UFAF ITC 2025 First Star Power Revealed!

 

­  ­  ­  ­  ­  UFAF ITC 2025 July 17-20, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV Elevate your skills with an industry icon! Registration for the ITC 2025 will open February 1st, but we couldn't wait to start sharing our amazing instructor line up.  Get ready to be amazed! We're kicking off the UFAF ITC 2025 lineup with a true industry icon. Prepare to learn from the best as we welcome Melody Johnson as our first headline instructor. Melody Johnson has over 25 years of experience researching childhood development as it relates to sports, coaching, and parenting. Her groundbreaking contributions began with the creation of the Little Ninja Preschool martial arts program, which has been implemented in thousands of schools worldwide.   Over the years, Melody has revolutionized the children’s martial arts market with her innovative age-specific curriculums and drills known as SKILLZ. These curriculums are currently utilized in over 1,000 martial arts schools across more than two dozen countries, setting a global standard for excellence in child development through martial arts.   In addition to her contributions to curriculum design, Melody is a sought-after consultant and speaker on topics related to child development, teaching, and parenting. Her expertise is showcased through platforms like SKILLZ University, the Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialist program, and dynamic seminar presentations. Her work has empowered educators, coaches, and parents to create impactful and supportive environments for children.   Melody began her martial arts journey in 1987. She holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo under Grandmaster (Super) Dan Anderson, a 5th Degree Black Belt in the ATA, and an ATA World Champion title in forms. She currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her family and her son, who inspires her daily commitment to helping children thrive. Melody will teach during the Thursday Instructor Development Series (IDS), as well as an adult seminar on Friday.    The title of her IDS presentation is Stages of Development for Children Preschool through Middle School Unlock the Key to Understanding and Inspiring Young Students.    This course is your guide to understanding what children need most at every stage of their development. By exploring their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth from preschool to middle school, you’ll gain the tools to set realistic expectations and implement effective strategies to manage behavior—creating a positive learning environment that fosters growth by desire, not fear.  The seminar for her Friday seminar is Brain SKILLZ Workout with Melody Johnson.  Get ready for a high-energy, brain-boosting experience with Melody Johnson, creator of the Brain SKILLZ program! This interactive workout combines fun physical activities with brain-building drills designed to strengthen core cognitive skills.    What to Expect? Brain-Building Fun:Engage in dynamic exercises that enhance Speed of Processing, Divided Attention, Working Memory, and more!  Full-Body Movement: Move, think, and laugh your way through drills that challenge both your body and mind.  Boost Cognitive Strength:Improve focus, multitasking, memory, and problem-solving in an exciting, supportive environment.  All Levels Welcome:This workout is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply love a good challenge, this class is for YOU! ­ NEW ITC Venue - The RIO HOTEL AND CASINO We have a block of rooms at a great discount and we don't want you to miss out on it!   July 17-20 may be months away, but our room block is smaller this year and will probably fill up!  After that, there is no guarantee that you will get our discounted rate!!    To reserve your room click HERE.    Not only is The Rio historical but EVERYTHING is fully remodeled! This iconic Vegas destination has been reborn. Critics and online reviewers agree, “The Rio Hotel in Las Vegas is BACK!”  Here are some highlights we think you’ll love! ­  Rooms: ·      EVERY ROOM has a MINI-FRIDGE! ·      FULLY REMODELED! ·      Since The Rio was the first-ever all-suite resort in the Las Vegas Valley, every room is spacious. ·      The suites are 582 square feet in size, with a state-of-the-art 65-inch flat-screen TV, walk-in shower, sofa with a queen-size pull-out bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, (and as we mentioned before…a mini-fridge!). You can choose between a double queen bedroom (sleeps 6 people with the pull-out couch) or a king bedroom (sleeps 4 people with the pull-out couch).   ·      Also, did we mention that every room has a mini fridge?  Pool: The beautiful Pool at Rio is open daily. You have the option to use reserved seating, daybeds, and cabanas (all cabana reservations also include food and water!), or you can simply enjoy a regular pool day without all the bells and whistles. Entertainment: Every show featured at the Rio has won several awards. There are several stage shows (including the famous Penn & Teller magic show), but “WOW—The Vegas Spectacular” is truly a must-see. Here are some of the highlights you might like. ·      For ages 4+ (totally family friendly!) ·      Over 30 performers that “fly, flip, dance, and defy the imagination.” ·      180-degree stage with 3-D projections, holograms, and a 1,000-square-foot “liquid centerpiece.” (What the heck is a “liquid centerpiece” for a stage show? You’ll just have to wait and see for yourself!). ·      Winner of several “Best in Las Vegas” awards, including: “Best Production Show” “Best New Show” “Best Family Friendly Show” “Best Value Show" Food: The Rio has so many amazing and different food options, including but not limited to American, Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Indian. The Rio’s got something for every budget. Feeling fancy? The Rio can do that. Feeling like a quick bite? The Rio’s got it. Somewhere in between? The Rio has it all! Here is a quick breakdown of the food and price ranges. ·      $: Wetzel’s Pretzels, Starbucks, Smashburger (all classic favorites), and Sports Deli.  ·      $$: Luckley Tavern and Grill, Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho (yes, the Guy Fieri!), Hash House A Go Go, Attaboy Burger, Nama Nama, Tender Crush, Tony Luke’s, Shogun Ramen, Southland Burrito Co., KJ Dim Sum, Kang’s Kitchen, and Royal India Buffet. ·      $$$: Voodoo Steak (50 stories high!) and The Wine Cellar Tasting Room. Attractions and Experiences: ·      KISS by Monster Mini Golf Glow in the Dark Live DJ playing lots of music from the band KISS ·      Arcade ·      One-of-a-kind rock museum, with the world's largest public collection of KISS memorabilia! ·      Shopping at Shops in Rio **With The Rio's already low prices and our highly discounted resort fees, our group rate for the rooms this year will be lower than ever! That means you’ll have to act fast when registration becomes available. Once the room block is filled up, we can’t guarantee the same low prices!    UFAF participants will also receive the following perks! ·        Discounted Resort Fee ·        Access to the Fitness Center ·        2 for 1 Beverages (select outlets on property) ·        On property show tickets at a 50% Discount (max 2 tickets)    We are so excited about this new chapter of UFAF ITC. We can’t wait to see you all again, July 17-20, 2025…at The Rio Hotel and Casino!   P.S. The Rio is one of the only Vegas hotels that still has FREE PARKING!