MAIS celebrates grand opening in Socorro with demonstrations

Board breaking, sparing and a ribbon cutting were highlights of the Martial Arts Institute of Socorro (MAIS) grand opening celebration on Saturday. Students of all ages showed off their skill set with forms and one-on-one competitions, demonstrating what they’ve learned at the institute.

“I’m happy to see things happening in Socorro that give kids and families opportunities,” Anton Salome, Socorro City Council, said.

Salome and Eddie Garcia, Socorro County detention administrator, were Socorro representatives for the ribbon cutting. Garcia said he came out to support the grand opening because his son has been involved in martial arts classes for the last seven months. He thought it was such a good program that it inspired him to bring the staff from the correctional facility for training.

Grandmaster Daniel Walker, world Hapkido Chunki Po president, Stephen Davis, martial arts master and Norwood Kyoshnim, black belt, were also in attendance from Santa Fe.

In between demonstrations ranging from sword fighting and black belt weapon forms, several students and parents spoke to their experience with MAIS.

Parents of one student shared with the audience that their young son had struggled with poor gross motor skills, but after working with the instructors, they said his balance and strength has improved tremendously. Another parent said her child was timid, but has since become more outgoing and social.

Two families also testified to their mental and physical improvements since starting martial arts and the bonds they’ve created by joining martial arts together.

Misty Millhorn, co-founder of MAIS, described the institute as a “black belt school” that trains students to become black belts through a commitment to self-improvement and daily practice.

“Black Belt excellence is, making a commitment every day to overcome yourself so you’re never measured against someone else. When you get your promotions and your and your belts, you have a goal, and you’re measured against yourself.” Millhorn said.

The school teaches a variety of martial arts styles, including Tai Chi, Hapkido, and Japanese sword fighting (Kendo). They offer Tae Kwon Do for students between three years old and 12. Tai Chi Chuan and Hapkido is available for teens and adults.

Millhorn said the institute fosters respect, camaraderie and motivation. They teach students of all ages techniques to defend themselves in potentially dangerous situations. In turn, students are more confident and benefit physically and emotionally.

Misty Millhorn and Elric Padilla, both black belts trained under Grand Master Daniel Walker in Santa Fe. Elric, a native of Socorro, began his martial arts journey under Grandmaster Maiga, a doctor of geology at New Mexico Tech. When Padilla would go to Santa Fe to train, Millhorn would watch but had no intention of joining, but over time, she felt drawn into martial arts, and it grew into a passion for her.

In 2022, the couple began a martial arts club to provide a venue for their friends and the local community. The interest and participation grew and prompted the official founding of MAIS in 2023. MAIS is a branch of their parent Institute in Santa Fe, under Grand Master Walker.

It started as a small living room space, but with the community interest growing, Padilla and Millhorn decided to reconstruct the building to allow for more students, which was completed two months ago.

“It’s an honor and joy to serve the community of which I was born and raised,” Padilla said “We are a dedicated and excited black belt couple who wants to serve children, teens, adults and seniors in the Socorro community through martial arts.”

He said their goal is to grow a safer community.

For more information on MAIS, please visit: https://www.martialartsinstitutesocorro.com/