Martial Arts and Motor Learning

I have spent the bulk of my life falling in love with the martial arts.  In my youth, as I approached my first black belt exam, I began to dream of a school of my own and to honor my teacher, R. Anthony Kemmerlin Sr. with presenting his system to the public and taking the enriching experiences of the martial arts to anyone willing to learn and put in the work.   Prior to getting to married, I left my full time job with a non-profit company helping at risk youth get back into school and onto a career pathway. I started The EDGE Academy in a small location and our program quickly grew. Upon my wife's encouragement, I left my employer and went full time with my school.  I am an extremely small business and have purposely priced myself at a lower rate so that anyone at any economic level would be able to have and enjoy the benefits of martial arts training.  I have begun to specialize in working with special needs students and presenting relevant, content rich self-defense training for women and children.  I mentor children in our local elementary school and work with autistic children and their families. Because of  lower training fees coupled with the high cost of commercial real estate, I am in need of funding so that I may purchase new mats, new safety equipment, specialized tools such as fidgets and fun, engaging training materials that will greatly enhance the learning and pleasure of all my younger students.  I did not open my business with the ambition of making a ton of money and having a huge house and fancy car. I am called to teach, to share and spread my passion, to mentor young people and inspire the next generation of creators, thinkers, innovators and people of compassion and service. My business name, EDGE Academy represents Education. Dedication. Growth and Excellence.  I use martial arts and motor movement, stories, hands on projects and community engagement.  

My goal is to have these funds by late April so that I may stock my school with the neccessary equipment to prepare for summer and the new school year. 

To say I would be grateful would not do justice to how thankful I would be. Each of my students and their families are an integral part of our program.  I am so blessed to work with such wondeful children and client families. A little extra help from you, kind donor would enable me to further my program and benefit many young hearts and minds. 

We thank you.