Building communities

You may not imagine small town Wyoming as having an exceptional martial arts program. Nick Haderley his family and team, however, have made it their mission to bring a martial arts program to the Valley.

Starting in 2018 at the community center with other collaborators and eventually branching out to their own building, Platte Valley Martial Arts is becoming a household name in much of Carbon County. After extensive renovations PVMA reopened in September 2020 at its new location on Bridge Street. Growing up around multiple types of martial arts, the sport is very close to Nick’s heart.

“It (martial arts)has had a very meaningful impact on my life in incredible ways.”

Starting his first karate school in Sheridan more than 10 plus years ago, Nick has shown his dedication to the sport. Bringing that to the Valley, PVMA is a non-profit dedicated to using martial arts to build better people and communities. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu (Jujutsu/Jujitsu), Judo, Karate, Yoga, Tai Chi & Kempo/Kenpo classes are available in Saratoga for both children and adults. Daytime and evening classes are offered all year round on various weekdays. After school Martial Arts Program, Summer and Winter Camps. may also be available.

With such a variety of classes offered it may be hard choosing only one. Luckily every class PVMA offers is free, meaning taking multiple classes is possible for the overachiever while the rest of us may be comfortable starting with one day a week. Whether you are bringing kids in to wear them out or trying something new, PVMA really has something for everyone to try.

One exciting new activity recently launched at PVMA is CRAWL, a Parent & Toddler Judo Program at their dojo.CRAWL stands for: Confidence, Respect, Awareness, Willpower, & Leadership. Judo is an excellent way for children to learn body awareness.

These practices are filled with exercises which require gross motor skills, focus and balance. PVMA works on providing a safe space to gradually develop confidence and independence in the sport. By introducing martial arts in a comfortable way for children and adults, PVMA shows the value of the sport.

“The lessons learned training on the mat are directly applicable to day to day life” said Nick

Offering a huge variety of classes, seemingly to ages 0-100, at no cost isn’t something many dojos are able to claim. PVMA is continuing its mission to use martial arts to build better people and communities right here in the Platte Valley.

Contact Platte Valley Martial Arts for exact class hours for different age groups. Remember the program is operated entirely by volunteers that have full time jobs and busy family schedules.