For more than 20 years, the Little Union Academy of Martial Arts has brought a different type of March Madness to Kinston.  From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, Little Union will host the 19th Annual Karate Madness Open Championship Tournament in the Kinston High School gym here in Kinston.

This family-friendly event brings martial arts students and teachers from the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia – and even sometimes from New Jersey.

Karate Madness provides a great opportunity for children, starting at age 5, and adults to display their skills, techniques, and competitive spirit in the martial arts.

The event was created in 2003 by Grand Master Joseph Jones, who founded the Little Union Academy of Martial Arts. Jones is an eighth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teaches Moo Duk Kwan and Tae Kwon Do styles in his dojo.

Jones has plenty of experience in martial arts, having started his journey in the martial arts in 1963 under the world-renown Grand Master Richard Chun in New York City. Jones has won numerous awards for his work, including being inducted into the American Martial Arts Alliance Hall of Fame and Joe Corley’s American Karate Battle of Atlanta Officials Hall of Fame, Inc, He received the 2012 Minority Business of the Year award in Kinston/Lenoir County and the Community Service Award in 2013 from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Jones returned to Kinston to make a difference in his community, with a special focus on guiding children.

“In the old days, martial arts was perceived as very combative and aggressive, but these days, it’s really used to help with life skills,” Jones explained. “Kids these days are committing suicide, and they don’t have awareness of themselves or others. The study of martial arts brings a sense of home and peace. Our mark is made not as much by kicking and punching, but by bringing discipline and self-respect.”

One mother expressed her agreement.

“I appreciate Little Union so much,” she said. “I have two children enrolled here, and it really is like a family. The values and morals they instill [at the academy] are the same we try to exemplify at home to help develop our children’s character into honorable and humble people.”

“I tell them all the time: If you had discipline, you wouldn’t have fear in your heart,” Jones said. “That’s the only reason (someone) has that gun. Martial arts study teaches courage, confidence, and how to concentrate. It stimulates the brain cells and helps the student become a better person within and in society.”

To another parent, the focus on discipline is key.

“Great discipline builder!” she said. “I’ve already seen my son develop his listening and learn to respect – and it’s only been two weeks!”

The dojo is located at 133 N. Queen Street. Students do numerous demonstrations — most notably at the Kinston Christmas parade. Jones said he hopes the Karate Madness event will help spark local interest in the martial arts.

“We strive to develop character, discipline, respect, and self-control,” Jones said.

For more information about Little Union Academy or about the Karate Madness Open Championship tournament, contact the academy at 252-523-5862 or by email at LittleUnionKarate@gmail.com.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.