~ Guro Billy Brown and the P.M.A.T.S. Team




Melanie Orrand - Mother of 3 Year Old Caleb

My son, Caleb has been in Progressive Martial Arts F.O.C.U.S. program for 5 months now. He has improved tremendously in several areas. He used to be very shy, but now he's alot more talkative, even his speech has improved!

The instructors at progressive Martial Arts instill in him traits like, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and an indomitable spirit.

They have taught him good manners and to follow instructions. Since being at Progressive Martial Arts, he has better coordination with his body.

He is a totally different little boy for ALL the better. I am so pleased with the way they treat Caleb, and teach him!

The Smith Family

Our children were curious about martial arts for several years. After considerable debate, we agreed to a trial period with Progressive Martial Arts. Our daughter, Amber, was placed into the adult program, while our son, Jared, was enrolled in the children's program. We did not know what to expect as we had no experience with any form of martial arts.

Needless to say, from day one our children became enthralled with their respective programs and we observed noticeable progress from month to month. PMATS became a focal point in our family's life as we watched our daughter transform from a quiet, shy girl, to a confident, self-assured young woman. Our son's sportsmanship improved as well as his overall attitude. Their physical ability improved including flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination.

Overall, PMATS had a substantial impact in the short six months we attended. As our family transfers to Chicago IL we take with us fond memories and a drive to continue pursuing martial arts. We wish to extend our gratitude to the instructors as they became so much more than just teachers. They became mentors providing expertise in their art, but more importantly, modeling values and ideals that transform children and young people into productive and pro-active citizens. Thank you PMATS for your vision and effort to impact students physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The Smith Family

~Alex Adams, 17 High school student

My name is Alex Adams, I'm 17 years old, and I've been going to Progressive for over 5 months and will continue to go there for many months to come. I've trained for 2 years before coming to Progressive Martial Arts and this is by far the best tactical training for real life situations that I've ever had.

I'm looking to go into Army ROTC and the military after high school and the things they teach are perfect for me and anybody else looking to do the same thing. After only a few months I already feel more confident about my ability to defend myself and loved ones. It's a great school and I wouldn't recommend anybody else.

~James Strader, Full time MTSU student/Lifeguard

Hi, My name is James Strader and I am currently a full-time student at MTSU. This is my last year and I will be hopefully graduating with a degree in Aerospace and a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Martial arts has always been a big part of my life as well as all of the people that I hold dear. There is a lot to consider when finding the right martial arts school, and I was about to give up until I saw the banner for Progressive Martial Arts Systems 2 years ago. After sitting in on a few classes I noticed that both instructors had a great respect for their art and for the students. I felt a sense of empowerment coming from all of those learning as well as accomplishment, so I decided it was time to try a class for myself. It took one class of the Kali and Silat curriculum and I was hooked, and have been for going on two years now.

I highly recommend this martial arts school to people of any age - but especially men and women who are looking to become a stronger person both mentally and physically or a more aware parent and/or individual, as well as, anyone looking to find a new sense of confidence and security.

~Erik and Nicole Rogers, parents of Karsyn Rogers, (9 years old Leadership Team Member))

My wife and I are so excited about the amount of focus, respect and love of martial arts our daughter Karsyn has developed over the last three years.

And why not?

With the amount of time, care and love for the art that Guru Billy and Mrs. Delisa have given to her, it is easy to understand how the students build such a quick love for the arts. We are so glad we decided to let Karsyn pick her own activity, and couldn't be more proud of her drive, perseverance and passion for her goal of a junior black belt!

Dan Sumner Allen IV (Father of Katy Allen, 10yr old Leadership Member)

My precious daughter, Katy Allen, is 10 years old and has been studying martial arts with Guro Billy Brown and Ms. Delisa Leonard at Progressive Martial Arts dojo for about one year. As her father, I have seen Katy’s senses of self confidence, physical coordination, physical well-being, and personal achievement progress to levels that enrich her whole life; spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. As a man dedicated to a life lead by Jesus Christ, I am impressed by PMATS focus on significant areas of development in a young persons life such as vision, goals, action, focus, self-discipline, courage, positive mental attitude, commitment, teamwork, ethics, leadership, and faith, the belief that God has complete control over our lives therefore we dedicate our lives into his service.

My goals for Katy are to foster skills that will help her succeed in life such as setting goals, becoming and acting like a leader rather than a follower, and taking responsibility. Through martial arts, I wish for her to gain the self confidence and self esteem to say ”no” to the dangers of negative peer pressure as she grows older. I also desire to help her develop physically with greater stamina, balance, coordination, and strength. Katy thoroughly enjoys her classes at PMATS because they are positive, high-energy, exciting, and fun. Through her classes, she is developing a more positive and productive character, and learning self defense skills that could protect her from danger and perhaps save her life.

Specialist Yeoman, Jonathan - U.S. Army

Absolutely -Phenomenal-!

The Ultimate Fitness KickBoxing program was a wonderful, first time experience into the fast paced, cardiovascular world of Fitness Kickboxing. At first, I was very skeptical that prancing around, popping a few punches and kicks at pads would provide something similar to my Marine Corps PT. . . I never left class without a shirt drenched in sweat and my muscles screaming!

In under 2 months, I lost 17 lbs and was rewarded with definition in my body I hadn't seen before. Show up for class and put in the effort! Your body will thank you.

Progressive Martial Arts was my second martial arts school. I do not think that I could have found a more adaptive and multi-faceted program than Guro Billy and his staff have produced in the entire state. All of the programs pull from one another so that when you are struggling with a move from Kali, Guro Billy will show you how you did it an hour earlier in JKD.. without a stick! The interchangeable nature of the program and how each movement builds on the next is one of the most alluring aspects of P.M.A.T.S.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff (and students!) will always take the time to answer any questions. I came to learn Martial Arts at Progressive! In two months, not only did I leave with a better understanding of the Arts but I made a few excellent friends.

Ma Micaela Corazon Fuerte 21 Yr Old

iHola! Micaela here! 21 years of age and I’ve been attending the adult’s class for a month now at Progressive Martial Arts. I find Progressive to be the school of choice for a number of reasons. For one thing, the workout I get is very good. I never leave there without getting drenched with sweat. They have very good cardio workouts and they train their students very well.

Studying martial arts in preparation for my navy stuff has been one of the most rewarding activities I have been involved in. At first, martial arts did not interest me, but once I started working on the stances and fighting techniques, mixed martial arts quickly became one of my all-time favorite activities, especially the Kali and the Kickboxing part! :) And after a few weeks of attending classes, it feels like I’m starting to excel.

Progressive Martial Arts provides a great atmosphere to exercise, learn, and to have fun. Guru Brown and Ms. Delisa are excellent teachers and both are a great role model for us-adults- as well as for the kids. I highly recommend Progressive Martial Arts to anyone, of any age, male or female, who wants to learn from great instructors, work hard and have fun.

~ Micaela Fuerte :)

~ Ma. Paula Kathleen B. Fuerte 19 years old

Hi, I’m Paula Fuerte. I have been attending classes (Muay Thai, Kali, and Jeet Kune Do) at Progressive Martial Arts for over a month now. My sister and I are joining the Navy and we are leaving for our boot camp this December. This is our main reason why we decided to learn Martial Arts. We believe that this is a big help to prepare us not just physically but also mentally. Indeed, we are learning a lot ---body coordination, balance, flexibility, and discipline. Moreover, we are learning that we have to earn our way through the process. We have to work and learn the moves, which we believe we can use in the “real world.”

This is our first time to do this kind of activity and we really are enjoying it. At first, we were a bit afraid and excited but after we tried it for the first time, we had fun and decided to join their group. With the very nice atmosphere, wonderful students, and excellent instructors, I would really love to continue my lessons and stay at PMATS until I leave for my boot camp. I would forever be grateful to both of you, Mr. Brown and Miss Delisa.

Melissa Hargrove, Single Mother Of Two

My son, Josh, is 12 years old and he attends Progressive Martial Arts for a variety of training. Being a single mom, there is only so much I can do for my son. He has not grown up in the two parents' household or even with consistent visits with his father. This has had a profound affect on his life.

After searching for different programs to put Josh in, such as scouts, school sports, and church groups, I decided to look for a martial arts school. We went to quite a few in the Murfreesboro area, but they were all lacking something. I realized what that was when we went to Progressive Martial Arts. The minute I met Mr. Brown and Ms. Delisa I realized that this was the exact place my son needed to be. I have never met two more caring individuals who are so positive and excited to do their jobs. Their positive attitude and caring is passed down to the individuals training in their facility. There was never a time that we felt unwelcome or awkward, even with having no prior background in marital arts. Their positive and caring nature is demonstrated through what Josh has accomplished since he has been there. My son was having problems in school, and he had anger issues. I recently received e-mails from his teacher and vice principal letting me know what a complete turn-around my son has made. I honestly feel that this progress was due to the commitment that he has made to Progressive Martial Arts, as well as the commitment that was made to my son by Mr. Brown and Ms. Delisa.

I was so impressed by the school and instructors that me and my daughter started kickboxing training. I truly did not believe that I would be able to physically handle this type of training. I got the same positive contagious attitude that gives you the inspiration to do the best that you can do. My whole family comes together, has fun, and is doing something that will keep us healthy and hopefully around for a long time to come!

I cannot say enough great things about Progressive Martial Arts and everyone that we have met so far. They have made such a positive impact on my family and I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Starr Perry, 27- College Professor & Administrative assistant

I have only been attending Progressive for a few weeks and I have already noticed a big change in my stamina, my muscle tone, and my endurance. The workouts are great and the teaching is very interactive. I really appreciate the time and attention that Ms. Delisa and Mr. Brown put into each of their students. I have enjoyed getting to know so many people of various backgrounds and ages in my kickboxing and martial arts classes. I look forward to reaching some short term goals here in the next couple of months!!

Keli Friedman, 28 - Landscape Architect

While a "before and after" picture might capture my new muscles and my smaller pant size, it can't fully capture the biggest change that I have seen as a result of PMATS. I have found something inside myself that I never knew I was missing. You can call it confidence or pride, self-esteem or spunk. But whatever you call it, I can't believe that I spent so many years of my life without it. I found PMATS while looking for a self defense class. The self defense class turned into Fitness Kickboxing, two and then three times a week. And four months later, after realizing that I was addicted to this school and to the way I felt after each class, I signed up for the Elite Program. I had only hoped, when I came to that first self defense class, that I would feel more comfortable as a single woman working in downtown Nashville, walking to her car alone at night. I am thankful every day that I found that, but even more so, I am thankful for all of the unexpected gifts and empowerment that i now refuse to live without.

Joseph Maxwell, 41 - Tech., Nissan Plant

I see the dedication in my instructors eyes each time I come to class. He loves what he does. I know that when I become a Black Belt, I will be a REAL Black Belt. I look at myself now, only a green belt, and I am SO much better than I ever thought I would be!

Jessica Rogers, 22

Even Though I Have Only Been With P.M.A.T.S. For A Little Over A Month, I Have Learned To Actually Dedicate myself To Something. I Am Able To Control Every Situation I Have Run Into Even if It's Just Frustration. I Have The Self-Confidence I Never Had Before. I Look At Things Differently; In A good Way.

I Can't Wait To Get My black Belt Because I Can't Wait For The Satisfaction Of Meeting The Odds In My Life.

P.M.A.T.S. Is The Best Thing I Have Ever Done, You Have No Idea.

Christina DiTraglia, 24

Hiya! I can't tell you how much I love hearing compliments from you guys! Makes me want to continue to come. And even work out on my "off days".

I was never fat, but I definitely recently had that point of my life where I knew I needed to quit drinking beer every night and get into shape. Kickboxing has helped so incredibly much. Wait...did I just grow up? Excuse me while I call my mom and tell her the good news!!

See you in 3 hours! Oh- and my new gloves and mitts are GREAT!!

CONTACT US NOW: 615-410-3694/ 615-975-1514/ info@empowerusa.net