Bensalem Martial Arts is teaching locals how to boost confidence while learning self-defense
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
When it comes to martial arts, there’s often one glaring misconception — it’s not all about the kicking and punching. While the physical aspect is a huge part (with the occasional chance to swing some nunchucks), there’s an equally vital mental component that teaches structure, discipline and leadership, all while boosting confidence.
At Bensalem Martial Arts, students ranging from 3½ to 70 years old are able to hone these invaluable skills through classes and private lessons. The school, located at 1336 Bristol Pike, also offers free community events, including an upcoming Women’s Self Defense Workshop on Saturday, July 28, for females preparing to go back to college.
To learn more about this ancient art and how it continues to impact all generations today, The Times caught up with owner Ryan Wagner, chief instructor/manager Lucas Pincione and full-time instructor Kyle Hillis, all of whom are reaping the benefits of their chosen sport.
Upon walking into Bensalem Martial Arts, guests are instantly greeted by the smiling faces of Wagner and his close-knit staff. To see Wagner today and the comfort he exudes in his own skin, one would never picture him as a shy, timid child. But once upon a time, this Levittown native could be found hiding behind his father’s leg while at a local ice cream stand.
Despite being a self-described hyperactive “nutjob” at home, young Wagner was painfully shy in public. Thankfully, his ’80s childhood coincided with the era of The Karate Kid, Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. For the first time, kids were becoming interested in martial arts because of these pop culture phenomenons. At 7 years old, Wagner’s parents enrolled him in martial arts so he could simultaneously work on his confidence in public and self-control at home. At first, it wasn’t easy. Wagner reflected on how he “stunk” at tournaments in the beginning.
“I really didn’t have natural ability,” he said.
But he stuck with it, finally winning a first-place trophy several months prior to earning his black belt. Not only was Wagner coming into his own as a person, he was quickly discovering a passion for teaching. At just 13 years old, Wagner began assisting with classes at his school. Though making money at such a young age was certainly a perk, he was in it for something else — to inspire.
“What happened for me, I wanted to do that for people,” he said.
Rather than go the traditional college route, Wagner immersed himself in the business side of things, all while continuing to improve his martial arts craft. In 2008, he opened Bensalem Martial Arts with his former teacher, before purchasing the school himself in May 2010. Though Wagner started with a handful of members, his school has since surpassed the country’s average enrollment of 100–120, currently boasting 260.
Assisting Wagner in the operations of the school are Hillis and Pincione, who also credit martial arts for positive life transformations. For instructor Hillis, the sport allowed him to improve both his body and mind. Before starting at Bensalem Martial Arts four years ago, he was nearly 270 pounds with very little self-confidence. That all changed once he enrolled at the school, with Hillis slowly but surely realizing he was capable of more than he ever thought possible.
“I saw myself starting to get a lot better at different techniques and getting more flexible and in better shape,” he said.
Today, Hillis is 60 pounds lighter, a proven black belt and role model for students starting out with similar self-doubting mindsets. He’s living proof that it’s OK to fail in the beginning, as long as you pick yourself up and try again.
Manager Pincione shared a similar story to Wagner, reflecting on how he had polar opposite personalities depending on his surroundings. As a teenager, he refused to go to the store for his mother out of fear he’d need to ask the cashier a question. In the same breath, he came alive while on the soccer field.
“I would be completely shy and unconfident when I wasn’t playing soccer, and when I was playing, I was very cocky and arrogant and like, in people’s face,” he reflected.
Pincione’s initial interest in martial arts started as an “ego thing” — he wanted to punch and fight people. But at Bensalem Martial Arts, Wagner helped him find more confidence by practicing discipline.
“I fell in love with it after the first two lessons,” he said. “The cool part about martial arts is it makes you a better athlete and it makes you a better leader. It does work on your mentality and really has you think about things and handle certain situations.”
Bensalem Martial Arts helps instill these often life-altering ideals into its students through a special leadership program, which covers everything from how to take ownership of a mistake to practicing integrity.
“Things you don’t think about teaching a 7- or 8-year-old, we’re going over with them,” Wagner said. “It really helps them develop leadership skills and become great leaders. I was nothing like this when I was a kid.”
Students are accepted into the school year-round, with a six-week trial period available for those unsure if martial arts is a good fit.
“This truly is a commitment. It didn’t take three weeks to get Kyle where Kyle is. It didn’t take a year to get me where I got. It takes time,” Wagner said. “If we can get a person truly dedicated and committed, we can change them.”
Bensalem Martial Arts hosts free community events. The Women’s Self Defense Workshop is Saturday, July 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. Geared toward females ages 17–35, the event will teach fighting skills and how to become better aware of their surroundings. Those interested can call 215–244–8880 or email [email protected] to reserve a spot. For details, visit martialarts4bensalem.com. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
