldn’t continue to grow and improve OMMA without the ministry partners who generously share their Time, Treasure and Talent to help us press on toward to goal!
~ Sensei Marco
Story#7 – Brent
Today we continue in our series of 10 stories of “More Changed Lives” within our OMMA community with story #7 of 10.
One of the students who has been training with us at OMMA the longest, Brent is a fun guy to teach. He and his wife serve in full-time ministry with The JESUS Film Project, and he is a leader at his church as well– it’s a blessing to have this man of God training at our dojo.
“I started training with OMMA back in 2012 with the adult class and have been with them ever since. I’ve been challenged physically and mentally, and I’ve enjoyed every minute.
As I get older it’s nice to know I can still try new things and learn new skills. And I’ve been driven to excel by others at the dojo, which is something I don’t experience very many other places.
One way in particular that OMMA has challenged me spiritually is the idea of being a warrior for Christ. I’ve appreciated the Christian focus that forms the foundation for OMMA, but this question in particular is one that I’ve heard bandied around Christian circles, without much explanation as to what it means in today’s world.
At OMMA I’ve been encouraged to look closer at the question, and I have benefited from this.
~ Brent”
I’m glad Brent mentioned the idea of a “warrior for Christ,” because we believe that is an important attribute that can often be missing from our faith. Finding the balance between “picking a fight” and being prepared for the very real battles around us is a constant challenge.
If you are interested, the link below is a one page description of what we teach it means to be an “On Mission Warrior,” or warrior for Christ, at OMMA.
~ Sensei Marco
Story#8 – Honoring Christ in all areas
Today we continue in our series of 10 stories of “More Changed Lives” within our OMMA community with story #8 of 10.
Lucas and Elise are two of our students at the Winter Springs, Florida dojo. Lucas, a Green Belt, is one of the highest ranking Young Warriors that we have in OMMA. His sister, Elise, is in our Pre-Karate program for the 4-6 year old’s. It’s such a blessing and joy to have their family as a part of our OMMA community!
Their parents shared a few words with us:
“We have been a part of OMMA for over 3 years now. The instructors have such big hearts and truly want their students to succeed. Their kindness, patience and skill levels show how much they love what they do, and we are blessed to have Karen and David as spiritual role models for our children. We love that there are prayer requests and prayer before each class begins.
Along with the martial arts material, there are scripture verses to be memorized and spiritual fitness materials to be completed before moving on to the next belt. The spiritual aspect of OMMA is wonderful, as is all of the martial arts material they are taught.
OMMA classes have helped our children gain confidence and have introduced them to becoming leaders. Classes are made to be fun and encouraging while having structure and discipline. The kids get super excited when they receive a stripe on their belt to mark their progress towards the next belt. Each class ends with a game that is always fun.
Both of our children have learned so many self-defense martial arts skills and techniques that can be used in real world situations to keep them safe. I always recommend OMMA because of all of these special areas I have mentioned that can’t be found at other martial arts facilities. An added bonus is their affordable prices.
-The Miller Family”
Our desire is to provide a loving, encouraging, challenging environment that strives to honor Christ as we push for increased excellence in every aspect of what we do. We also seek to make our classes and programs as affordable as possible, while still “paying the bills” and working toward growth.
These goals are only possible through the support of our generous ministry partners like you – THANK YOU!
Story#9 – Perseverance
We are approaching the end of our series of 10 stories of “More Changed Lives” within our OMMA community with story #9 of 10.
Another family that we are so grateful and blessed to have as a part of our OMMA community is the Ramos’ family. Pablo, the dad, and Enrique, the son, both train at our Alafaya Village, Florida, dojo. Antonio, the older son also used to train with them as well.
Here are a few words they wanted to share with us:
“Perseverance
I have always wanted to learn and train in martial arts. Throughout the years I’ve been fortunate to train in different forms: aikido, kung-fu, and karate. I always wanted to train alongside my sons, but never found the right combination of style, location, instructors, etc.
With On Mission Martial Arts (OMMA) we have found the perfect combination for our family. We enjoy everything that OMMA offers to our family, from the authenticity of the martial arts, to the spiritual fitness, and last, but not least sense of community with the service projects.
We enjoy the sense of fellowship that exists within OMMA. The instructors are great and work to get the best out of all students.
I would like to recognize how all the instructors have embraced teaching our youngest son. Enrique was born with Down Syndrome, but that has never stopped him. To us he is a energetic young man, soon teenager, with lots of capability. We have never limited him and always push him to try new activities. The instructors at OMMA train him and continually encourage him to work hard. There is never any pressure to “test” for next belt, when the student is ready, they are invited to test. He still impresses me on how much he has accomplished.
Again, we are very blessed to have found OMMA and hope to continue training here for many years.
Thanks,
Pablo and Doris Ramos”
Thank you for your support, which allows us to persevere in serving all those who the Lord brings to OMMA. We are grateful.
~ Sensei Marco
Story#10 – Staying Involved
Today we also finish our series of “More Changed Lives” within our OMMA community! Here is story #10 of 10.
This story is a little different from all the others, in that this family hasn’t trained as a student with OMMA for about 7-8 years! Mario and his daughter, Alexandra, were both students of OMMA a while back until they moved to South Florida. Nevertheless, Mario, his wife Darcey and their family continue to be involved with us.
(Side Note: A couple of the pictures included here show Alexandra, supported by our OMMA family, sending her dad a heartfelt message while he was deployed overseas. That was such a neat thing we had the privilege to be a part of!)
Anyway, maybe I better let Mario tell his story!
“OMMA has been an integral part of our family for many years!
It all started while I was in the military stationed in Orlando as the Commander for the UCF ROTC program. During that time frame I wanted to provide my daughter with some martial arts training that would enhance her fitness, confidence, mental focus, and self – defense capabilities. So, when I found OMMA and met the owner and master instructor Marco Fiorentino, I knew it was a blessing!
OMMA not only provided those capabilities I wanted for my daughter, but its core mission was to bring Christ into the forefront of all that was being taught at the school. The OMMA mission was dear to my heart for I too was a man whose life is predicated on living for Jesus Christ and I loved sports!!!
When I saw how OMMA was giving my daughter the outstanding tools to be a warrior in this world, both physically and spiritually, I was on board in every way. It was then that I decided to become a student, and loved every aspect of OMMA’s challenging physical training, and teaching to both young and old about the scriptures in the bible and its application.
Once I retired from the military, I became a JROTC instructor and moved from Orlando to the Fort Myers area. However, due to the incredible impact the OMMA mission had on my family and I, we decided to stay plugged in by becoming ministry donors. Plus, as I started my journey as a Masters Obstacle Course (OCR) World Class Athlete, OMMAs philosophy of bringing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ became my focus as I travelled the country competing and spreading God’s word by putting scripture on all my competition uniforms.
Lastly, one of the biggest joys of being part of the OMMA mission and organization was becoming a board member!
What a blessing to be part of and support this Christian Organization that teaches martial arts as a means to spread the Gospel of Salvation to all in our country! Thank you, Marco and all the OMMA instructors, for all you do for your students, families, and the Kingdom of the Lord!!! (Mario Johnson)
First of all, please join me in thanking Mario and his wife Darcey for their decades of service to our country – thank you guys!
I am also so blessed that this family, even after being away from our dojo for so many years, sees the impact OMMA has and the potential it may have in the years to come, by His grace, that they continue in their partnership with us financially. Having Mario on our Board of Directors also adds a wonderful skillset and perspective to our organizational leadership.
Please pray for OMMA as we move into 2022 after a couple tough years. God has blessed us, in spite of the challenges COVID brought, in no small part due to the generosity of our ministry partners, like you.
THANK YOU!
~ Sensei Marco