MOULTRIE — Boys and girls arrive and remove their shoes, bowing before they walk onto the workout floor. They begin stretching, talking and anticipating the day’s class as more youngsters and parents come in the door.

The command to “Line UP!” pierces the room and the youngster run to the mat as they answer “Yes Sir!” After reciting their beginning pledge to practice with “courtesy for fellow students” and “self-control in their actions,” they begin their training in explosive martial arts, fitness drills, board breaking, padded weapons and more.

At the end of class, students stand at military attention as they recite their ending pledge to live with perseverance, honor for others, integrity and self-control in their actions. The pledge is followed by a bow of respect to the Instructor and then another bow of honor to their parents.

This is a quick glance inside a “Karate Kids” class at Champion Martial Arts of Moultrie. Champion Martial Arts continues the legacy of the American Taekwondo Association, which is now approaching its 20th anniversary in Moultrie.

In recent months, Champion has made improvements in its curriculum, brought in additional Instructors and added new programs for the Moultrie area.

On Aug. 6, Champion Martial Arts opened the doors to its new location in the Wal-Mart shopping center.

“We traded our larger facility for a much better location,” owner Jason McCranie said. “We limit our class size to 20 students each class, so this location will meet that and place us closer to the families we desire to reach.”

One doesn’t have to look too hard to see the bright blue “KARATE” sign now glowing in the Wal-Mart shopping area.

“We put up the “KARATE” sign simply because it is most recognized term by the public,” McCranie said. “Once you come closer, you will soon discover there is much more taking place than karate.”

CMA is proud to have coached state champions, national top ten and even World champions from their programs.

“While we are thankful to have made great accomplishments in competition, it is in the weekly classes that our students really win and become champions,” McCranie said. “We are not just teaching martial arts moves that can be forgotten. We are training students to become leaders by developing good habits and a winning attitude.”

On the journey to attaining Black Belt, Champion students set and attain goals, learn the rewards of discipline and are constantly challenged to rise higher and break their own mental barriers.

Students are recognized for their academic achievements at school and every student’s goal is to maintain honor roll status. As part of the rank promotion process, if students don’t have satisfactory conduct at home or school, they can be denied rank advancement until improvements are made.

Champion Martial Arts instructors are Chad Hill, 4th Degree Black Belt; Fred Cook, 3rd Degree Black Belt; and Drew Johnson, 3rd Degree Black Belt.

McCranie is a 5th Degree Black Belt with 23 years teaching experience. His ATA career highlights include being ranked No. 1 in the ATA World Top 10, fighting in 1998 for the World Champion Title and receiving the Bronze Medal and being on the 1995 USA training team to Seoul, Korea.

He has also trained with MMA Superstars such as Matt Hughes, Master Toddy, and Chuck Liddell.

McCranie also holds an associate’s degree with Christian Life School of Theology and has served 12 years in children and youth ministry.

World missions is a passion for McCranie as he has been involved in leading groups on mission projects in Mexico, China and Russia.

Jason and his wife Andrea have been married for 18 years and have three children.

Champion Martial Arts takes a personal approach by listening to new members’ interests and goals and then matching them to the appropriate program.

A complimentary session is available for all youngsters, teen-agers and adults. Champion Instructors are also available for private lessons, a variety of professional seminars and corporate/business employee programs.

For more information or to schedule a free session, contact the school at 890-2799.