Kick in the New Year With Blackbelt USA — Battleground MMA

is a family-owned establishment in Lakewood located at the intersection of Bridgeport Way and Steilacoom Boulevard.

Rocky Burns, head instructor, graduated from Decatur High School in Federal Way and worked as a night stocker in the grocery industry for 25 years. But since taking over the dojo nearly three years ago, he said, life has never been better.

"We all get along pretty darn good," Burns said about having his son and assistant instructor JD and his daughter Taylor, who just earned her black belt. JD has four MMA fights and will defend his title at The Throwdown 5 at Clover Park Technical College on May 12.

The entire Burns family kicks butt.

The fun and discipline never stops at Black Belt USA — Battleground MMA. Rocky said he's not like many traditional head instructors who will make you face the wall for 20 minutes if you interrupt him during training.

Instead, he'll just ask you to be quiet and continue.

"I want it to be serious fun," said Rocky, 52. "I want to make them all leaders."

The dojo conducts testing every two months, allowing students to steadily progress. A person can earn a black belt in several years if they work hard, Rocky said.

Red and blue colored mats lie on the floor of the large dojo. The club started with just eight students but has since expanded to 150, half of which are military families, Rocky said. While having Joint Base Lewis-McChord in their backyard has helped fill the dojo, many families leave because of relocation.

Whether it's Taekwondo or MMA, Black Belt USA — Battleground MMA is an ideal place to gain a basic understanding of martial arts and advance your skills in a professional setting.

There's currently a $49 trial offer for 30 days of Taekwondo that includes a free uniform. They provide military and family discounts. Private lessons are offered also for Taekwondo and MMA training.

There's an MMA for beginners seminar from 1:30-4 p.m. on Jan. 28 for ages 5 and up. The cost is $30 and includes two free weeks of training. It includes all the basic moves of MMA and it covers ground control as well as boxing, kickboxing and other forms of martial arts.

Who: Black Belt USA — Battleground MMA

What: Taekwondo and MMA and wrestling dojo

Where:  5943 Steilacoom Boulevard S.W., Lakewood, WA 98499

Contact: 253-584-5966

Web site: http://www.blackbeltusalakewood.com