Congratulation to Master Paul Melella for 20 Years in Business

It was a normal, dreary Monday for everyone, except for those working and training at United Martial Arts Centers in Carmel, New York. Staff and students were smiling, laughing, and bounding around with a BIT more energy than usual. Loud music, floor to ceiling decorations, and celebration of someone you love will do that.

The staff of UMAC had banded together early Sunday morning to decorate their Tae Kwon Do school, and second home, to surprise Master Paul Melella Jr the following day. After all, it’s not every day that one is able to celebrate 20 years in business. 

Additionally, with the help of Master Melella’s first employee, Mr. Matt Vanacoro, students and staff pieced together a moving video testimonial filled with their earliest memories, what it’s like to be a part of UMAC, and to show their love and gratitude towards their role model, mentor, and teacher. On Monday night staff, students, and Master Melella's parents, siblings, wife, and children, all gathered around a screen (with snacks of course) to watch the premiere. 

When the 15 minute video was over, Master Melella, with tears in his eyes, looked around the room and said, "I'm not really sure what to say, and I always know what to say." His son, Pierce, then politely chimed in...“Maybe thank you?” Everyone got a good laugh out of that.

Master Paul Melella began training in the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do at the age of seven because of a childhood bully. Years later he then purchased his school from his former, late instructor, Master Robert Connolly in 1996, and has since pressed forward with an uncompromising and unwavering vision of greatness. He has created hundreds if not thousands of Black Belts and champion fighters, but more importantly, he has created hundreds if not thousands of confident, passionate, and disciplined Martial Artists in our community.

Master Paul Melella’s Worthy Ideal begins with three powerful words, “Lead, Teach, and Inspire.” Congratulations on 20 years of business, and here is to 20 more years of leading, teaching, and inspiring.

To find out more about UMAC visit http://www.umaccarmel.com/ or find them on Facebook.

Thank You, Master Melella

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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