Omni Martial Arts Adds To Astoria's International Flair

City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. (third from l.) posed with (l. to r.) Jill Hennessy, Omni Martial Arts co-owner Maria Pagan, Joshua Rivera, co-owner Julio Rivera and Marco and Mildred Rivera to cut the ribbon to open the martial arts school on Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria. The continued growth and diversity of Astoria has seen an exotic mixture of businesses and cultures infuse the area with a vibrant energy. The latest addition to the Ditmars Boulevard neighborhood, Omni Martial Arts, is a traditional "dojo" with a modern twist. With its flag-adorned awning inviting visitors from every culture, Omni's philosophy is one of inclusion and overall well being.

"Each flag has a meaning," owner Julio Rivera said. "The American flag is self-explanatory, and we show the Japanese flag for Judo and JiuJitsu, the Brazilian flag for Brazilian JiuJitsu, the Greek flag for Pancration, the original mixed martial art (MMA), the Dutch flag to honor my sensei [teacher], Jack Krystek, the Israeli flag for Haganah, an offshoot of Krav Maga, the Thai flag for Muay Thai, and the Puerto Rican flag—well, that's also obvious. " Rivera, who has written articles for many fitness and marital arts publications, is a former competitive Judo player and bodybuilder and holds multiple black belts in several martial arts disciplines.

Omni Martial Arts has none of the attitudes and anger issues that are sometimes associated with martial arts schools. A martial arts academy is intimidating enough in and of itself without a student having to deal with fellow students or instructors who have to prove they're the toughest guy on the block. "I want everyone to feel they can go their own pace," Rivera said. "You should leave the school feeling good about yourself and what you've accomplished."

Rivera wants to bring people in to learn more about what he hopes to bring to the community, so Omni Martial Arts is offering a free introductory class to anyone who RSVPs at www.OmniMartialArtsNY.com, calls 718-726- 0101 or stops by the school at 35-08 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria. "Our goal is to build confident, successful, physically fit kids and adults and to be a positive part of this neighborhood for a long, long time," Rivera concluded.