Buzz On Biz

D.J. Williams is a successful man in a woman’s business. He’s also a smart man, surrounding himself with 16 talented women, who all started as paid interns until they were grown into various roles including: Guest Services, Sales Manager, Salon Assistant, Designer, Salon Advisor, Massage Therapist, Lead Stylist, Artisan, Spa Technician, Spa Coordinator, Office Manager, and Esthetician. D.J. charges clients by experience level. So, it’s up to the customer to decide what is important to them. If it’s price, they can get a $22 haircut from a highly trained artisan, who has less experience than other stylists, but has the benefit of “D.J.’s touch” and training. If you want D.J. to cut your hair it’s $62— as he brings 23 years of knowledge to your client session.

“We offer benefits such as 401K, paid vacation, Christmas Club, business retreats/team building mini-vacations and support staff. We pay for all education, including an annual continuing education trip to Redken 5th Avenue in Manhattan, whether you are a manager or intern,” said Williams. “They bring in educators quarterly to renew our team that cannot travel and for motivation.”

“Without team spirit they are limiting income. Folks who rent booths will never experience the teamwork that it requires for real growth and staff/client retention. My folks can make 3, 4, or 5 times what an individual subcontractor can make. Each person helps each other and grows the company.”

20 YEARS AGO\HISTORY

“Sandy (office manager and wife) and I were dating and I was working in another salon for three and a half years and I wanted a business model beyond myself. It was sink or swim. I took a second mortgage on my home, and we went for it.” It was in Le Pavilion.

The Williams’ added approximately 1 employee a year, interning each one to build a network of consistent great service results. This allowed them to purchase the land and a small building in 1994 which is now their existing Davis Road address.

They demolished a duplex they owned in the back parking lot and utilized the remaining HVAC, Window, and Door units to help the Habitat for Humanity.

GROWTH…

“Growing into 9 employees by 2001, we purchased additional adjacent land and in 2002 broke ground on our current building at the same address. In February 2003, we built The Shoppes at Devin Park (named after my son) on Anslee Lane (named after my daughter) that runs from Davis Rd. to Camilla Ave. It joins our two parking lots,” said Williams.

They lease out the other spaces to compatible businesses like Wellness Solutions, Inner Bean Café, and Designed By Change consignments. The Salon and Spa occupies 45% of the centre with the spa services on the 2nd floor with an elevator and stairs servicing that floor. There are also seven treatment rooms upstairs and a spa lounge for preparation and relaxation. There are also “entry-level” like spa treatments for those who think they can’t afford a massage, facial, body scrub, or spray tan.

Business is so good they’ve grown from 8 chairs to 14 salon chairs, 5 shampoo stations and 2 makeover stations and 7 spa treatment rooms allowing them to serve 28 to 30 clients at a time. The parking is becoming a challenge even with two lots.

“When the economy rebounds we may try and obtain more land,” said Williams.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Here we are again…weeks into our steadfast commitments to New Year’s Resolutions, most of which include improving our looks – whether through diet or exercise or other cosmetic treatments. And, while individual’s resolutions often cover a wide variety of topics, it’s not too often that you’ll hear friends boast of their “commitment to get a routine eye exam.” Perhaps (eye exams) just aren’t glamorous or sexy enough to schedule and commit to, but occur more often on an as needed or problem-related basis?

To be sure, such behavior is dangerous, because there are few things more important than our vision. In fact, many sight-stealing eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts are asymptomatic; and without a comprehensive, preventive eye exam, they’re only discovered after it is too late. It is estimated that more than three million Americans have glaucoma, the main cause of vision loss, but only half of us know it! Another two-thirds of American adults don’t use eyeglasses or contacts or schedule routine eye exams, also putting our eyes in danger.

In the face of these alarming facts, wouldn’t it be nice to actually go to a place where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came? A spot with a real family-feel; state of the art technology and equipment; and knock-out, fashion forward eye frames from which to choose? A local doc who’s been treating you and your children since they were 3 years old? And during his 33 years in private practice, he’s not only seen your kids raised but he’s raised his own – who are now joining him in his practice! Talk about a family business; you just don’t get much more “family” than that.

An Augusta native born and raised, Paul Wesley Broome, O.D., is the proud owner of Broome Family Eye Care, and he has been “seeing” to the needs of local Augustans for more than 3 decades. Maureen, his wife, has been the Office Manager for 23 of these 33 years, taking time out only to raise their children, all of whom have been, are currently, or will be practicing here as well. “It’s been our family treating yours here in Augusta for, well, over 3 decades now. We treat entire families, which not only make for great conversation (!), but it informs the doctors of genetic traits or conditions to watch for,” said Dr. Broome. He is pleased to announce that two talented doctors have recently joined his staff: Regina Hamlin, O.D., and Casey Roland, O.D…

Regina Hamlin, O.D., graduated with high honors and joined Broome Family Eye Care in August of 2010. Her specialty is in overall care and patient communications for children of all ages, beginning at age 3. Full-scale optometry, including custom-fitting contacts, comprehensive eye exams and treating eye diseases enhance Regina’s skill set. “When I examine children, I take the time to carefully assess and detect any issues that may (otherwise) go unreported by patients,” she said. Dr. Hamlin administers extra tests in order to diagnose a wider range of ailments than other traditional eye exams. She explains that several eye conditions can affect a child’s focus and reading comprehension; and many children will benefit from the treatment of those disorders.

Casey Roland, O.D., joined Broome Family Eye Care in July of 2011. A native of Martinez and a lifelong patient of Dr. Broome, Casey spent a summer working as a technician for Dr. Broome. With a smiling face, Casey recalls that she was “so hooked on this place (and the people here)” that she “chose optometry for her career” and graduated with high honors and a Doctorate of Optometry in 2007. After a few years practicing in the “big cities” of Atlanta and Syracuse, Casey’s heart led her home to work for Dr. Broome, where she “hopes to stay for a very, very long time.” Casey specializes in primary eye care for patients of all ages, specialty contact lens fittings and treating eye diseases and infections.

By now, you’re probably thinking there’s got to be some trade-off here? The ol’ “what am I missing…because this sounds too good to be true?” siren is blaring in your head. And I agree with you, this Broome Family Eye Care and its unique focus on the family – makes you wonder what it is that you must forfeit in order to receive all this tender loving comfort and care? Do the “big box” chain eye care stores at the mall have better technology? Is that lacking in Dr. Broome’s place? What’s amiss?

The best news of all is that you’re missing NOTHING. Rather, Dr. Broome owns state-of-the-art, breakthrough technology and instruments that few other practices possess, therefore making him “uniquely” sophisticated and “on the cutting edge.”

Take, for instance, the OPTOS instrument which produces a 200 degree panoramic image of the inside of your eyes to see if they are healthy. Or there’s the OCT device, which, in effect, visually presents the eye in a “sliced-up, multi-layered, dimensional way” and then compares it to its database to detect and follow eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Then there’s the Zeiss I-Profiler, another high-tech contraption used to discover minute aberrations in the visual system which would go undetected in a traditional eye exam. Glasses made with this technology produce a “high definition” focus and the sharpest vision possible.

So you see, at Broome Family Eye Care, you can do both – look great and see even better! That’s because they have fashion-forward frames that’ll make you want to wear glasses even if you don’t need them! They are the one and only provider of David Yurman eye wear from Charleston to Atlanta. Top-notch designers Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Tommy Hilfiger, Oakley, Carrera, Jaguar and Juicy Couture and others complement this high-powered designer lineup, proving that looking your best and seeing your best can be as close as Broome Family Eye Care.

From their family to yours, they’re focused on you.

706.863.3030

510 North Belair Road, Evans

www.BroomeFamilyEyeCare.com

Popularity: 2% [?]

The New Year! Time to start that new fitness regime – and stick with it this time! Follow these steps to help you determine and maintain a positive course towards a healthier lifestyle.

The two essential factors are your goals and your timeline to achieve said benchmarks. Establish what you are trying to accomplish: lose weight or body fat, tone your muscles, improve flexibility, increase your stamina – or a combination of many! Place daily/weekly/monthly marks on your timeline towards reaching your goals. Be specific, honest and realistic with these expectations.

Goals established? Now you need the proper tools to get the job done. Get a Fitness Assessment. This will give you an honest baseline of your present fitness level and can be done at any personal training studio or fitness center. Next, you need proper attire and gear. A heart rate monitor is a great way to help keep you aware of your level of exercise intensity. Wear the correct attire for the things you are doing – gym shoes, hiking boots and dance slippers all have their proper place. Dress the part and you will soon play the part well!

Now, put everything together to establish a schedule that includes meal planning and exercise execution. Learn about what, when and how much fuel you need to consume to reach your goal. Create an exercise routine geared towards you – not the latest fad! Pace yourself. Take into consideration your obligations, occupation and family life. Don’t forget to allot time for sleep/relaxation. A healthy sleep cycle is an invaluable part of achieving your goals. Once again, establish daily, weekly and monthly marks on your timeline.

For continual success in your new routine, consider obstacles that may impede your progress. Whether it is a busy season at work, an upcoming vacation or an ongoing case of procrastination – be prepared to overcome those deterrents and evade those roadblocks.

May your path to success keep you traveling in the right, healthy direction!

ED REID is a Certified Personal Trainer and leading fitness expert in the CSRA. He is Retired US Navy with over 15 years experience in the health and wellness industry. Ed owns Team Fit Personal Training located at 4460 Columbia Road, Suite 10. For more information, call Ed at 706.877.0556 or e-mail him: getfit@teamfitaugusta.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Why do students fail to achieve at their potential in school? The causes can usually be narrowed to three: 1) Poor motivation due to psychological or social problems; 2) Inadequate instruction; and 3) Cognitive processing skill deficits.

Behavioral problems, family stress, poverty, and previous school failures primarily contribute to poor motivation. Professional counseling and support from the school system or social agencies are often called in, providing therapeutic interventions.

Inadequate instruction usually results from a mismatch between a teacher’s style of instructing and a particular student’s style of learning. The problems that arise are generally dealt with through traditional tutoring, both formal and informal, or through academic remediation provided by special school programs, such as EIPs, IEPs, or RTIs.

Processing skill deficits likely account for most of the troubles students have in school. These are the usual culprits in learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. They affect as many as 30% of students in one form or another and contribute to problems in reading, spelling, writing, copying, memorizing, and paying attention, among others.

Processing skills are the underlying cognitive “tools” that are needed to effectively and efficiently “build” on academic success. Imagine a home-builder equipped with a handsaw instead of a power saw that the other home-builders use. He will naturally take longer to build his house. As a result, he will likely become frustrated with his slow progress and poor craftsmanship, and he may even conclude that he should not build more homes.

Students in school, without the proper processing skills, are like this builder. They can get the job done, but they are slower, less efficient, and more likely to become frustrated and give up compared to their better-equipped peers. All activities–school, sports, art, dance, music, and even video games–require different mixes of processing skills. A weakness in even one processing skill can cause the brightest of students to become frustrated to the point of losing motivation.

There are six primary processing skills that are important to academic progress and success for every student: Processing Speed, Working Memory, Visual Processing, Word Attack, Auditory Processing, Logic and Reasoning, and Selective Attention. These will be discussed in depth in later articles.

Exercises to develop processing skills look as different from schoolwork as weight-training looks to playing a football game, yet both help achieve maximum potential. For example, to increase processing speed, have a student circle a letter in an array of 150 randomly occurring letters, and then repeat the exercise with another letter for a faster time. To increase working memory, have a student use visual images to remember lists of up to 20(!) objects. Auditory/phonological processing can be improved by using a metronome to say the sounds of letters and syllables to beat or by rhyming games.

DARREN SCHEYER This is a sponsored article. Darren is a co-owner and operating officer for Partners In Achievement. PIA has offered the PACE program, which stands for Processing And Cognitive Enhancement, for more than 10 years. PIA offers a free initial screening that measures a student’s processing system, often identifying deficiencies that are at the root cause of learning struggles. Darren has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and over 15 years of experience in psychometric testing. He is married and a proud father of two children. PIA Learning Centers is located at 454 Fury’s Ferry Road, Suite B. Stop by, visit www.pialearningcenters.com, like our Facebook page (facebook.com/partnersinachievement), or call 706-650-1877.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Randy Rhea is a man on the move, which is a perfect fit for his new franchise business, “WelcomeMat Services.”

His family just moved from Atlanta to Augusta and the Rhea’s experienced what nearly 2,500 families (excluding Fort Gordon) learn each month when they move into a new home in the CSRA. “We are looking to replace what we lost when we moved- whether it is our favorite Pizza Place, Dry Cleaner, or Doctor,” he said.

Rhea’s been “moving fast” to connect local merchants with new customers, who become loyal followers. Rhea drops in to see as many retailers and service providers as he can each day to share the “Welcome to the Neighborhood” packet with them. So far, area salons, auto repair shops, restaurants, furniture dealers, pharmacists, and other businesses have signed up to provide a gift certificate to new movers within certain zip codes in Columbia, Richmond, McDuffie, and Aiken Counties. Some merchants stay within their neighborhoods while, others branch out to reach new residents in neighboring counties. Rhea’s clients pay a flat fee for each certificate that is mailed to homes in the zip code(s) chosen.

One of Rhea’s first clients was Shawn Ledford, owner of two Mellow Mushroom Restaurants in the CSRA. Ledford said he trusted Rhea right away and WelcomeMat Services’ concept. “I believe new movers are a good target audience to reach out to. I also like the personal feel of the package that is mailed directly to the house,” said Ledford.

There is a bar code on each certificate, so merchants can track where new movers live—and those certificates are given back to Rhea to do a second, complimentary mailer of a new offer.

“It’s all about building relationships,” said Rhea, in between client visits.

According to National studies, a mover is five times more likely to be a loyal customer and an average mover spends more in six months than existing residents do in three years.

If you’re a merchant looking to reach new move-ins, you better hurry. Not every category is open in each zip code. Rhea’s also doubled his new client goal since beginning in the 4th Quarter.

This is one entrepreneur who’s “on the move.” Expect Randy to visit your business soon or you can call him at 706.922.3381. Learn more online at

www.welcomematservices.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]

During the holidays we have lots of people coming in to shop for someone else and several of these shoppers have never been in a specialty bike shop. Being they’re in an unfamiliar setting we always try to make their shopping experience as easy and comfortable as possible. During the process there is always this one question that pops up. “So what’s the difference in the bikes here and at Sports Mart Emporium?”

One of the big differences is quality. The quality of the construction, materials, parts, and the quality of assembly. The grades of steel and aluminum used are far lower quality than what you’ll see at a bike shop. These lower grade materials reduce the strength and safety of the bike while increasing the weight. I’ve seen some of the children’s bikes that weigh as much as the child riding it. So if you weigh 175 pounds, imagine riding a bike that weighed the same amount. You probably wouldn’t want to ride it and if you did you wouldn’t have much fun. Imagine if the brakes didn’t work or parts were installed incorrectly or backwards? Well that actually happens more than you would think.

Another huge difference is sizing. At your “big box” stores, you’ll probably see around 6 different sized bikes. When you come to local shops, you’ll see about 3 times the offering. Riding the correct size bike can be the difference in pleasure and pain. Think if you walked into a shoe store that only sold size 10 and 10.5 shoes, but you need an 11.5. It’s safe to say that you probably wouldn’t be to comfortable wearing a shoe that is a full size too small. It’s the same principle with bicycles. If you ride a bike that is too big or too small you will develop pain in your back, neck, hands, and rear end. So we can help match you up with the correct size bike as well as making sure the fit of that bike is correct. This will result in a more comfortable, more fun, and safer ride.

And the last difference is service. We know bikes, and biking, inside and out, and that’s it. So the level of expertise and knowledge is through the roof. Need help picking out the right bike for your riding style? No problem. Want to find a new place to ride? Got you covered. Having problems with a worn out part? Consider it repaired. So we’re not just selling bikes, we’re helping you with all aspects of bicycling. Proper accessories, bike fit, repairs, warranty service (which is very rare), fitness and riding tips, and the list goes on.

So there’s the short list of differences. Hopefully if you have ever asked this question, now you have a better understanding. When you deal with a specialty store like ours, you’re always going to get a higher level of service and a higher quality product. And a direct result of this is an overall better experience and more fun. Experience the difference for yourself.

Drew Jordan is an ASU grad, an avid bicyclist, and has worked with his father for 18 years to run Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse. Reach him at 706.724.6777 or djordan@andyjordans.com or take a spin at their shop on 13th Street in Augusta. This is a sponsored article.

Popularity: 1% [?]

I don’t know about you, but as we prance into this season of “hustle and bustle,” I find sweet relief from recent tips on getting grounded from Ground Zero Fighting of Augusta. In the past months, we’ve explored Cross Fit training and Krav Maga, and in this third installment of Ground Zero’s programs, we’ll really get down to the basics, as we travel back to “Nomad land” and learn a fitness tip or two from the warriors.

The history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (or Gracie Jiu Jitsu) is as engaging as the sport itself. The sport was created over 2500 years ago by Buddhist monks from a skinny nomad tribe who were frequently robbed by other clans. For religious reasons, the monks were forbidden to use weapons to defend themselves, so they instead developed defensive, animal-like techniques for self-protection. With a primary focus on leverage, Jiu Jitsu enabled a weaker person to defeat a stronger, heavier opponent. Soon, this form of fighting spread across Asia and into Japan, where samurais applied Jiu Jitsu in one-on-one body combat because its use of flexibility and balance overcame brute force. The Gracie family of Brazil mastered the sport in the early 1900s and later brought the sport to the USA near the turn of the century, demonstrating that “technique overcomes strength” and that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the “most perfect fighting discipline in the world.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art, a combat sport and a self defense system rolled into one. When translated, “Jiu” means gentle, flexible and yielding; while “Jitsu” refers to “art” or “technique.” It is known as “the Suave Art” for its efficiency of self-defense. It is also called the most effective martial art, for three reasons: it was developed for use on the ground, which is the most difficult position in which to defend one’s self and also the place where most fights are decided; secondly, with proper technique, a weaker person can defeat a stronger one; and finally, it requires that you train with a partner, thereby simulating real life scenarios to reveal what works and what does not. There are many variations of the art, applying grappling techniques such as pins, throws, joint locks, holds, strikes and kicks – all with the objective to “use an attacker’s energy against him,” rather than to directly oppose it. Some schools even teach the use of weapons.

There are 5 belt levels in the sport: white, blue, purple, brown and black; and within each belt, one can receive up to four stripes. Attaining higher levels of belts and stripes is more difficult in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu than in the other martial arts, both in terms of mastering the sport’s application and techniques, and because of the judges’ stringent grading criteria and standards.

We in Augusta are extremely fortunate to have Ground Zero Fighting Academy here in our community. Ground Zero is the CSRA headquarters for Roberto Traven Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga and CrossFit training; and this one-of-a-kind-training academy is the sole provider within 150 miles of the CSRA to offer fitness, self defense and athletic training under one roof.

In closing, why not make this your season to get grounded? Replace the season’s hustle and bustle with the peace and joy of getting “grounded” at Ground Zero of Augusta. It’s one gift that Santa simply cannot deliver.

www.groundzerofighting.com

766 Industrial Park Drive

Evans, GA 30809

706.922.3226

Popularity: 1% [?]

In my next life, I’m coming back as a pizza. Not only will I smell scrumptious, but I’ll be covered in cheese and all kinds of delicious toppings, and I’ll arrive in your hands hot, fresh and delicious. I’ll be the life of the party; I’ll bring diet cokes and beer; and I’ll symbolize good times, lots of laughs, worn-out jeans and t-shirts with holes in them. I’ll be the very definition of fun itself and I will ooze that one-of-kind joy that only comes when mom and dad cave in to our demands and release those sweet words, “let’s get a pizza.” My life will be like one big happy Friday – day after day after day.

In my next life, my new home will be at Mellow Mushroom, and my new SUV will be the tie-dye Toyota 4Runner parked out front that looks just like Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine. The walls of my home will be eclectic, non-sensible colors, and they will be uniquely chosen just for me. I will play great music and offer a fully-stocked bar that boasts of wine, liquor and more than 100 varieties of Craft Beer. I’ll welcome kids, adults and everything in between – and I’ll serve them tasty appetizers, sky-scraping-high hoagies, scrumptious salads and prize-winning pizzas. I’ll even offer specialty fare such as vegan and vegetarian dishes and, get this, gluten-free pizza!

When guests come into my home at Mellow Mushroom, they’ll feel both “local” and “worldly” at the same time. That’s because Mellow Mushroom has 119 restaurants coast-to-coast, with two right here in Augusta. Owners of both the downtown Augusta and the Evans locations of “the Mellow,” Shawn and Katy Ledford emphasize that they are “Georgia local” all the way. They opened their first location on Broad Street in 2003 and then their second site here in Evans in late 2008. The very first Mellow Mushroom site opened its doors on in 1974 on Spring Street in Atlanta.

But don’t get me wrong, it’s not “all about me.” Actually, the more the merrier. Cody Smith, Floor Manager, proudly declares this as “the best, most perfect place for families.” Kristin Swartz, bartender and server, also cites the large catering business and lunch specials they offer during the workweek. They even offer an NFL Package deal on Sundays, offering the truly-American trio of pizza, football and beer.

But don’t take my word for it. Taste and see for yourself. Dish yourself up a succulent slice of heaven at the Mellow Mushroom closest to you. Just follow the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine and you’ll know you’re about to get Mellow…

1167 Broad Street, Augusta, 706-828-5578

4348 Washington Road, Evans, 706-364-6756

www.mellowmushroom.com

Popularity: 1% [?]

You’ve heard it said before that “if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” Jeff Rucker can certainly attest to God’s “interesting sense of humor,” which he recently shared with listeners on WAFJ’s radio talk show.

You see, Rucker’s always been a man of numbers. In the 1980s, he earned a Varsity Letter at Walton High School just outside of Atlanta – not for being a star athlete, but for being a superb mathlete! Jeff still covets the capital “W” he earned “back in the day,” as a member of the Math Team. On November 30, Jeff signed off for the last time during his twelve year tenure at WAGT, retiring his forecasting for, well, “formulating.” He has set up “school” in a Mathnasium in Mullins Crossing Shopping Center in Evans (see photo above). His center is the 275th franchise in the country.

With impressive accomplishments and a diversified resume behind him, (Rucker served a decade in the Navy with a BS in Physics and the next 15 years as a Meteorologist), Jeff explains that it is “faith and family” that inspired him to launch this 3rd career in Mathematics. He heard God’s whispers to change careers before his two young children started going to school. Working nights and commuting from his home in North Augusta to the new WAGT studios in West Augusta left no family time during the week; and if severe weather struck on the weekend, Jeff would be called to duty. Jeff’s wife and longtime media specialist, Christine, will assist in marketing and administrative efforts of the venture.

The Mathnasium fits just “right for Rucker,” who has always loved teaching and being in the classroom. For years, he’s been visiting schools and giving weather lessons, and just recently he signed on as a part-time Meteorology instructor at ASU. “We’ll teach math in a way that makes sense to kids. Mathnasium is an after-school math learning center where kids can go to catch up, keep up, and get ahead,” said Rucker. Firmly focused on the kids, Rucker’s goal is to add only 5-10 students each month at the beginning, continually teaching, inspiring and growing his business.

For more info, visit www.mathnasium.com or call to schedule an assessment for your child at 706.868.9393.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Krav Maga. I admit it. When I first heard the term, I assumed it referred to either of a few things: the latest seaweed facial or slimming wrap at the spa, or the lead sushi chef at my favorite restaurant.

But then I got schooled at Ground Zero, and now I know better.

Krav Maga is a form of self-defense training that originated with the Israeli Armed Forces. A Hebrew term, the term Krav means “battle” and Maga means “contact.” It evolved from street fighting skills and was founded by Imi Lichtenfeld, a trainer and boxer in the late 1930s.

The purpose of Krav Maga is to neutralize threats, to simultaneously act offensively and defensively, and to execute aggressively. It is a “contact combat” self-defense system because it involves striking, grappling and wrestling, but it also known for its real-world application and ease of learning.

A key principle of Krav Maga is to “finish a fight as quickly as possible,” and dynamic, rapid attacks target the opponent’s most vulnerable body parts (i.e., face, neck, jaw, groin and knee). Krav Maga also applies an unbroken stream of counter attacks, or as Ground Zero owner Charles Wispert puts it, “we send punches in bunches.”

In keeping with Krav Maga’s real world applicability, Wispert advises that, both inside and outside the gym, one should “always identify your point of safety” (such as escape routes, etc.), and then “get there quickly.” He urges everyone to “have a plan of action and to always be prepared.” Krav Maga is like the real world in another critical way: there are no official rules of play, thereby making preparation even more critical.

At present, Krav Maga continues to spread worldwide and is widely used for civilian, police and military purposes. It continues to be taught to the Israeli Armed Forces and is often the primary hand-to-hand combat technique in U.S. police departments. Here in the CSRA, Ground Zero of Augusta is the only certified Krav Maga training center in the region.

Having said all that, and aside from its worldwide practicality and popularity, perhaps you’re still not comfortable with Krav Maga and how it offers “real world applicability” for your life? The truth is this: in addition to its use in the Israeli Armed Forces and U.S. Police Force training programs, each of us can benefit from learning its life-saving skills, particularly as holiday season, late night shopping and dark parking lots await us. As Ground Zero’s Charles Wispert explains, “we don’t teach you to fight; we teach you how to protect yourself.”

So this holiday season, take care of yourself in a way that only YOU can. Come to Ground Zero for Krav Maga, where “we do bad things to bad people.”

www.groundzerofighting.com

766 Industrial Park Drive

Evans, GA 30809

706.922.3226

Popularity: 1% [?]