This martial arts studio opened in 2013. I located a newspaper article from the
Lodi News Sentinel that spotlighted this establishment as reads:
Martial arts studio opens at Bella Terra
Nadeem Khan said his first job came when he was in seventh grade — he bought bottles of cologne at the 99 Cent Store and sold them to individuals for $5. Proud of the 400 percent mark-up he charged for cologne while he was in middle school, Khan describes himself as an entrepreneur for half of his 36 years.
Born and raised in Stockton, Khan is a Franklin High School graduate. He’s dabbled in several Stockton businesses ranging from a pizza establishment to International Bazaar grocery store. He also owned Boba Stop, which offers smoothies and healthy iced drinks at Bella Terra Plaza, but Khan recently sold it to engage in what he describes as his passion — martial arts.
On June 17, he had a “soft opening” for his new business, Legends Martial Arts, at the refurbished Bella Terra Plaza on West Kettleman Lane, east of Ham Lane. Khan is inviting the community to his official grand opening on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m.
Children as young as 3 years old can be introduced to taekwondo, so they can decide whether they want to pursue martial arts classes when they get older.
So what do you say to a 3-year-old in a taekwondo class?
“We have fun,” Khan said. “I’ll say, ‘Watch out because the bears are coming.’”
The youngsters have a good time jumping, kicking and negotiating an obstacle course, offering them a brief introduction to the art.
By age 5, things get a little more serious. Beginner and intermediate taekwondo classes are offered for children aged 5 through 12, and for those 13 years old to adult.
According to Khan, taekwondo uses punches, high standing kicks and jump kicks — but for sport and self-defense only.
As part of the martial arts training, children and adults are encouraged to treat each other with respect. For example, Khan has students address instructors as “Sir” or “Ma’am” and bow to them before and after class.
“Don’t say, ‘What’s up, Dude?’” he said.
Khan said he will also teach the concepts of personal integrity, perseverance, self-control and having the indomitable spirit to never give up.
Khan is excited that one of his instructors is Carlito Bonjoc, who is a member of the Eskrima Hall of Fame from the Philippines.
Although his roots are in Stockton, Khan said he wants to become more involved in Lodi. Though he will charge $69 for weekly taekwondo lessons or $99 for lessons twice a week, Khan said he will work with families who can’t afford the fees. He doesn’t want to keep people from participating.
When he’s not teaching martial arts, Khan is helping in an official capacity with the California Islamic Center, which is planned on Lower Sacramento Road south of Harney Lane. Muslims involved in developing center continue to raise money to complete the project.
Khan lives in Stockton with his wife, Uzma Khan, three sons and a daughter.