Laurel, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/24/2015 -- BAMS Martial Arts and Fitness, formerly The Bam's Kung Fu Academy, announced today that its grand opening and open house event will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2015. The event marks the private martial arts academy's relocation after 20 years of service and contributions to the local community. The academy offers kids and adults martial arts programs, kickboxing fitness classes, self-defense classes for women and more.

The Laurel Police Department, along with the city mayor, Craig A. Moe, will be present during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Additionally, the academy will be deemed "Laurel's Premiere Private Martial Arts Institute" by official proclamation during the academy's Martial Arts and Fitness Day, an annual event that is co-hosted by the city.

BAMS Martial Arts and Fitness has had a longstanding relationship with the City of Laurel, participating in park cleanup events with the Mayor's office, food drives, toy drives, parades and partnerships with local elementary schools. The academy will continue its service to the community in partnership with the city by collectively implementing initiatives to bring more awareness to health and fitness issues, including childhood obesity. The academy will also develop behavior incentive programs for local students to help combat bullying, peer pressure and school violence.

"For two decades I have been committed to providing the local community with the best in martial arts and fitness training, and we're still going strong," said Willie "The Bam" Johnson, academy owner and martial arts legend. "Our traditional values combined with our innovative approach have not only helped our students to build healthier, stronger bodies, but also stronger character." It is these values that Willie shared as a premier community activist on the popular network television show Shark Tank.

About Willie "The Bam" Johnson
Johnson's career has spanned 30 years. He is a seven-time sport karate and kung fu world champion and two-time All-American champion. In 1991, Johnson made history as America's first nationally ranked Triple Crown martial arts champion. Only three years later, he had the distinction of being the first African-American to be ranked number one in kung fu forms and weapons. In addition to these accomplishments, he has earned fifth and seventh-degree black belts in karate and kung fu and has studied several other arts such as jujitsu, Thai boxing, boxing, wrestling, tai chi and kickboxing. Johnson received the title of Grand Master in 1995 and is a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

BAMS Martial Arts and Fitness' grand opening event will take place at 13960 Baltimore Avenue in Suite B from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.thebams.com

For More Information:
Contact: Willie Johnson @ 301-776-0909, bamsmartialfitness@gmail.com