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Norwalk Martial Arts Expert Aims To Goes Beyond Just Self-Defense

NORWALK, Conn. -- Martial arts expert Michael Nahan, a 27-year-old Norwalk man, wants you to know how to defend yourself if necessary, but he also wants his students to strive to be the best.

Mike Nahan, owner of Kempo Academy of Darien, goes over the five most important things to remember in a fight. By Michael Nahan Edited by Heath LaBombard. Music Credit Song: Fresh Air Artist: Wyatt Estes

Photo Credit: FightGains
Michael Nahan, owner of Kempo Academy of Darien, practicing kicks with his students

Michael Nahan, owner of Kempo Academy of Darien, practicing kicks with his students

Photo Credit: contributed
Exercise in the kids' classes at Kempo Academy of Darien

Exercise in the kids' classes at Kempo Academy of Darien

Photo Credit: contributed
Preteens class working on their front kick

Preteens class working on their front kick

Photo Credit: contributed
Teamwork during a dodgeball game

Teamwork during a dodgeball game

Photo Credit: contributed

A fourth-degree Black Belt, Nahan is owner of Kempo Academy of Darien at 537 Post Road, and he was recently promoted to chief operating officer of the academy, which also has locations in Fairfield, Wilton and New Canaan and in Cross River, N.Y.

Nahan created two short videos to “share general knowledge that could be good enough to have some confidence if you ever really need to defend yourself." They are called. "Fight Gains — Punching with Power" and "Fight Gains — 5 Most Important Things in a Real Fight."

"Both videos are geared for the general martial arts community as a source of knowledge and training tips, and also for those interested in self-defense or martial arts but who haven't begun training yet," he said. "The martial arts has something for everyone."

Kempo Academy, which is 20 years old, offers classes in Shaolin, Kempo Karate, and Kung Fu, as well as cardio kickboxing. The academy has about 150 students ranging from age 3 to 60-plus.

According to Nahan, Kempo Academy teaches leadership, character-building philosophies and traditional martial arts training methods.

Nahan began studying martial arts at the age of 6 and started teaching when he was 14.

His passion for the martial arts is fueled by the physical motion found in perfecting movement. "I have always found this so enthralling," he said. "When I was young, I couldn’t get enough of being able to move a certain way."

Nahan said he has always been interested in “the ability to train yourself to hone movements and skills to a point where you can be totally in control of your body."

He said he is driven by a passion to help students become their best -- in their character, movements, fitness and body control.

Nahan feels what makes Kempo unique from other martial arts facilities is the knowledge that "every student is important, each of us learns differently and that we all need something unique to become our best. 

"Our goal at Kempo is to find what works for you and then to provide that support and deliver it in a manner that is professional and respectful."

He added, “I want to see these kids become captains of their industry and leaders among their peers but I can’t do that just by teaching them punches and kicks.”

Aside from the videos, Nahan has recently created two new businesses as well as a blog, called Iron Wire News, where he shares his thoughts on everything from fitness and nutrition to childhood education to character development.

In addition, his new business, called True MAS (Motive to Achieve Success), teaches a certified strength and conditioning program that is customized for each individual.

He also co-founded Inspire Toy LLC, which creates educational games for children that inspire meaningful conversation between parents, teachers and children.

For more information on Kempo Academy of Darien or about Nahan's other businesses or his blog, click here or here, send an email to senseinahan@gmailcom or call 203-309-5045.

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