Local opens martial arts studio

Merokean Andrew Ball, an accomplished kickboxer with years of experience, recently opened a martial arts studio on the Merrick-Bellmore border called AB Martial Arts. Specializing in kickboxing, the studio offers many classes in various styles of martial arts to people of all ages.

Ball, 34, began training in martial arts when he was 19 under Louis Neglia, a 10th-degree black belt and three-time world kickboxing champion. Neglia is a Grand Master of martial arts, creator of the Louis Neglia Martial Arts System, and owner of the Ring of Combat, an East Coast professional mixed martial arts league that has sent over 100 fighters to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“It was the first day of the rest of my life,” Ball said of his first time sparring under Neglia. “I’m a much better person from what he taught me — I want to give back to the community.”

A five-time kickboxing champion at various levels, Ball has fought internationally at a WKA Kickboxing tournament. Ball has also fought for Glory at competitions in New York and New Jersey.  Glory is the largest kickboxing promotion company in the world, featuring some of the sport’s highest-level fighters.

Fulfilling a longtime dream, Ball opened AB Martial Arts last December. The studio offers training in a variety of fighting styles, including karate, kickboxing, self-defense and boxing.

“I remember telling people in high school that this is something I wanted to do,” Ball said. “This is a dream for me.

“We’ve had a lot of clients come in after Covid regulations eased,” he added. “Things are getting better now — I want to go all the way with it.”

He recently hired two coaches, Anthony Morales, a black belt in Brazilian jujitsu from Animals MMA, a martial arts studio in Yonkers, and Jaclyn Silva, a strength and conditioning coach and certified personal trainer. Their addition to the studio has led to the creation of a Brazilian jujitsu class, called Jitz Lab, and a strength and conditioning class, called Fitness with Jac.

Ball said he created these classes because he understood that some people just wanted to learn jujitsu, and others may just be looking to stay in shape. “Strength and conditioning are very important when training for martial arts,” he explained.

Morales, 47, of the South Bronx, met Ball through a mutual teammate, and was searching for schools where he could teach jujitsu earlier this year. “It’s awesome,” he said of his experience working with Ball. “Our schedules don’t conflict — Andrew teaches a striking program and I teach a grappling program.”

The studio has a full schedule, with classes taught by Ball on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Morales teaching jujitsu on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and Silva available for training during morning hours.

Silva, 38, joined the studio as a student in January, and has never missed a class, she said. “Andrew wanted to make it a more well-rounded gym,” which is how she started teaching classes there, she said, adding, “It’s been great — a lot of fun. Andrew’s a great teacher. He’s very patient.”

“I don’t want to discourage anyone,” Ball said, noting that they will teach people of all ages martial arts. “I didn’t create the style I teach — my sensei did. I am a black belt under him, and a part of him is in me. I keep certain traditional rules.”

Ball said he was looking to expand the program for kids, but wants people to understand his style of teaching. “It is a serious discipline,” he said. “They’re learning a skill — I want people to know what they’re walking into.”

“Not everyone is going to be a champion martial artist, and that’s OK,” Morales added. “But what you learn carries on outside of martial arts. It will teach you humility — technique over power.”

“I like watching my students’ faces and seeing pure excitement,” Ball said. “I really think I can specialize in helping kids who are going through a tough time at a young age.”

Morales also teaches a “bully-proof” program for kids. “It’s about situational awareness and conflict avoidance,” he said. “You never want to be a victim. You always want to be aware, and looking out for each other. You’re in control of the wheel.”

“I want to inspire people and help people,” Ball said. “I’m proud of what I’m doing, and I’m proud of what I’ve done.”

Information on the studio can be found at martialartsmerrick.com or, on Instagram, @a.b._martialarts.