In addition to its well-known customs of combat and self-defense, martial arts is a sporting system dedicated to the teachings and traditions of physical, mental, and spiritual development. All of which can be applied to one’s everyday life for further fulfillment.
These cultural musings and their spectacular benefits are being taken to new heights by instructor Rick Bateman, a Purple Heart veteran and martial arts business owner.
Ranking 3rd in the world for the sport of Jiu Jitsu, this homegrown local has changed the game on the Outer Banks for martial arts. Not only is Bateman a part time athlete who travels the world, but he is a full time dad of 3 and full time coach at OBX Martial Arts.
For those of you who aren’t too familiar, OBX Martial Arts is the home of the “Best of the Beach” contest-winner for martial arts for the past three years in a row. The establishment has won multiple other categories here on the island as well.
OBX Martial Arts is home to the top-rated kids competition Jiu Jitsu team here on the Outer Banks. Coach Rick has taken some extraordinary kids and led them to some amazing victories, including going on to win the 2021 Fuji State Championships and bringing home 15 Individual State Champions along with the team title.
The OBX Martial Arts kids team travels all over the United States. Some pupils will even make their way internationally here in the near future. This is no surprise as they are led by a world class instructor and competitor.
Be on the lookout for any community events the team at OBX Martial Arts may have, as they also host an out-of-this-world Halloween party annually for the community, as well as Park Days during the warmer months.
For more information about OBX Martial Arts programs, competitions, summer camps and ways to support the traveling athletes, visit obxmartialarts.com.