martial arts

Addy Mann featured Martial Arts athlete

My name is Addison Mann and I am 12 years old, I was born in Joplin, MO.  I have been practicing martial arts for 4 years and have competed for 3 years.  I first started karate for self defense in American Kenpo and Brazilian Jujitsu just taking classes like everyone else did i wasn't hooked yet, so i did some school sports like cheerleading and volleyball. After those I started doing gymnastics it didn't help me or teach me anything that I already didn't know so I quit that and started focusing on my karate more.  After I did it for some time I started doing private lessons with my Sifu Ray Kellison he taught me more to help me move up faster he was also into the competitions and started showing me how to do competitions.  I was only an orange belt when i did my first tournament in Memorial Hall here in Joplin, MO and that's where I won my first tournament. I was very happy and decided to learn more, I started to learn a different style called Kungfu. My Sifu taught me a form called Tiger Claw, from there I learned more and more.  Then I learned another style, called Okinawan other wise known as Ryuei Ryu. Going to more tournaments made me love karate even more. I pursued and trained every day from 4pm to 8pm. I continuously trained, working harder everyday to get to where I am now. I am a multiple time Regional Champions, National Champion, World Champion, and a Jr. Olympic Champion. My dream is to open my own Dojo for not only kids but adults who want to learn karate and compete just like I did and continue to do. I help teach and help during classes, so I would have experience. I love helping them as much as I can, helping them get better and stronger every day brings me joy to watch them grow. My other dream when I get older, is to be in the Olympics. I train with Sandra Sanchez, and she has inspired me to be the greatest person I can be. I thank and look up to those who have helped me and have taught me throughout the years.

Update 10/2023: 

Greenlee Featured Martial Arts Athlete

My name is Greenlee Conley, was born in Cape Girardeau, Mo. My mother homeschools me, I started homeschooling after the 6th grade, due to bullying. When I was younger we tried dance and gymnastics full of girls. But if you don't fit in the group, your left out. One day my dad mentioned Karate. I was dead against it then after several years. I asked him to stop me in a Taekwondo school, full of guys. I was thinking this isn't going to work, but after a few classes. I was hooked, people are there to pick you up, not tear you down. Then I went to competition ,and made all kind of friends, that will last a life time. I train everyday and try my best to get better and better from my last competition. I really got some the best coaches and mentors. I really love teaching, the younger people, and look forward to one day having my own dojo and promoting my own events, to give back. 


Benefits of Martial Arts


Helps improve: - Focus is on individual growth


Martial arts has a lot to offer youth. The ultimate aim of Martial Arts is to teach children peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution skills and to help them work out ways to avoid physical altercations. Many kids struggle with the pressure of competing with other kids. In martial arts, the focus is on self-improvement.