NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — A North Kingstown martial arts studio that abruptly closed earlier this year will soon be opening under a new name.
Premier Martial Arts closed its North Kingstown dojo in February, leaving students and their families to decide their next steps.
Teacher Frank Soltis told 12News that he and several other instructors have banded together since the closure and are continuing to teach classes at a nearby church for free.
“What we teach is what we preach,” Soltis said. “Winners never give up, and quitters never win.”
“We never stopped for them and we want to continue to do so for them,” he continued.
Soltis plans to open a new dojo called Legacy Martial Arts in the same building, and he's looking forward to reuniting with his students.
“Martial arts is not just about kicking and punching,” Soltis added. “It's about bringing out the best in our students.”
Laura Bateman said it was heartbreaking to see her two children lose a teacher because of the closure.
“The kids were very upset and it was difficult to talk to them,” Bateman said. “At the time we didn't know if they would ever see their coach again or continue in martial arts.”
Bateman said she is grateful that Soltis and the other instructors are working hard together in the same studio.
“We're really happy to be opening in the same location with the same staff, especially for the kids who go to school here,” Bateman said.
Legacy Martial Arts is set to officially open at its old location in North Kingstown on April 1. Soltis said they are also planning a celebratory grand opening on May 4.
