Meet Casey Paiz of Gilbert Defense Arts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Paiz.

Casey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started Martial Arts as a teenager in need of some discipline and an outlet. I fell in love with it and joined the instructor program that was offered at the studio I trained at. I apprenticed for about 2 years and then was offered a position to open a studio. I opened my studio in 2002 and later purchased the business. We have been teaching Men, Women and Children in our community for the last 16 years. I have had and continue to have the privilege of working with so many amazing students and families and helping to positively influence young minds.

I take great pride in what we do and feel very grateful to be able to do this every day. We have an amazing team of instructors dedicated to the same goals. The best part is watching every student grow with their training, overcoming obstacles mentally, physically and emotionally and continuing to challenge their limits each and every class.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Success never comes without a price, equally, I have found most things that are easy are not worth doing. Owning and operating a small business takes an extreme amount of work and discipline. I am grateful for the martial arts in this regard as it has taught me a lot about perseverance. Fortunately, we believe very much in what we do which makes reaching out to new people that much more enjoyable!

Gilbert Defense Arts – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The primary system of martial arts we teach is a style called Kenpo. Kenpo is a well-rounded system incorporating striking, kicking, blocking, and multiple reality-based self-defense techniques. It also involves traditional components such as forms or Kata as well as weapons training. It is known primarily for its fast, in-tight striking capabilities and adaptability to its practitioner.

What really set apart our studio is that every student who trains with us receives one 30 minutes private lesson each week. This is in addition to group training. The private lesson allows us to tailor how we teach to each individual students learning style and abilities. We can carefully monitor their overall progress and help them with any challenges.

In addition to the Kenpo system, we also teach Tai Chi, Shaolin Kung Fu through a close relationship with the Shaolin Temple in China as well as a combative system called Martial Blade Concepts which focuses on using the standard carry pocket knife as a self-defense tool. We have many great mentors to help guide and further our knowledge of the martial arts both in traditional and modern practice.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
This is a tough question because it is a constant realization. Being able to look back over the last 16 years and realize the amount of people I have worked with and helped to positively influence their lives. Getting emails, phone calls or running into an old student or parent and hearing how much their Martial Arts training has helped them in their lives. Absolutely priceless.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1094 S. Gilbert Rd. #107 Gilbert, AZ 85296
• Website: www.gilbertmartialarts.com
• Phone: 480-855-7586
• Email: info@gilbertdefensearts.com

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