Aiden Randall assumed a fighting pose and waited for the next command.

When it came, the 7-year-old son of Joint Base Lewis-McChord Staff Sgt. Donald and Tawna Randall executed a number of basic karate moves.

"Being here has given him a great sense of confidence, discipline and self motivation," Aiden's mother said on Jan. 8 as she stood in the gymnasium of North Thurston High School prior to an awards ceremony. "Premier Martial Arts is a great experience for adults and children."

Located at 4030 Martin Way E. in Olympia, Premier Martial Arts (PMA) has been offering instruction and training since 1997.

Headed by Mark Casey, an experienced and highly respected instructor, and a staff of expert instructors and managers, PMA offers an extensive number of programs in physical fitness and instruction in the martial arts, Kajukenbo, Tai Chi, Cage Fitness, Krav Maga and grappling for children and adults.

"The foundation of the training is based on responsibility and success," Casey said. "This school teaches and shares the same values that Soldiers live by."

Casey also pointed out that last year, PMA donated more than $12,000 to sponsor events at JBLM.

At any given time, there are between 250 and 350 students enrolled in PMA's programs.  Of that number, between 30 to 40 percent are connected to JBLM.

For Tom Lasch, a contractor at JBLM, finding PMA proved fortuitous. "Several years ago, I was looking for something for the kids to do, and I heard about this program," he said. After checking out what Casey and his staff offered, Lasch decided to enroll his children and himself in classes.

He could not speak more highly of that decision. "One of my children has Asperger's, and I really respect the way the staff works with him," Lasch said.

Asperger's Syndrome is characterized by difficulties in social interactions, compounded by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.

"There is a family environment here," Lasch said. "The kids felt right here, (and) the price was right."

He pointed out that his children train four nights a week.  Other parents also indicated that the work kept their children occupied.

It's the kind of regime that Staff Sgt. Mark Thomas, 189th Infantry, also finds appealing. "Look, this is a great place to come. They are very friendly to military members and will work with your schedule," he said moments before receiving the Black Belt Family Award.

For more information about Premier Martial Arts, which is currently offering a free introductory lesson, call (360) 956-0888, email mcasey9033@aol.com, or visit www.pmaolympia.com.