It’s often said good things take time.

Try telling Jody and Heather Moon that.

The couple has been patiently waiting for years to receive a building permit for a martial arts school they’ve wanted to build in Stroud.

Last Friday, the long-awaited day finally arrived.

Just before 6 p.m., the couple, joined by students and guests, broke the ground for their new business – Jody Moon’s Yujo Mixed Martial Arts and Positive Attitude Training Centre. The lengthy moniker reflects the couple’s philosophy towards what they attempt to impart to their students.

“We bought the property four years ago,” says Heather Moon. “The centre will be built on the south side of Sunnybrae Avenue, just east of Yonge Street.”

The Moons live in Gilford and have operated a martial arts school there for a decade.

For years, they’ve dreamed of having a more centralized and accessible location. So with their plans in tow, they approached Town Hall for site approval.

“It took us three-and-a-half years to get the building permit,” Heather says. “We incurred some extra charges because of delays. We were told by the Town to make changes. We did, and then it took months for them to respond. Finally, Coun. Peter Kmet called a meeting and got everyone together. He said, 'We have to help these people!’ I had a huge sheaf of papers I took to that meeting.”

The final details and issues were resolved to the Town’s satisfaction, and it was time to move ahead.

Accomplished Barrie architect Ian Malcolm designed the building.

“He’s made it look very nice and attractive,” Moon says. “The building will complement the area. It looks a bit on the elite side. Ian told us that most other people, facing the delays we did, would have given up. That’s not us.”

A local builder, custom-home builder Terry Bessette, has been retained for the construction – due to start immediately.

The 9,000-square-foot structure will have 4,500 square feet at ground level and 4,500 square feet below. The school will occupy the entire lower level, plus 900 square feet on top. The remaining 3,600 square feet will be sublet into up to four rental units, Moon says. Local realtor Lou Kelly will seek out commercial tenants.

The Moons currently have 100 students in their club.

“We do all sorts of martial arts and positive attitude training,” Moon says. “Kids learn how to set goals. We focus on esteem, teamwork, self discipline and fitness. We want to have a win-win situation for our kids.”

Down the road, the Moons want to develop a program targeted at special-needs kids.

“We’ll also be doing an after-school program where we’ll pick up kids from their school in a bus and bring them here,” Moon says. “We are really hoping for a September launch.”

The ups and downs, coupled with the numerous trials and tribulations culminating in the groundbreaking, have proven one thing for sure, Moon says.

“If nothing else,” she laughs, “we’re persistent.”