Gerald Reid: At Excel Martial Arts Training Center, E-Java Abdul-Qadir is teaching kids the sports he cherished as a child. The Bronx native competed and won many awards as a child, and through his accomplishments, he was inspired to teach motivated learners. The center offered a space for those interested. As a former world champion, he says he knew he wanted to be a mentor to others.
Eljaba Abdul Qadir: I knew that I was already well versed in martial arts and had a successful career in it, so I wanted to continue to pass on my approach – discipline, hard work, strength and unrestrained competitiveness – for myself and my children.
Gerald Reid: Both of his children are trained at the center, one of them is Tahira Abdul Qadir.
Tahira Abdul Qadir: I really grew up in the sport, I would say I officially started when I was about four years old.
Gerald Reed: The Syracuse University sophomore is at the center when she's not on campus training for upcoming meets. She said it's fun to be able to compete and have that experience with her family.
Tahira Abdul-Qadir: I get to share it with the people I love the most. My family is all in kickboxing and it's something we share. We get to travel the world together and train together. So I think that's one of the big reasons that makes this sport so dear to me.
Dusty Herbig: It's a lot of fun watching the hands and feet when the competition is happening.
Gerald Reed: Some families here are hoping for that same experience. Dusty Herbig enrolled his daughter at the center, and he says the opportunity to compete was crucial to the decision.
Dusty Herbig: This place is unique in that sense, and competition is a priority, which was key in wanting my kids to participate and not just learn the format.
Gerald Reid: El Java's children, who started martial arts at a young age, were also pursuing martial arts by the time the center opened in 2008. But it's the bond between him and his daughter, who also gives private lessons, that drives the center's competitive spirit. He tells the story of when their relationship began.
Eljaba Abdul Qadir: Tahira is my princess, right? When my wife and I had Tahira, I had her wrapped around her little finger. I have pictures of her in a little sundress, with a karate head guard and gloves. For her, martial arts is our way of life.
Gerald Reid: Having her father always there to teach her makes the experience worthwhile and enjoyable. She says the guidance she gets from her father is something special.
Tahira Abdul Qadir: I'm really close with my dad, and it's been really great having him as my coach because not only do I have that support system of him being there for me at matches, but he's literally my coach, so he not only trains me but also gives me mental support.
GERALD REED: She says her bond with her father gives her peace of mind and helps her find the strength to overcome any challenge. This is Gerald Reed for NCC News from Syracuse.
Syracuse, NY (NCCNews) – For Eljava and Tahira Abdul Qadir, their bond in martial arts extends beyond the mat. Martial arts and other self-defense sports demand a high level of physical skill, but training with your family demands a soft touch.
Excel Martial Arts Training Center is a place that encourages training of the mind and body to overcome obstacles through competition. The center offers martial arts, kickboxing and other self-defense programs.
With all the training provided, one thing that is already on the table at the center is families.
Eljaba Abdul Qadir is the center's founder. Among its many participants are two of his children. They were among the first to join when the center opened in 2008, and they've had the same start in life as their father.Egan him.
The foundations laid during his childhood have led to many accolades, including a 7th degree black belt and multiple world championship kickboxing titles.
“I knew that I was already a martial arts master and had a successful career at that point,” he said, “so I wanted to continue to pass on my way of life – the discipline, hard work, strength and free-spirited competitive spirit that martial arts brings – for myself and for my children.”
One of those people is Tahira Abdul Qadir, a sophomore at Syracuse University, and being able to train with her family has been a big plus for her.
“I get to share it with the people I love the most. My whole family is in kickboxing and it's something that our family shares,” she said. “We get to travel the world together and train together, so I think that's one of the big reasons why this sport is so important to me.”
The father-daughter bond between El Java and Tahira Abdul Qadir is a shining light at the center.
He had a highly successful sports background, so it was only natural that he would pass that on to her, and when he thinks back to her elementary school days, we see that her future was already set.
“Tahira is my princess, right? When my wife and I had her, I had her wrapped around her little finger,” he said. “I have pictures of her in a little sundress, with a karate head guard and gloves on. For her, martial arts is our way of life.”
Her father's dual role in her life brings more benefits and leads to a stronger bond between them.
“I'm really close with my dad,” she says, “and it's been really nice to have him as my coach. Not only is he there for me at games, but he's literally my coach, so he trains me and gives me mental support.”
This family event also sees through to those who bring their children: Since the competition is the main draw, parent Dusty Herbig brought her daughter to the center, following a familiar theme.
“This place is unique in that way, and competition takes precedence, which was key in wanting my kid to be involved and not just learn the format,” Herbig said.
