The tradition of quality training and community outreach continues with the newly independent Blue Water Martial Arts. The former PKSA Port Huron martial arts dojang (studio) has been a staple in the Blue Water Area since 2009, providing accessible and quality martial arts training for students of all ages. The name has now changed to Blue Water Martial Arts, but the people, the mission, the ownership, and the dedication to the discipline remain the same.
Tang Soo Do
The martial arts studio, located in The Grove Mall at 2700 Pine Grove Avenue, Suite 14, in Port Huron, Michigan, is an independent entity within the United Kingdom International Tang Soo Do Federation.
The Port Huron franchise, operated by Master Michael Weir and Mary Weir, changed its name to Blue Water Martial Arts in July of 2024. The studio follows the practice of Tang Soo Do in the style of Moo Duk Kwan. Mary Weir explained the reason for the name and affiliation change as rooted in a desire to reconnect directly to the foundation of the martial art and its legacy.
Serious Training
Owner and instructor, Master Michael Weir will be tested for 5th degree black belt on September 21st in London at the U.K. ITSDF headquarters. The Weir family takes their training seriously, as the entire family has achieved advanced black belt recognition.
Variety of Classes
Blue Water Martial Arts will continue to offer instruction for ages 4 and up and continue to partner with the Port Huron Parks & Recreation Department. An anonymous donor has donated money to keep the free outdoor sessions going. Introductory classes are offered in the Spring, Fall, and Winter through the Rec. Department. Classes at the Pine Grove Avenue studio start with Little Ninjas for ages 4-6, Children’s Program for ages 7-16, and adult programs for ages 16 and up.
Community Partner
The strong community engagement that started with PKSA will continue with Blue Water Martial Arts. Self-defense seminars are frequently taught by Master Weir, along with the classes at Port Huron Recreation. But the big event is the “Force Against Hunger” effort that feeds local families and puts Christmas gifts in the hands of those in need.
The Force Against Hunger became an actual cosplay-style Star Wars production in 2015. Weir said, “This involves a complete transformation of the dojang into various galaxies depending upon the theme title, and visitors are gathered into small groups that have a special mission they need to complete, meeting many Star Wars characters (good, bad, and mischievous) along the way. Members of the Great Lakes Garrison chapter of the 501st Legion (Star Wars superfans that authentically portray Star Wars characters) have joined us for all of them. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, November 2nd and will be advertised as Blue Water Martial Arts presents the 2024 “Force Against Hunger: Heir to the Throne.”
Weir said, “The goal of the event is to raise money to provide holiday meals for people in our community that may be struggling as so many do around the holidays. The meals are distributed through local agencies to protect recipients’ privacy. The numbers have changed over the years in terms of how many meals are requested by the agencies—last year we put together 160 boxes. After that, we go shopping to support the St. Clair County chapter of Toys for Tots and get as much as we can to fortify their distribution.”
To learn more about Blue Water Martial Arts, click here. To learn more about “Force Against Hunger”, click here.
Story by Jennie McClelland for BlueWaterParent.com
