Elite Martial Arts Academy hosted a Grand Reopening Celebration on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at its new location at 7620 Investment Court, Sunderland, MD 20736. Bryant O. Parker, Master, Martial Arts, founder and owner of Elite Martial Arts Academy, cut the ribbon at a ceremony attended by county officials, past instructors, parents, friends, and students who packed the new building with standing room only. Notable among those attending were Commissioner Patrick H. Nutter, Deputy Calvert County Administrator Wilson Parran, and President/CEO of the Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce, Doris Cammack-Spencer. The Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce and Calvert County Minority Business Alliance were sponsors for the event.
Serving the community through the Academy, Parker is also currently serving as President of the Calvert County Minority Business Alliance (CCMBA). He is an experienced instructor with 40 plus years of training and 26 years of teaching. He started his journey in Martial Arts at the age of 10 under the instruction and leadership of Grand Master, Patrick H. Nutter, also a commissioner on the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners. Nutter was on hand for the ceremony and officiated over the certification of black belt recipients.
Parker is a Fifth-Degree Black belt in four different martial arts: Tae Kwon Do, Kempo, Aiki Jutsu and Combat Jitsu. He recently acquired the rank of 7th Degree Black belt in Kempo promoted by Grand Master Pat Nutter.
Established in 1991, Elite Martial Arts members have competed on the National and Local tournament circuits.
“Martial arts are not only a way to train the mind and body,” said Parker, “but also a way to train oneself in life. I like to emphasize the importance of honesty, integrity, character and excellence in the training. I hope to motivate and inspire my students to become an inspiration to others.”
Master Parker has always had an entrepreneurial drive. Prior to becoming a business owner, he was a manager for Burger King and Safeway.
“I learned business from the ground up,” said Parker who, among other endeavors, started his own private security company, Elite Protective Services, acquiring contracts with private and commercial entities. Master Parker has been in business for 26 years in several counties, specifically Calvert, Anne Arundel, Prince Georges and Baltimore County.
Elite Martial Arts Academy tag line is “We are Devoted to the Instruction of Martial Arts and Personal Achievement.”