Baeplex Family Martial Arts Center
PMB 307 - 5251-18 John Tyler Highway
Williamsburg, VA  23185 * (757) 229-2237
www.baeplex.com
Read about Baeplex in the May Outlook 
and take a virtual tour below.

Get in shape at Baeplex

When was the last time you met someone who really loved his job?Really loved it. If it's been a while consider signing up for a Tae Kwan Do class with Joseph Ash at Baeplex Family Martial Arts Center, because this is a man who has truly found his calling.

A former professional athlete who is now a master instructor, Ash takes easily to the role of businessman, having purchased Baeplex in 1997 at age 20. "I wear a lot of hats-as do most small business owners," he said. He belies the assumption that compassion and sensitivity are somehow antithetical to sound business practice. "Even though this is a business, it's a people business."

Ash combines smart business decisions with concern for his students, their families, and the community. He is trying to purchase a building so his prices won't be as dependent on increasing rent. "There are people who need to be here who can't afford it."

He is also grouping students by skill level rather than age to help families. "We have a family with a mom and dad and four kids all taking classes. It would be really inconvenient if the parents had
to drive back and forth to multiple class times."

Ash's mission is "teaching life skills - physical and mental." He also works to make Baeplex "a good, safe, and positive environment," where students can learn and be challenged without the specter of destructive criticism.

That said, there is nothing touchy-feely about Ash's approach. In addition to providing state-of-the-art equipment, designed for safety as well as challenge, Ash has created a curriculum for each level of expertise and posts the study guide online. He also provides satellite video courses taught by an Olympic coach that students can watch in the main studio "to show them a different point of view."

For the last four years Ash has hosted the Virginia AAU District Tae Kwon Do Championship. Every May more than 400 athletes from across the state - including students from Baeplex - compete for the right to represent Virginia at nationals. His good friends U.S. Olympic Coach Jean Lopez and U.S. Olympic Team Member Mark Lopez attend.

But in typical Baeplex style, although the event is about competition and excellence, there is food, face painting, and no shortage of fun for everyone.

An example of his nurturing approach was apparent during an interview. When the giggles of young girls playing on a mat gets a little noisy, Ash excuses himself and voice calm but firm says simply, "Self-control, please." The children settle down, and he thanks them. He commands their respect, but he also shows
them respect.

Joe Ash takes a break with some of the Baeplex "family:" L-R. Riley Vinson, Administrative Director Maria Davenport and her daughter, Rhiannon, Sierra Altizer, Joe, and Olivia Altizer.