So The Martial Artist is like its name implies, a store that sells Martial Arts Equipment. It's a small local business so I thought that I would try them first before going to the big box stores. I was in search of some groin protection! I was kneed in the lady parts during my last class and while I lack nuts, let me tell you, it still hurt.
Going into the store, it looks really chaotic. There's stuff everywhere, some organized and some not so much (at least that's how it appeared to me) and the space is relatively small. Nonetheless, I was greeted immediately by the owner (I assume he's the owner since my receipt said I was served by "Kevin" and that's the name on the business cards), who was serving another customer (who I think was placing a big customized order or something like that. He must have been a regular because they were chatting like they knew each other). So I stood behind him waiting until they were done. The owner asked me if he could help me and I told him I was looking for a groin guard for a woman and he lead me to a wall with a small selection. It was organized by size and there was only 1 brand. I'm not super familiar with this type of equipment and the owner admitted that he wasn't either. In fact, before I started training I didn't even know such a thing existed for ladies! (It's like a jock strap but it's essentially a flat plate with no pocket for a "package" LOL. It also comes up a bit higher to protect part of your abdomen as well). So I grabbed a small and hoped for the best, haha. It was $23.39.
Check out was quick and efficient. I did notice that my receipt was printed on a dot matrix printer (!) - do they even still make the paper for those things?!? This made the place even more endearing to me, lol.
Apparently (according to their business card), they also do custom embroidery, engraving and trophies.
The store is in a strip mall in Orleans. There's free parking, but it was really full when I went (mid-week in the middle of the day). I did find a spot, but they were not plentiful.
I like supporting small local businesses. Especially when the service is good. So if I need some more gear, I'll come back. read more