Impact Martial Arts Opens Its Doors In Oskaloosa
Dustin Bunnell uses his brother Al in a demonstration at their recently opened facility
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Doing something that you love leads most people to find a way of making it their work as well. One Oskaloosa native and his family are working to make that dream a reality.
I recently posed the question to Dustin Bunnell, Owner and Head Instructor, what was the inspiration for opening up in Oskaloosa? “Oskaloosa is my hometown and there’s simply no place like home. There’s no better way to strengthen who you are by strengthening your roots. I decided to open a school here because I’d like to become more involved in the community here and reach as many children as possible with our upcoming Bully Proof classes. Bullying is a problem everywhere, even in small towns like ours and it can leave a lasting impression on a child, teen, or even an adult. I also have a number of self-defense programs for women and rape prevention classes coming up in the near future. If I make an impact anywhere, I’d like to first make impact here at home in Oskaloosa.”
Bunnell says there are three primary people involved, including himself, “my brother Al Bunnell Jr. and my nephew Cody Bunnell.”
“I plan on spearheading the self-defense programs, Jeet Kune Do and Kali Silat classes, and in the future a Tai Chi Chuan class, while my brother Al will specialize in practical kickboxing, MMA and various weapons classes, and my nephew Cody who is an outstanding grappler will soon focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. We’ve also received tremendous support from several others including Team Nightmare fighter and head coach, Kevin “Gumby” Galbraith who’s always been an amazing supporter of what we do.”
Bunnell can remember that moment in his life when he knew what he wanted to do, “Well, when I was about 4 years old my parents signed me up for the local Tae Kwon Do class. I don’t think I fully understood what it was that I was doing until a short time later I snuck out of bed one night and came across Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” playing on the Kung Fu Theater channel. I was completely mesmerized and, as crazy as it sounds, even at 4 years old I absolutely knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and here I am, 27 years later, even more in love and passionate about the martial arts. The primary discipline I teach is the art of Jeet Kune Do, which means “Way of the Intercepting Fist” which was created and developed by Bruce Lee.”
Curious as to his background and with who he learned and trained with, “I’ve learned from a great deal of instructors over the years, but I’d say my primary instructor is Sifu Paul Vunak. He was instrumental in developing my passion for Jeet Kune Do as well as my passion for teaching. He’s a very kind, humble and dedicated instructor who spends a lot of time working with children who have disabilities in his Adapt For Life Program. He’s an incredible instructor who has numerous accomplishments in the martial arts world, including being designated to train our United States Navy Seals as well as countless other military and law enforcement agencies. He really opened my eyes to a world beyond simple martial arts technique and using what you have to give back something positive to the world. I’m not sure if the discipline itself had anything to do with it, but after meeting such a genuine humanitarian, I couldn’t help but want to follow in his footsteps.”
Impact Martial Arts is located at 212 North C Street, in Oskaloosa, IA. “Right behind Cork & Bottle Liquor store up town.”
Beyond the posted hours, Bunnell said that they offer other options, “we do offer private, semi-private, group instruction and seminars. Outside of actual class hours we’re working with different MMA fighters, preparing them for fights or training on our own. There’s usually someone here from early in the morning till late at night.”
To learn more you can visit their website at www.AssaultProof.com or visit them on Facebook
