“Some people see a karate school, I see a family.”
Peggy Noval
Cumming Martial Arts Member
Aiki Jiu-Jitsu
Aiki Jiu-Jitsu is derived from jujitsu which exemplifies self-defense in martial arts. It further expands and fine tunes the form to include more aggressive techniques which mirror the way of the samurai when caught without a weapon. Popular forms such as such as Brazilian Jujitsu, all use the principles of jujitsu including Aiki Jiu-jitsu. These forms concentrate primarily on grapples, throws, joint manipulations, and the use of an opponent’s momentum against him.
Karate & Kobudo
Karate is one of the most popular forms of martial arts and it means – “empty hands”. It involves balanced strikes from and to all parts of the body favoring none in particular. This portion of our training is mainly used in “stand up forms” and pressure points. The practice of Kobudo includes the use of weapons. In particular, it employs the use of Okinawan style /set weapons and when translated it means – “the ancient way”. Weapons included staffs, sticks, said and many more unique weapons or tools used in everyday life that can be transformed into a weapon.
Our Instructors
Shihan Ian Evans is the owner and head instructor of Cumming Martial Arts. He is also the founder of Yondo Jiu-Jitsu. He is a passionate and dedicated martial artist who has been training for over 35 years in various disciplines. His journey as a martial artist began with Kuroshi-do in Brooklyn, N.Y. under the tutelage of Soke Hasian Kaleak and Soke Papasan S. Canty. In Kuroshi-do he has achieved the rank of third-degree black belt and is one of the most regarded and respected members of the system.
Shihan also holds black belts in Yama Aiki Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and Universal Hands Martial Arts system various certifications in other martial arts disciplines. A constant seeker of knowledge Shihan has also studied under one of his respected mentors, Soke Runako Mashama of Rudo– Ryu Jiu Jitsu.
Shihan also holds black belts in Yama Aiki Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and Universal Hands Martial Arts system various certifications in other martial arts disciplines. A constant seeker of knowledge Shihan has also studied under one of his respected mentors, Soke Runako Mashama of Rudo– Ryu Jiu Jitsu.
Roger has over 15 years of experience as a martial artist. He began his training in Cuong Nhu under Master Donald Williams while at college at Florida A&M University earning an advanced belt. He then continued his training in American Kenpo Karate (Parker System) under Sifu Rick Fowler and Instructor Oscar Steele where he earned a first-degree black belt. He also studied for a short time under Master Daniel Siazon in Decuerdas Eskrima.
Roger is always a constant student of the martial arts and enjoys learning and passing on new knowledge to his students.
Roger is always a constant student of the martial arts and enjoys learning and passing on new knowledge to his students.
Aaron has trained directly under Shihan Ian Evans for roughly 10 years. He is one of the first students to train under Shihan from the days when classes were held in his garage and basement. His relentless training and dedication lead him to become the first Yondo Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt.
He is a firm believer in the positive effects and how the dedication and focus required can influence all aspects of your life. It can develop self-awareness, build confidence and foster inner peace that grows throughout your journey.
Aaron recently earned his Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Georgia. When he’s not at the dojo you can find him cross country running or working on classic cars.
He is a firm believer in the positive effects and how the dedication and focus required can influence all aspects of your life. It can develop self-awareness, build confidence and foster inner peace that grows throughout your journey.
Aaron recently earned his Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Georgia. When he’s not at the dojo you can find him cross country running or working on classic cars.
Keith has trained for almost 30 years in the martial arts and possesses a wealth of knowledge from several disciplines. He began his training at the age of seven under his father Shodan Richard Noval and Sensei Ernie Bolduc in New Hampshire. He achieved an orange belt recognized by the United States Judo Association. After the instructor relocated, Keith continue is training in Shotokan Karate. He earned a second-degree brown belt (not sure how to word the rank this came from Keith directly) under Instructor Don Laughlin recognized in the Shotokan Karate Association and the Japanese Karate Association. Keith also competed in several international collegiate tournaments achieving a #11 rank in the ISKA. After college, Keith trained in American Kickboxing. He earned the rank of second degree black belt under Pete Murphy, Linda Murphy and Danny Melendez, recognized by the World Kickboxing and Karate Association.
Surya has over 12 years of experience in the martial arts. Surya began training as a young child and earned a third-degree black in the American Taekwondo Association system. When he first began training under Shihan Evans he humbled himself and began his journey anew as a white belt in Yondo Jiu-Jitsu and earned his black belt and rank of second degree after many years of dedicated training. Surya is a gifted fighter and respected captain of Team Tsunami. He has represented the school in some of the top national and international tournaments including The Atlanta Open and The U.S. Open.
Surya is currently enrolled at Georgia State University.
Surya is currently enrolled at Georgia State University.
Justin has trained under Shihan Evans for the last seven years. His diligent study and dedication allowed him to be one of the first students to master a weapons form, the cane. He has not only been able to teach this form to others but has also been able to display the beauty of this form on an international stage at The U.S. Open. Justin’s martial arts knowledge continues to grow and he can often be found either teaching the Young Dragon’s class or demonstrating techniques and applications to advanced students. Justin states he was drawn to the martial arts because of wanting to be able to protect others and himself. The confidence gained and lessons learned in under Shihan have been a valuable part of his life.
Justin is currently enrolled at Georgia State University
Justin is currently enrolled at Georgia State University
Ian is the son of Shihan Evans, Ian started his training as early as four years old he would travel with his dad to Lithonia to be trained in Kuroshi-do along his dad. He has won numerous championships as an underbelt he considered is a gifted martial artist.
He trained over 10 years to earn is black belt.
He trained over 10 years to earn is black belt.
Rosario started her training in Charleston, South Carolina and trained in Tong Soo Do for 2 years and reached an orange belt. She started training under Shihan at the age of 9 and reached black belt after 8 years. She is the first female black belt in Yondo Jiu Jitsu she also was the first student to win an underbelt grand championship. Rosario runs track and enjoys drawing.
Demetrice is an assistant instructor at Cumming Martial Arts. He began his martial arts training under Shihan Ian Evans. To see him is to always see a smile, waive of great energy. Demetrice is the primary instructor for the school’s Tiny Tiger program as well as some of the entry-level classes for new students to the school.
His dedication is not only to grow as a martial artist but also to provide the best instruction possible to all students from children to adults. He has represented the school in regional, national and international tournaments leading by example while being a respected member of Team Tsunami.
Demetrice is a passionate fitness and health enthusiast. If he’s not at the dojo you can find him teaching fitness classes and healthy eating guides.
His dedication is not only to grow as a martial artist but also to provide the best instruction possible to all students from children to adults. He has represented the school in regional, national and international tournaments leading by example while being a respected member of Team Tsunami.
Demetrice is a passionate fitness and health enthusiast. If he’s not at the dojo you can find him teaching fitness classes and healthy eating guides.