- Dawn and Lisa Jones have opened Tiger Fusion Martial Arts & Fitness in Massillon.
- The business opened in Julyr and is located at 24 Lincoln Way W in downtown.
- Tiger Fusion offers self-defense and karate courses to clients with a focus on self-confidence and respect.
MASSILLON – A new martial arts and fitness center has opened downtown.
Owners Dawn and Lisa Jones, who both grew up in Stark County, said Tiger Fusion Martial Arts & Fitness offers self-defense, such as tae kwon do, Muay Thai and karate, for ages 4 and up.
“It’s been a dream my whole life to have my own gym and help people,” said Dawn, who’s been involved with martial arts for 40 years, including instruction at other locales.
The couple opened the business this summer at 24 Lincoln Way W.
Lisa said helping Dawn achieve her dream of owning a business is rewarding.
“It’s fulfilling. I totally wanted to support her on that and venture in this (business) together,” said Lisa.
Dawn said Lisa’s assistance was paramount.
“She pushed me to do it,” Dawn said.
Tiger Fusion also focusses on teaching kids respect, self-worth
In addition to martial arts and fitness, a primary focus at Tiger Fusion is instructing teens on self-worth, character building, respect and personal confidence, Dawn said.
“We try to do a well-rounded system and like to help shape children, especially with a lot of bullying in schools these days,” she said.
Tiger Fusion opened in early July and started with three students, Dawn said.
“We’re up to 30, now. I think we can grow it up to 60,” she said.
Dawn, 54, is a 1988 graduate of McKinley High School. Lisa, 55, is a 1987 graduate of GlenOak High School.
They reside in Perry Township and believe Massillon is be a prime spot to grow their business.
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“Massillon has proved to be the right place for us because of its strong family and community ties,” said Dawn, adding that you can’t go wrong by having “Tiger” as part of a business name.
“We want to be welcomed here, and let people know were up and running,” she added.
Tiger Fusion hosts classes from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays. Saturday instruction is by appointment only.
“As we grow, we can add more days and classes,” said Dawn, adding that interested students should call the business for pricing.
The business can be reached at 330-639-7920, or via email at [email protected].
Self-defense classes can also be scheduled online at www.tfmaf.com.
Reach Steven Grazier at [email protected]. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
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