McGinnis Academy of Martial Arts: A Hub for Discipline, Fitness, and Community
For this month’s Small Business Review, I had the pleasure of visiting McGinnis Academy of Martial Arts, located at 5106 Wilkinson Boulevard in Gastonia. This academy has been my training ground for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since June of 2017, and over the years, the academy’s founder, Shawn McGinnis, has become one of my closest friends. I was excited to sit down with Shawn and discuss his background, what makes the academy unique, and the impact martial arts has on its students.
Shawn McGinnis: A Journey into Martial Arts
Shawn McGinnis’s journey into martial arts began in 1990 while working as a probation and parole officer for the state of North Carolina. At that time, officers were unarmed and had to rely on their physical skills to make arrests. After a particular incident where he struggled to restrain a probationer, Shawn realized he needed to enhance his self-defense skills. This realization led him to seek out martial arts training.
He began with Taekwondo and soon expanded his practice to include Hapkido, a Korean joint-locking art, and eventually Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Today, Shawn holds a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a fourth-degree black belt in Hapkido, and a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlson Gracie Jr., a direct descendant of one of the founders of the art.
A Unique Training Environment
One of the aspects that sets McGinnis Academy apart from other martial arts schools is its strong sense of community and inclusivity. Shawn has fostered an environment where students, regardless of rank, help and support one another. The academy has a family-friendly atmosphere with both youth and adult programs, and many families train together.
“When a new student comes in, it’s part of our culture that those who have been here longer help them feel welcome,” Shawn explained. “It’s our way of giving back to the academy that has given so much to us.”
Additionally, McGinnis Academy is known for bringing in world-class martial artists for seminars. These include UFC fighters and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legends such as Carlson Gracie Jr., Josh Barnett (former UFC Heavyweight Champion), and Dean Lister (three-time Abu Dhabi Champion). Shawn believes that exposing his students to elite-level instruction enhances their growth and skill development.
Programs and Training Offerings
Currently, McGinnis Academy offers classes in Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Hapkido. The youth programs include Taekwondo and Jiu-Jitsu for ages 7-14, along with a Little Ninja program for 5-6-year-olds that introduces them to multiple martial arts disciplines while developing agility, coordination, and discipline. For adults, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become the primary focus due to its growing popularity and effectiveness in self-defense.
Shawn also teaches private lessons in Hapkido and conducts specialized training for law enforcement and security personnel. He emphasizes practical self-defense applications tailored to real-world situations.
Beyond Self-Defense: The Broader Benefits of Martial Arts
While martial arts training is undoubtedly valuable for self-defense, Shawn believes its benefits extend far beyond physical confrontation. Many students come to McGinnis Academy not to fight, but to build confidence, improve fitness, and challenge
themselves mentally.
“We have professionals from all walks of life training here,” Shawn said. “Martial arts builds mental resilience, discipline, and self-confidence. Whether you’re a student preparing for a big exam, a professional giving a boardroom presentation, or someone looking to improve their fitness, the lessons learned on the mat carry over into everyday life.”
One of the most inspiring transformations Shawn has witnessed involved a student in his early 50s who weighed around 350 pounds when he joined the academy. Over the course of a year, he lost 100 pounds, dramatically improving his physical and mental well-being. Stories like this exemplify the life-changing potential of martial arts.
Final Thoughts
McGinnis Academy of Martial Arts is more than just a gym; it’s a place where students grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through a welcoming atmosphere, world-class instruction, and a commitment to fostering community, Shawn McGinnis has created a training environment that helps students become stronger versions of themselves. Whether you’re looking to learn self-defense, get in shape, or develop a warrior’s mindset, McGinnis Academy is an excellent place to start.
For anyone considering martial arts training, McGinnis Academy is a standout choice in the Gastonia area. With Shawn’s leadership and dedication, it continues to be a hub for personal growth, fitness, and camaraderie.
If you’ve ever thought about trying martial arts, I highly recommend visiting McGinnis Academy. They offer free trial classes, so you can experience it for yourself. Learn more at www.mcginnessacademymartialarts.com.
I’d love to hear what you think about this month’s feature! And as always, if you have any questions or needs in real estate – whether it’s buying, selling, or investing – reach out to me anytime. I’m here to help!
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