ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg martial arts academy is celebrating a milestone that means far more than a business anniversary.

Sensei Martial Arts Academy is marking one year at its new location after hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed the owners’ first space and left them fighting to keep their dream alive.

Emerson Santos and his wife, Marina Albuquerque, moved from Clermont to St. Petersburg in 2024 and opened their martial arts academy in St. Pete Beach.

But just three months later, Hurricane Helene flooded the location. Hurricane Milton followed with even more damage. By Christmas, the couple learned their lease was being terminated.

“When you have to close the doors and say that story’s gone, that was hard,” Santos said. “That was the first time I found myself in a position that we lose.”

Much of the academy’s expensive training equipment was destroyed, and Santos said the couple struggled financially as they tried to keep the business going. Instead of giving up, they moved classes outdoors.

For six months, Santos and Albuquerque held martial arts sessions twice a week at local parks.

They credit their students and families with helping them continue.

“If they wouldn’t give me any support, probably I wouldn’t be here,” Santos said. “Their support, their positive energy and motivation motivated me to continue.”

Now, the academy is operating in St. Petersburg’s Skyway Marina District, where a new group of students and parents fill the studio. Many may not know the full story behind the space, but the owners say that history adds meaning to the lessons they teach: discipline, confidence and perseverance.

Air Force Maj. Tyler Gross said his young son has been attending classes for eight months and is learning more than martial arts.

“We’re really hoping that he gets the opportunity to not only learn self-discipline but how to use his energy to work with his friends, as well as to win, lose — just some life skills that he may not otherwise get,” Gross said.

The academy will hold a one-year anniversary celebration this weekend, including free martial arts training for families.

For Albuquerque, the milestone represents more than reopening.

“One year anniversary of Sensei Martial Arts Academy means resilience and faith,” she said.

The academy’s story is one of many across Pinellas County after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

According to county officials, nearly 900 businesses were damaged during the storms, which caused an estimated $136 million in damage.

Tourism also took a major hit, creating additional challenges for small businesses still working to recover.