OFF THE MAT – Last Saturday at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site was a day filled with Martial Arts, laughter and rain

By Joanie Allbee

A persistent rain drenched the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site last Saturday (May 9). But it didn’t seem to dampen the fun for the crowd that gathered. The National Historic Site on Central Street was filled with a sea of participants of all ages dressed in “OFF THE MAT” cranberry-colored t-shirts. They laughed in the rain as they eagerly waited to meet and train with Martial Arts specialists from all over New England.

The “OFF THE MAT” event was hosted by Tiger Institute Tae Kwon Do, an affiliate of Cervizzi’s Martial Arts Academy. “OFF THE MAT” kicked off at 8 a.m. and presented a full day of training in many styles and techniques of Martial Arts till 4 p.m. Instructors were introduced to applauding crowd and five awards were presented: to the First to sign up, Jimmy McGrath; the Youngest, six-year-old Charlie Tobies of Saugus; the Oldest, Sifu David Dumont; the Longest distance traveled, Sensei Chip Davison of Wiscasset , Maine; and the Best Supporting School, the Nine Tigers Kung Fu of Biddeford, Maine. Throughout the day, rain soaked the grass; perseverance showed itself strong through smiling faces and laughter. A typical Martial Arts bell rang out, signifying the beginning and ending of each class.

“Today’s a day where people come together with different backgrounds, ranks and styles to have fun and to learn from people who are different than themselves and what they study,” said Sifu Tim La Valee of Woo’s Martial Arts.

“OFF THE MAT” participants exhibited the indomitable spirit as they practiced new techniques in the rain and mud.

A crowd gathered for a tasty pizza lunch, which was included in the day’s festivities. They ate quickly while awaiting the next class with anticipation.

“Martial Arts is a creative expression of oneself and how you would use it to fight if needed,” Sifu Steve Mulloy of Nine Tigers Kung Fu said.

“The best advantage of Martial Arts is when you can share your techniques with others and they can share theirs,” Sensei Hal Pierce PBC/First Class MMA, said. He added that his motto is “Making champions and good citizens.”

The event’s organizer, Sabumnin/Shihan 6th degree black belt Amy Amirault of Tiger Institute Tae Kwon Do of Saugus, said she was “extremely grateful to all who collaborated to make this such a wonderful experience for the students.”

“We are truly fortunate to have an outstanding group of elite martial artists, who have come here with the goal of sharing knowledge and promoting friendship,” Amirault said.

“I am proud of students for their effort and enthusiasm as well as the respect they showed instructors and the Saugus Iron Works property,” she said.

Sabumnin/Shihan Amy Amirault offered the participants a last minute surprise: ice cream from Nereida Flores FUNTIME ice cream truck. After a creamy treat and a full day of fun, the participants bowed to the instructors as they left the Iron Works.