Mike Field is a busy man-being a father of three kids and a full-time Frontier employee.
But come to find out, that is just the beginning. Field owns and operates a martial arts academy at 212 S. Collins Avenue in Macomb.
Field, who originally hails from Effingham, Illinois, population 20,000, lived for several years in Wisconsin working for Frontier. At one time he had put on weight, 60 pounds to be exact, so he began going to a gym that a friend owned. It was there he fell in love with martial arts.
Later, after moving to the Macomb area, Mike began his own school for local children and adults. As time passed the locations changed, the school taking place in such venues as his basement, the basement of State Farm, the old Kirlins building, the Field House, and now 212 S. Collins Ave. (next to Macomb Glass). It is Mike Field's dream to buy or build his own building where his academy can call home.
All three of Mike's children have been active in the martial arts programs, with son Logan winning a gold medal in Las Vegas in 2021.
For parents considering after-school activities and sports for their child, Field stresses it is important to consider many things, including the costs involved and the perceived benefits for their child.
Field's website lists the reasons why martial arts is a great activity for both parent and child. Here are a few of the benefits:
• To get active-one of the most obvious benefits of martial arts is that it includes a physical activity component. Not only will it get a person and their child moving around a lot, but they'll also build on their strength and flexibility.
• It builds self-esteem and confidence-learning new skills increases confidence and self-esteem. The child also needs to work together with other students in the class and even perform their skills in front of other people during grading or special events.
• To work on goal-setting and self-improvement-most types of martial arts have a belt or ranking system that the parent and the child work through, meaning they are rewarded for their practice and mastery of skills. Focusing on a goal such as achieving a new rank or belt is a great way to learn about goal-setting and motivation.
• Learn respect and listening skills-respecting your instructor or teacher is an important part of martial arts. Children will need to listen and follow instructions in order to learn new skills and moves.
* Encourage teamwork and belonging-while martial arts is typically done as an individual, teamwork is still a vital part of practice, working in pairs is often used to teach sparring or to work on moves. Being part of a club also creates a sense of belonging and creates lifelong friendships.
• Get physical in a safe environment-if you have a child who likes to punch, kick or wrestle, martial arts offers a safe environment in which to do it. Children learn how to punch bags, how to land safely if they fall backwards and how to block someone else's punches or kicks. It's much safer than them practicing on their siblings or their furniture.
• Learn about conflict resolution- you might think that martial arts is about fighting but it's just the opposite in most cases. Many martial arts styles focus on self defense and don't allow fighting between students until they are older and have more advanced skills.
The ultimate aim of martial arts is to teach all ages peaceful, nonviolent conflict resolution skills and physical altercations. Martial arts has a lot to offer everyone. It gets anyone active and teaches them to be confident, peaceful and focused.
Plus if your child grows to love it, they can confidently continue practicing into adulthood.
Field's programs teach people how to control someone who is trying to hurt them, and that there is a time and place to put your hands on another human being.
Mike Field is quite accomplished himself, having brown belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Tae Soo Do.
Athletes from The Shed have competed in Paris, Barcelona, Florida (every year), Texas (every year), Las Vegas and St. Louis.
Field is quite obviously a very driven, focused individual who loves teaching and loves kids.
His goals are to buy a building (or build) so that he is not renting, and to keep his students advancing.
Watch for more from this impressive Macomb entrepreneur and martial arts instructor.
If a parent wishes to learn more about Mike Field's martial arts academy, they may stop in at 212 S. Collins Avenue, visit their website at www.theshedjiujitsu.com or just call Mike at 309-3336157. The Shed is also on Facebook and Instagram.
Lessons at The Shed prices and schedule are as follows: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday-kids 5:45-6:30pm $80 per month, adults 6:45-8pm $99 per month; Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Judo, Fridays 5:30-6:30pm wrestling. Payments are 100% automated, there are no contracts and children can be as young as six. Mike currently has an older adult student who is 64 years young.
