05/27/2026
LONG POST BUT PLEASE READ:
Today was one of those days that reminded me why we do what we do at Stryker Martial Arts Academy.
Every Tuesday, I join a marketing Zoom call with martial arts school owners from all across the country. During today’s call, one of the speakers shared a story about running into a former student years later. During their conversation, that student opened up about how much martial arts had meant to them during childhood.
That story stuck with me.
After the call, I started confirming appointments for new students who had requested information through our website. I called through the list, left a few voicemails, spoke to one parent, and then called another appointment request.
A lady answered the phone.
I introduced myself and simply said I was confirming the appointment she had scheduled for her child.
“Click.”
I sat there for a second, thinking maybe the call dropped, so I called back.
She answered again.
I said, “This is Chris with Stryker Martial Arts Academy again. I think we got disconnected.”
“Click.”
I’ll be honest… it bothered me more than it should have. I remember sitting there thinking, “Wow… that was rude.”
So before classes started that evening, I decided to run to Walmart for a few things and clear my head.
And that’s where something incredible happened.
As I was walking through the store, I heard a young lady say, “Mr. Massie?”
I turned around and said, “Yes?”
Standing there was a young woman in her mid-20s smiling at me.
“Do you remember me?” she asked.
I told her she looked familiar, and she began telling me she had been one of my students when she was around 8 years old.
As we talked, I remembered her immediately.
She told me she absolutely loved martial arts and was heartbroken when she had to stop coming years ago. Her parents had gone through a divorce at the time, and life became difficult for her family.
Then she said something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
She told me that karate class was the one place in her life back then that made her feel good about herself.
She talked about our instructors and staff and how supported she felt every time she walked through our doors. But what hit me the hardest was when she said:
“You all made me feel special… like you actually cared about me.”
She said that during one of the hardest seasons of her childhood, martial arts gave her hope.
Hope.
She hugged me and thanked me for always being kind to her.
As I walked away, I just stood there thinking…
Maybe we really are changing lives.
You see, martial arts is about so much more than punches, kicks, belts, or trophies.
Sometimes it’s confidence.Sometimes it’s discipline.Sometimes it’s learning to stand back up after life knocks you down.
And sometimes…
it’s the one safe place a child has during a difficult season of life.
To every family that trusts us with your children — thank you.
Please never underestimate the impact consistency, encouragement, and believing in a child can have.
Years later, they may not remember every technique they learned…
…but they will remember how you made them feel.
That’s what we strive for every single day at Stryker Martial Arts Academy.
