When Master Jena Bushey was young, she saw the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and was inspired.
“I saw what they were doing and I said, ‘I want to do that,’” Bushey said.
While Bushey didn’t become a Power Ranger, she did the next best thing - she became a martial artist.
Now a 6th-degree black belt in taekwondo, Bushey dedicated her life to the martial arts and is now trying to empower youth through her martial arts school, Legacy American Martial Arts, in West St. Paul.
A certified instructor since 2005, Bushey and her husband Mr. Jack Smail opened the martial arts school on Robert Street in 2009. Through taekwondo classes, she strives to teach kids discipline and leadership skills - both on and off the mat.
“We want to develop good citizens, someone who takes accountability for their actions,” Bushey said. “If they take that out into the community, it will create a ripple effect.”
While bettering the community and helping individuals - especially youth - achieve their goals and build self-confidence is her ultimate goal, she also teaches her students superb martial arts skills and helps them improve their fitness through a variety of classes.
Legacy Martial Arts offers kids taekwondo classes starting at 5 years old. She offers Little Dragons for kids ages 5-6, Junior Taekwondo for ages 7-12, and Junior Leadership (an invite-only class) to help youth improve their leadership skills.
Since Master Bushey and Mr. Smail believe that “a family who kicks together, sticks together,” they also offer teen and adult classes. In addition to taekwondo classes, adults and teens can also take Tai Chi and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
If your children - or your whole family - are interested in learning more about Legacy American Martial Arts, they can sign up for three classes for $29.99.
You can also check out the gym’s Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 1:30-3 pm. This is a Teal Pumpkin event, so both treats and non-food items will be available to kids.
Contact Jena Bushey or call the gym at 651-343-2320 to get more information or get started with classes today!
