New Lenox Martial Arts Studio Trains Students Virtually

NEW LENOX, IL — Businesses across the country continue to adapt in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. In New Lenox, Pride Martial Arts provides some normalcy by teaching its students via virtual classes.

Owner Ron Poholik said the facility has continued to give instruction to students via Zoom.

"This platform gives me instant feedback with my students," Poholik told Patch. "I can watch them as we do our drills and training. I can give them encouragement and positive input while they are in the safety of their homes."

Pride Martial Arts opened in 2014 at 14627 W. Edison Drive in New Lenox. Poholik said the facility teaches students from three years old to adults in Taekwondo and Judo martial arts. Classes include Early Skillz for 3 and 4-year-olds; Basic Skillz for 5 and 6-year-olds; Core Skillz for 7-9 years of age; Extreme Skillz for 10-13 years of age; Signature Skillz for 14-17 years of age; and Elite Skillz for deputy black belts and black belts. There is also an adult class for adults only.

"So by breaking up the training into specific age appropriate classes, I am able to teach and train my students in a custom age specific program," Poholik said. "And the students can thrive and grow into higher level programs."

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When the business closed due to stay-at-home orders, Poholik said he was not going to let exercise and training be taken away from his students.

At first, Poholik was posting lessons on Facebook and sharing them with his classes.

"This was good. But it was missing something," Poholik said. "My students learn from me. They see me. They respond me. They need more of a personal instruction like they get at Pride in every class."

So, Poholik decided to use Zoom to provide instruction to students.

"This way I can give my students a virtual platform. They can see me. They can see their friends. It has the feel of a real Pride class," Poholik said, adding that it's a great family experience as well, because parents now help their children train.

Students are still training in their uniforms, as Poholik said it helps them focus and gives the class a better martial art feel.

"I also try to train them on their specific class schedule time. This keeps them in a regiment that they are accustomed too," Poholik said. "So when we do reopen, they will still be on track and used to that time of day."

If students miss a class, Poholik has created a library of Zoom classes for students to access. He also posts other technique and practice videos on the website for students.

"This gives my families a library of instruction for them to help the children at home," he said.

Over 130 student have even been promoted to a higher level during this time. Poholik said he tested each student one-on-one via Zoom, and everyone passed. To celebrate, Poholik made boxes with belts and certificates and delivered them to each student's house.

"My favorite was waving to my students from the street and driveways and seeing how happy they were to see me at their home," Poholik said.

While it has been a challenge, Poholik said the business continues to overcome and adapt to the situation.

So far, over 40 of New Lenox's small local businesses have filled out Patch's simple online survey to let everyone know they are open and their current hours of operations during the coronavirus outbreak.

If you still want to add your business to Patch's list of open and closed businesses, you can do so here.