Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Cardella.
Hi Phil , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved from Austin Texas to Saint Augustine Florida March 23rd, 2011. My late wife was my girlfriend at the time. We both wanted a change of pace and scenery. There was not a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt at the time living in our city and I have been a Black Belt since 2006 in that system. As an enlisted marine and army combative instructor that was a full-time professional competitor in mixed martial arts and grappling, I brought that skill set to our city to help our community. I volunteered my time to the people who caught Saddam Hussein. I was a pioneer of the Mixed Martial Arts Sport.
An unfortunate shaping of my life history is i I lost my wife Sept 11, 2019 due to respiratory failure due to pneumonia. She help found our martial arts academy and Aerial Athlete. I am at our third location. & now honor her legacy with carrying the torch.
There is a great community and multiple services offered at the studio and academy. A group classes in martial arts, we host medium sized events, like tournaments, showcases, seminars, and kids camps. The improvement in the community from our presence is the impact I have had.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Moving somewhere you are not from, especially a tourist city, is not always easy as you are not from there.
Running a fair business in a beach town is an interesting practice that requires a considerate approach.
In 2019 as mentioned I lost my wife, business partner and best friend. Navigation through that type of life challenge isn’t something I would wish upon anyone.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My 6400 square-foot facility is a unique place of education and creation.
Martial arts, training, self-defense, training, and protection training for our community as a whole is something to be proud of and a great investment in a community. We also host the only grappling tournaments within 50 miles.,
Our facility also has aerial dance, which is a cool performing art. My late wife was the founder of.
We have branched off into photography since we have performances and tournaments. We keep the place very nice and it is open wide space with many props and now Photography set ups and set designs that are very unique and of a high artistic value. This is our newest venture!
The teaching and training that we do at our facility is one of a kind. Same with the events and community.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I had a very interesting childhood. I used to play in the “Calder killing fields” south of Houston countless hours. We played a lot outside, Biking or running wild most days. I started going to concerts in downtown Houston starting at 13 years old. I mostly enjoyed surfing in Galveston and camping there from 12- 17 years old before
Enlisting in the USMC.
Pricing:
- Our martial arts academy a free first class for any potential new clients. Our rates are very affordable, including our family rate.
- The aerial dance program is to honor our late founder and also very reasonable with no contracts.
- The photography portion of our facility is offered to clients and photographers. We have so many sets, props and backdrops. We can put together a perfect plan for anyone.
- Our summer camps are a great hit for kids and pretty reasonable.
- The grappling tournaments we host are more affordable than any others in the state.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Philcardella.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staugstudio
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/aerial.athlete.studio
- Twitter: @philcardella
- Youtube: MMA4florida
- Other: https://Www.aerialathlete.com
