Hit me with your best shot
Photography by Deborah McCarthy
Don’t mess with Andrea Muccini – this black belt has been teaching people how to kick, punch and block for the past 15 years in South Boston. Now in its new home at 12 B Street (on the corner of West Seventh), The Ultimate Self Defense & Performance Center offers three forms of martial arts discipline including Karate, Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu designed for all levels of fitness and age. During the school year, more than 100 kids from South Boston and the Greater Boston area fill the dojo to learn not only martial arts but the important message of striving to be the best you can be. “It’s important for my students to learn the value of hard work and discipline but also the “you can do it” mentality is just as important for confidence,” says Andrea.
Just the facts:
- Grew up in Newton and Weston MA
- Graduated from Weston High School
- Has been teaching martial arts in South Boston for the past 15 years
- Has a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu
- Has a 2nd degree black belt in Judo or Nidan as they say in the Judo world
- Certified strength and conditioning specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association
- Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science
- Masters Degree in Physical Therapy
- Motto at the dojo is All for one and one for all
- Ultimate Self Defense 17 year-old student Maria Dhami received the Gold Medal a the National Judo Tournament and a silver medal at the Junior Olympics.
Three years ago, Andrea began a Mixed Martial Arts Scholarship for those in financial need. She joined forces with City Councilor Bill Linehan in helping to spread the word to encourage good health and well being for our community. “I wanted to make sure there was no excuse for anyone to participate in learning martial arts,” says Andrea. Mixed Martial arts is a great way to stay fit and healthy and it’s not just for the kids in the community. The Ultimate Self Defense offers adult classes too including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu taught by world class instructor Michael Fontes. Their Boston Judo Club also has one of the highest ranking instructors on the East Coast in Bill Stevens. Andrea, herself, teaches a mixed martial arts class with the base of Kenpo Karate. “I supervise and coordinate the conditioning classes with details to core, mobility, agility and strength so all levels can participate.” Andrea also teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo.
Andrea Muchini is helping South Boston stay strong, fit, healthy and happy and for that we are thankful she is part of our community. “It’s our goal to raise the quality of life for all our students in every way possible,” says Andrea.
Interested in signing up? Just walk through the front door at their new dojo at 12 B Street and Andrea will help you out or check out the website at http://ultimateselfdefense.perfectmind.com/
4 Comments
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Andrea consistently gives back to the South Boston community. She is such a positive force for our kids and really wants the best for all her students. She has put great emphasis on family exercise. She and all the instructors at Ultimate are wonderful. Keep up the greatness Andrea!
Great article – congratulations to your success. We need more positive role models in the martial arts. http://www.masteryma.com
Andrea is an inspiration to the children in our community. It is her determination and the passion that helped her to reach the destiny. She also has been a great personal trainer who reminds you of the importance of exercise.
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