The martial arts of non-violence

When Nick Haderlie came to the Valley with his family five years ago, he began looking for judo or jiu-jitsu classes but was unable to find anything local.

His solution was to start his own martial arts group and begin training at the Saratoga Recreation Center. Platte Valley Martial Arts was born April 2018.

Along with wanting to remain active, another major motivation for Haderlie in starting the program a lack of activities for younger children. He began the program with a focus on elementary school children.

Classes were held on the stage in order to give the volleyball teams access to the gym floor. Within a year they outgrew the venue. Haderlie said they had a five year plan which included purchasing a building specifically for a dojo. A dojo is a room or hall where judo and other martial arts are practiced.

Haderlie is the Martial Arts Sensei. The title sensei requires the master's hard and lengthy work, good knowledge of martial arts and the ability to lead and teach others.

Finding a way

In 2020, the Malone Family Land Preservation Organization purchased the building at 106 West Bridge. Haderlie said if it wasn't for the Silver Spur Ranch they wouldn't be where they are now. The renovations were paid for completely by the Malone Family organization as well.

The building is leased by the Platte Valley Martial Arts (PVMA) at a very nominal fee, and all other general operational expenses are paid for by the PVMA.

Haderlie said he didn't intend or have any designs about what this would grow too. He said on average they've had 50 kids for the last couple years. The adult program tends to ebb and flow, but they average 15-20 adults.

They've also been providing yoga, tai chi and are starting belly dancing classes. They're trying to offer something for every age group, and it's all free.

Paying the bills

To earn enough funds to keep the lights on they do a beef raffle once a year for a half of a beef. Silver Spur Ranches donate the beef and Merrill's meat donates half the butchering and the Silver Spur pays for the other half to be processed. Union Wireless has been very generous as well, providing internet. There are some private donors, but the PVMA mainly rely's on the fund raiser for general expenses.