As Eric McAllister was thinking about how to run a sustainable martial arts school, he began to notice a deep need for mental and spiritual resilience in young people.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, McAllister has read about a growing connection between excessive screen time and social problems, bullying, lack of confidence and poor self-image.
“When we started to look into it, we found an alarming number of young people experiencing depression, bullying and suicide rates under the age of 15,” McAllister said. “When we go back and read the white papers and case studies on screen time, we see that these kids are judging themselves based on what other people like and write online and succumbing to social bullying… When they train in martial arts, they feel more positive about themselves and their abilities.”
Over the past few years, McAllister has developed a martial arts academy that focuses on teaching self-reliance, self-image and self-defense.
The meaning of “7-5-3” comes from the teachings of Bushido, which describe the seven virtues, five keys to health, and three states of mind. McAllister teaches these samurai ways in his studio, combining martial arts with purpose, ethics, and mental strength.
A holistic approach to fitness
At 7-5-3 Academy, founder and coach McAllister and assistant coach David Valko are committed to offering small class sizes (15 participants or less). A low student-to-instructor ratio promotes quality instruction and helps students achieve sustainable goals without the risk of injury.
From private martial arts lessons and Filipino Martial Arts classes to after-school programs and Lightsaber Academy, 7-5-3 offers a holistic approach to self-defense, leaving clients of all ages fully trained, calm and confident in their ability to defend themselves in real-life situations.
Outside of the studio, McAllister also emphasizes fitness and emphasizes proper nutrition and meal planning, and he hopes to build strong relationships with his students and their families so young people can implement what they learn in 7-5-3 at home and school.
“We want to teach our students how to stay calm and manage stress effectively, not just here but especially in school,” McAllister said. “Before they take a test or give a presentation in class, we help them imagine that stress and learn how to reduce it through positive imagery, meditation, slowing their heart rate and focusing on their breathing. We want to help with the whole picture, not just temporary fixes.”
7-5-3 Academy also offers a complimentary consultation for new clients to understand their fitness goals.
“I want to know where my clients are on their journey, what challenges are holding them back, both physically and mentally, and then we set goals to help them achieve that and track their progress,” he said.
Varco says that small group lessons and individualized goal setting have helped 7-5-3 maintain a steady membership base, with customers returning year after year.
As part of its 7-5-3 membership, the academy hosts monthly Kids Nights where parents can drop off their children and take part in martial arts-themed activities, games and competitions, complete with snacks and drinks.
leadership
A small business owner and military veteran, McAllister's involvement with martial arts began at age 10 and he has trained in a variety of martial arts since childhood, including Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Filipino Martial Arts and Aikido.
McAllister is a medically discharged Army veteran who spent 18 years in the Army serving in special operations, intelligence and global counterterrorism operations. He is no stranger to challenges, having undergone a lengthy battle with cancer.
“I've had complications, relapses, retreatment and still suffer from the aftereffects,” McAllister says. “One of my personal mantras is that the times when you feel like quitting or tell yourself you can't do it are the times you need it most.”
McAllister is currently a master instructor in the Filipino martial arts style Pekiti Tirsia Kali. He is the highest-ranked martial artist of this style in the state of Arizona.
David Valko has a background in project management and software design. Valko brings business and planning expertise to 7-5-3 and serves as an assistant instructor with 10 years of martial arts experience, teaching classes throughout the week, including 7-5-3 kickboxing.
McAllister and Varco will be working with the Fountain Hills Unified School District to host a variety of club activities at the 7-5-3 Academy and launch a newly expanded Summer Warrior course for youth.
As the 7-5-3 Academy expands its capabilities in the local community, McAllister and Valko continue to strive to improve the physical and mental well-being of youth and adults through positive reinforcement, individualized training, and kindness to themselves and others.
“We need to develop inner strength,” McAllister says. “Being able to move through these mental challenges in a positive way is where warrior skills come from.”
7-5-3 Academy is located at 14835 E. Shea Blvd., Suite C104. For more information, visit 753academy.com, call 480-219-9253 or email info@7-5-3Academy.com.
Readers are invited to submit fair comments on this issue at AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Cyrus Guccione can be contacted at cguccione@iniusa.org.
