Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenn Armstrong.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my formal martial arts training in 1980 (Bushin-Kai Karate) under Sensei Larry Brown and Sensei Delmus Russ in Wilmington, NC. Prior to beginning formal lessons, we trained in various forms of martial arts from books and elders in our community.
I transitioned to Kempo Karate in 1986-1987 under Sensei Larry Brown and began formally training in Boxing at the Wilmington Boxing and Physical Fitness Center. In 1984, I began wrestling and would go on to compete in Junior Nationals in Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling.
I graduated from Emsley A Laney high school and completed basic training at the U.S. Army Infantry training center, in Ft. Benning, GA 1989. I enrolled in Pembroke State University now (UNCP). It was during my two years at Pembroke State I had the opportunity to train with Grandmaster Victor Moore (“The Man Who Beat Them All”). I continuously trained in Boxing and Martial Arts, while stationed in the Army.
After completing my military contract in 1988 my family and I moved to Grenada, MS, and I enrolled two of my children in Isshinryu Karate under Master Wade Hobbs. I began my formal training in Isshinryu in 2008 and continue to train and compete in Karate and BJJ tournaments. In 2016, I opened the Academy of Martial Arts in Charleston, MS at the Wellness Center and offered Isshinryu Karate and self-defense classes.
In 2019, the Academy of Martial Arts was officially opened in Grenada, MS after years of teaching out of various physical fitness centers in the area. The Academy of Martial Arts offers classes in Karate, Boxing, Wrestling, Submission Grappling, and MMA. I am a certified and licensed USA Boxing Coach and Official; Licensed USA Wrestling Copper & Bronze coach.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Covid really put a roadblock on the services we provide at the Academy, however with Zoom we were able to continue classes virtually for those who were unable to attend classes physically. One of the main challenges we have here is getting people to start classes, everyone says they want to be in Martial Arts, but few actually take the big step of entering a (Dojo) training hall.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Other than Martial Arts I have been working in the Occupational Therapy field as a Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant for 30 years. I have worked in home health, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient, and hospital settings as a civilian.
I was also a supervisor in charge of Occupational Therapy while in Bosnia, Blue Factory during Operation Joint Guard.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My wife and I have been married for 29 years and we have 3 children.
Pricing:
- $50 montlhy fee covers 1 or all classes offered
- Family Special $100 month covers 3~5 family members
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msacademyofmartial.wixsite.com/website-1
- Facebook: @academyofmagrenadams
