08/18/2026
🔑 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PROMOTER: CHANDRES PICKETT
Behind every great tournament is someone with a vision—and behind the inaugural Gate City Open is a promoter whose heart for martial arts, competitors, and families runs deep.
Meet Chandres Pickett! 🥋
Chandres is a mom of eight, including adult children with disabilities. That experience is one of the reasons Para/Adaptive divisions are especially important to her. Creating a tournament where athletes of different abilities have an opportunity to compete, be celebrated, and feel like they belong isn't just another division on the schedule—it's personal.
She is also the owner of Phoenix Karate, which she has owned since 2023 and has operated in Uptown Martinsville, Virginia, since 2024. Chandres holds a 3rd-degree black belt in American Freestyle Karate, but her martial arts story started long before that. She trained in Goju Ryu as a child, and the instructor who taught her then is still actively training and competing today!
Martial arts is truly a Pickett family affair. Three of Chandres' children compete in forms, weapons, and sparring, and Chandres has been part of the PROMAC family for seven years.
And somehow, between being a mom, school owner, martial artist, official, tournament promoter, and traveling to competitions, Chandres decided it was also time to finish some unfinished business. 📚
She is currently working toward her business management degree, returning to something she began more than two decades ago. Chandres left school in 2003 when she was pregnant with her first daughter—and now she's finishing what she started. ❤️
When she actually finds some downtime, you'll probably find her taking care of her houseplants—some of which have names. 🪴
But we didn't want you to only hear from Chandres about who she is. We asked a few people in the PROMAC community what they had to say about her.
Sean Gilham, promoter of Battle at the Capital in the PROMAC Southern Region, summed it up simply:
"She has a kind heart and cares for competitors."
Joe Johnson, PROMAC Southwestern Region, Heart of Texas Classic event promoter, shared:
"One of the kindest and most caring promoters PROMAC has. She perfectly fits the PROMAC culture of hardworking people. She has time for her kids, school, and of course all of the tournaments."
And Joey Perry may have said it best:
"The Pickett family have been a strong part of PROMAC for many years and I've had the pleasure of watching Chandres grow as a leader, official, and now, promoter. She has unlocked a new level! Gate City here we come!" 🔑
That is exactly what Gate City Open is about.
Opening new doors.
Creating new opportunities.
Welcoming every athlete.
And unlocking something bigger.
On September 19th in Greensboro, North Carolina, Chandres gets to add another title to that already impressive list:
🏆 Gate City Open Promoter.
The gate is getting closer.
🔐 Are you ready to unlock it?
https://www.mataction.com/gatecityopen
