New Hampshire, nicknamed the Granite State, is a magical land full of dazzling mountains, enchanting forests, and crystal-clear lakes. It’s known for its delicious maple syrup, eye-catching fall foliage, and wild moose roaming freely in the woods. But this isn't all there is to it. The kids of New Hampshire have a secret superpower. They are masters of the ancient art of Jiu Jitsu! Every afternoon, just as the sun yawns its way below the horizon, an extraordinary transformation takes place. Young boys and girls shed their ordinary clothes, slip into their mystical gis, and morph into Jiu Jitsu warriors. Even Tommy, the quiet kid who loves collecting stamps, becomes "Tornado Tommy," a Jiu Jitsu genius who can trap you in an armbar before you can say maple syrup! Their dojo, nestled between the two tallest maple trees in town, is their fortress. Inside, you can hear a symphony of laughter, shouts of encouragement and the thud of bodies gently hitting the tatami mats. Their sensei, a funny, old man named Bernie Bear Belly (because of his big, round, bear-like belly), guides them, his eyes sparkling with wisdom and his belly jiggling with laughter. Bernie teaches them not just the moves, but the spirit of Jiu Jitsu. He always says, "Jiu Jitsu is not about winning or losing, it's about learning and having fun." And boy, do these kids have fun! They tumble, roll, laugh, and learn, their eyes gleaming with determination and their hearts filled with joy. So, if you’re ever in New Hampshire, be sure to look out for these Jiu Jitsu warriors. They're not hard to spot - just listen for the laughter, watch for the flying gis, and look for the dojo between the two tallest maple trees.
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.

Enrolling your growing child in martial arts classes is a great way to help them develop coordination, physical fitness, mental strength, and social skills. The structured classes are designed to help kids reach their full potential through positive reinforcement and guidance. Allowing your kids to learn self-defense, build confidence, and get in shape will give them the tools they need to succeed in life. Sign up for martial arts classes now to give your child the best chance for a successful future!

Leigh Rossi is a highly-qualified martial arts instructor with a wealth of experience. She holds a 7th Degree Black Belt under Dave Castoldi, a 5th Degree in Small Circle Jujitsu from Professor Wally Jay, a 5th Degree Black Belt from Jujitsu America, a 4th Degree Black Belt and life member of the United States Martial Arts Association, a 5th Degree Black Belt with Kitoshakai International, and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo. Leigh has been studying and teaching the martial arts since 1978, and is a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor and Spontaneous Knife Defense Instructor for law enforcement and security professionals through PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics), now known as Human Factors Research Group/Warrior Science Group. With her impressive credentials, Leigh Rossi is an ideal mentor for any aspiring martial artist.