Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia, Joel and Hazel Quintans.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Our journey began with the end of an era. For decades, the Sosa family operated the International Aikido Association headquarters dojo in Oak Cliff on Jefferson Boulevard. In November 2016, chief instructor, Ricardo Sosa, Sensei announced his retirement and plans to close the school, leaving the students without a dojo, or training hall. Joel Quintans, Sensei, the highest ranked student and instructor with IAA, was entrusted by Sensei Sosa to continue his legacy and teachings. Joel founded the University Aikido Club at UT Arlington several years ago, as an affiliate of IAA, and has a passion for teaching martial arts. His wife, Alicia, Sensei, and sister, Hazel, Sensei, were also senior students and assistant IAA instructors.
Timing is everything. Alicia, as architect and owner of JQAQ Atelier, LLC, had joined forces with Monte Anderson and Tyler Station LLC, adapting a historic Dixie Wax Paper Company factory, into a mixed-use development. With 110,000 square feet of available space for lease in Oak Cliff’s Elmwood neighborhood, Joel, Alicia and Hazel decided to lease space and open a martial arts school at Tyler Station, creating a family-owned small business. The journey of Oak Cliff Aikikai began as one of the first tenants in Tyler Station. For 30 years, our family has been active in the Oak Cliff community. This opportunity presented a way to give back to the community we cherish.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
While the new dojo was under construction inside the raw industrial building, training transitioned from the Jefferson location to the fabrication area inside Tyler Station. As one of the first tenants, we’ve welcomed other local entrepreneurs and endured the dust and vibrations of construction in progress. All part of the training.
JQAQ Atelier has been the architect of record for Tyler Station, assisting with plans and permits for other businesses in the building. A shared office for JQAQ Atelier was integrated into the space design for Oak Cliff Aikikai, creating a unique combination of a martial arts school and architect’s office. The three partners contribute skills to both businesses.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Oak Cliff Aikikai (OCA) officially opened its doors in June 2017, providing evening classes for children and adults in Aikido, Muay Thai, and Arnis. Additional offerings include Nia, Yoga, and personal training
OCA recently expanded into the ‘Flex Room’ at Tyler Station, a 1966 addition to the historic Dixie Wax Paper Company Factory, built specifically for Flexographic printers. Today, the Flex Room is a flexible and dynamic venue for movement, wellness, and personal growth. OCA has hosted unique events such as ‘Gong Meditation’ facilitated by renowned sound therapist Kenny Kolter, Tantric Belly Dance by Hathor Hendrix, art exhibitions, fashion shows, and AikiFlow: The Coordination of Mind, Body, and Spirit, just to name a few. Yoga, meditation, and movement classes are held in the Flex Room, and it can be rented for workshops, boot camps, lectures and wellness-related events. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal trainers are available for private or group sessions. Free Motion Dual Cable Cross Fitness equipment is available to members.
A flurry of construction activity is beginning to settle with the recent opening of Oak Cliff Brewing Company, one of Tyler Station’s largest tenants, and OCA’s neighbor. The creative mix of tenants in Tyler Station has offered opportunities for collaboration, such as an upcoming tea ceremony and gong meditation with co-host and neighbor. Zakti.
Our loyal students are part of our story, traveling from as far west as Weatherford, as far north as McKinney, or just down the street. We thank these students, the community, other Tyler Station tenants, and our core group of instructors for our first year. Theresa Quintans and Karen French have introduced Nia to Oak Cliff. L.J. Hash, Nic Cronkhite, Vanessa Strunk, and Hisako Ishii lead yoga classes six days a week, with a noon class for tenants and neighbors.
Oak Cliff Aikikai continues to provide space for individuals to cultivate harmony of mind, body, and spirit.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1300 S Polk Street
Suite 225 & 228
Dallas, TX 75224 - Website: https://www.oakcliffaikikai.com/
- Phone: 2146089062
- Email: aiki@oakcliffaikikai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakcliffaikikai/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakcliffaikikai/
Image Credit:
Oak Cliff Aikikai
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