New martial arts studio lands on Ranch Main St.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — There’s rarely a day that goes by that Lakewood Ranch residents Rob Tucker and Janie Scott aren’t smiling and having fun.

Even when their dream of opening a martial arts studio on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch was initially hit with a roadblock, the partners continued to remain optimistic.

Ten months later, their persistence and positive outlook paid off. On Oct. 26, the Lakewood Ranch residents opened America’s Best Martial Arts, 8120 Lakewood Main Street, Suite B101.

“We called, and initially, they (Main Street officials) were not interested,” said Tucker, the school’s master instructor.

“This is round two, but it worked,” he added.

America’s Best Martial Arts offers classes in karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and general fitness for both children and adults. Every Friday, the school will hold family classes, allowing children and adults to learn together.

Tucker began taking martial arts when he was 7 years old after watching Bruce Lee movies and seeing his dad learn the sport.

“It was just something I wanted to do, and I’m (fortunate enough) to have the opportunity to do it almost 40 years later,” Tucker said. “I love watching the kids grow and seeing the changes in them.”

Tucker spent the past several years traveling and helping marital artists open schools across the country. However, the road wore on him, and eventually, Tucker decided to alter his career path to allow more time with Scott and his two children, Mary, 10 and Reece, 7. That’s where the idea for the new studio was born.

Scott, also is a personal trainer and massage therapist, began taking martial arts about two years ago.

“I love it,” Scott said. “I’ve always worked out in the gym, but this is something completely different. The parents have such energy. It’s a good time. It’s not super formal or traditional — it’s fun.”

Now, the couple is hoping to share its love of martial arts with East County families.

“We just like seeing the families become active,” Tucker said. “There’s too much of a disconnect from healthy living, so if we can put that back in people’s minds, that would be great.

“There’s still the tradition and respect for the martial arts, but it’s fun,” he said. “Kids won’t stay unless they’re having fun.”

In addition to its Lakewood Ranch studio, the couple hopes to open a few more studios in the Sarasota/Bradenton area in the next 12 months.

For more information on America’s Best Martial Arts visit www.americasbestma.com.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

America’s Best Martial Arts
OWNERS: Rob Tucker and Janie Scott
ADDRESS: 8120 Lakewood Main Street, Suite B101
PHONE: 907-0460
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays
WEBSITE: www.americasbestma.com