Sterling Martial Arts (SMA) was founded in 2002 by the husband-and-wife team of Sensei's Mike and Sue Sonia, who together have over 25 years of martial arts experience. SMA is a proud member of Almeida's International Karate Association (AIKA). Under the leadership of Hanshi John Almeida, AIKA has been producing top students in Shotokan Karate for over 30 years. There are 7 schools in the AIKA federation located throughout the state. The schools remain close through special workouts, clinics, and tournaments. Students of SMA can take class at any of the other AIKA schools.

Shotokan Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art form. It was created in the early 1900's by Master Gichin Funakoshi. His goal was to create an empty hand style of defense as well as a way to condition the mind and body. He also used this new tool as a means to exercise the total body for those who have a limited amount of time.

Shotokan is termed a hard style of karate. The focus is on strength and power, which is developed through low stances and use of hip movement. The fundamental tools are a balance of blocks, punches, and kicks.

The primary aspects of training are kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Kihon is the practice of the basic techniques used such as counter punch, roundhouse kick, down block, etc.; Kata is the combination of these techniques into a series of moves against imaginary opponents; and Kumite is their practical application against a real opponent.