Lehigh Valley Martial Arts, led by blind kung fu master, moves Upper Macungie school to larger location
By RYAN KNELLER
THE MORNING CALL |
AUG 27, 2019 | 8:49 AM
Paul Miller instructs a class at Lehigh Valley Martial Arts in Emmaus in 2012. The company's Upper Macungie Township school on Aug. 12 moved from Breinigsville to a larger location on Hamilton Boulevard in Trexlertown. (APRIL BARTHOLOMEW / THE MORNING CALL)
Develop strength in body, mind and spirt at the Lehigh Valley’s newest martial arts school.
Lehigh Valley Martial Arts, offering martial arts training for people of all ages and skill levels, on Aug. 12 moved one of its four schools from Breinigsville to a larger location at 7150 Hamilton Blvd. in Trexlertown, instructor Alex Oleksa said.
“It’s in the same area for our families, but we can now allow more students in,” said Oleksa, noting the Trexlertown school is about three times as large as the former Breinigsville facility.
As is the case at the other schools, the Trexlertown location, a few doors down from Title Boxing Club in the Trexlertown Plaza, aims to to be a successful martial arts school, valued for its ability to impart the knowledge and tools necessary for students to develop courage, generosity, integrity and compassion.
Schools offer a mix of karate, kung fu and tai chi training, with the Trexlertown location focusing on kung fu, Oleksa said.
Lehigh Valley Martial Arts, offering martial arts training for people of all ages and skill levels, on Aug. 12 moved one of its four schools from Breinigsville to a larger location at 7150 Hamilton Blvd. in Trexlertown. (Ryan Kneller/The Morning Call)
“We believe that martial arts is for everyone…from the child who needs focus and discipline to individuals with disabilities…from the young woman learning self-defense to the parent looking for inner strength and calm,” a message on the business’ website reads. “It is a practice that keeps individuals both physically fit and mentally fit.”
Lehigh Valley Martial Arts founder Paul Miller began his martial arts training at age 16 in Reading and has been training in martial arts for more than 45 years.
He earned a 5th degree black belt and the rank of Shihan in Kyokushin Kai Karate. After 20 years of karate practice, he then began learning kung fu and tai chi, which has become the main focus of his own practice and his instruction of others.
Master Miller, who trains under Taoist Lineagei Master Bruce Frantzis, opened his first martial arts school in Emmaus more than 20 years ago.
He has trained more than 1,000 black belts and countless instructors and continues to teach classes at all locations, including others in Fogelsville and Palmer Township.
Miller also is legally blind, with a progressive retinal disease that impaired his peripheral vision.
“It was kind of tunnel vision, which in the past decade had finally closed up fully on him,” Oleksa said. “Now, he teaches martial arts through his sense of touch and sense of hearing.”
Paul Miller instructs a class at Lehigh Valley Martial Arts in Emmaus in 2012. The company's Upper Macungie Township school on Aug. 12 moved from Breinigsville to a larger location on Hamilton Boulevard in Trexlertown. (APRIL BARTHOLOMEW / THE MORNING CALL)
Master Miller’s teaching philosophy is as follows:
“The Martial Arts can be integrated into every facet of life. The knowledge and experience of martial arts training can benefit the strongest, weakest, youngest or the oldest of students. Imparting this study of life is as individual as every living thing. The method of teaching them is carefully considered on an individual basis. What a student wants is not always what they need. My goal is to make all of my students a master in life and in martial arts. What I’ve learned from my teachers, that I believe I also impart: how I want to be treated as a student, to be patient and kind to all types of learners, to continue to learn from teachers and students alike, and to question everything and take nothing for granted.”
Lehigh Valley Martial Arts offers programs for children, adults and families.
For children, the schools instill self-confidence, self-defense, self-discipline and respect for self and others that can be carried throughout all aspects of life.
“Your child will learn concepts of movement, critical thinking and other non-aggressive approaches to self-defense, so that he or she can protect himself or herself against any physical or verbal confrontation they may face,” a message on the business’ website reads.
For adults, the schools offer opportunities to get in shape while enjoying the added benefit of relieving stress through purposeful concentration on movements and postures.
Additionally, karate, tai chi and kung fu help individuals protect themselves and others in any situation.
“Martial arts also gives us an increased confidence and the ability to not be fearful of trying new things like tackling a big project at work, going for the promotion you want or putting an end to accepting poor treatment from peers and/or superiors,” a message on the business’ website reads.
For families, the schools enhance communication and respect for one another while instilling proper values and moral standards in kids.
“In this day and age, when both parents work and there is an unlimited amount of activities and distractions all around us, it is nice to know that there is one place where families can go and spend time together, work together, learn together, get healthy together, as well as help each other and not be distracted by anyone or anything,” a message on the business’ website reads.
Lehigh Valley Martial Arts, which hosts birthday parties, also offers a Little Ninjas program where children, ages 3-5, learn how to become more confident and better listeners.
All schools also are adjacent to childcare facilities, known as Active Learning Centers, which Miller integrated with his martial arts studios.
Centers provide full-service childcare, including transportation to and from school and certified kindergarten instruction at certain locations, Oleksa said.
“We pride ourselves on keeping a very active environment — staying away from the electronics and staying more focused on stimulating the minds of the kids through creativity and different lesson plans,” Oleksa said. “Any kids who are in child care are also welcome to train in martial arts as well.”
In coordination with other Trexlertown Plaza tenants, including Soldierfit and Title Boxing Club, Lehigh Valley Martial Arts will host a free community festival 3-10 p.m. Sept. 7 in the shopping center’s parking lot.
The event will feature arts and crafts, a moon bounce, carnival games, fitness demonstrations, DJ music, face painting and food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and ice cream.
Guests can also bring a blanket or lawn chair to watch “How to Train Your Dragon 3,” which will be shown at 8 p.m. on a big screen.
For more information about Lehigh Valley Martial Arts programs, call 855-586-2669 or visit lvmanow.com.
Ryan Kneller
Hellertown native Ryan Kneller joined The Morning Call in 2006, shortly following his graduation from Temple University, where he majored in journalism and minored in political science. Since 2013, he has been a features reporter and Retail Watch columnist, covering new stores, restaurants and other businesses in the Lehigh Valley.
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