Martial Artists Sculpt Supercentre

By Todd Curran
The new Foothills Training Services martial arts supercenter kicked open its doors in Okotoks on August 4th, offering self defense, ninjutsu and mixed martial arts classes.
The small Foothills Training Services dojo that Sensei Tom Gillis started in 2004 has blossomed into a training facility for a variety of martial arts, weapons instruction and law enforcement preparation. Their new Stockton Point home in Okotoks is bigger than their previous location, allowing them to offer more services like guided imagery for performance enhancement or personal success and well-being. “We pretty much destroyed that first place, so they kicked us out,” says Tom, evidenced by a couple of wayward weapons sent flying during disarming demonstrations.
Students, instructors and curious hopefuls filled the new training facility, awestruck by combat demonstrations (Oooh, that’s gotta hurt!) and the blessing of the Dojo conducted by Shihan Jay, Tom's Sensei and a Shinto priest. Although the blessing was delivered in Japanese, the essence was to rid the space of negative forces and bring luck, success and best wishes to Tom and the training super-center.
Offering mixed martial arts featuring techniques used in Ultimate Fighting Championship, children's classes starting in September and other programs, the instructors offer a wide range of services. “Whatever you're interested in, we want to make it available to learn here,” Tom says. “That's our goal.”
Much like the essence of yin and yang, Tom promotes martial arts as a pathway to fitness, self-discipline, confidence and respect for others.
For more information on Foothills Training Services visit their comprehensive website at:
www.ftsma.com.