United Martial Arts Centers, Briarcliff Manor

When Paul Melella, Jr. was seven years old, he was the target of a neighborhood bully. Eventually, Paul’s mother enrolled him in martial arts classes. For six months, Paul secretly studied the art of tae kwon do, until one day, he finally had the courage to stand up to his bully. Not only did the boy stop picking on Paul, they became good friends. In fact, Paul was even the best man at his wedding years later, where he helped out by cutting the cake with one swift roundhouse kick.

Paul established the Carmel branch of United Martial Arts Centers in 1996 to help others attain the same self-confidence and lifelong benefits that he found practicing martial arts as a child. Today, Paul is just one of UMAC's many professional instructors who lead programs for children, adults, and families at five different locations. Despite their different addresses, each of UMAC's locations sports the same positive atmosphere and spirit that comes from students working together toward a common goal.