Beginning in the fall of 2018, Bryan College will offer a four-year Martial Arts Academy program for its students. This new program, led by David Holcomb ’94, will serve as a leadership development program designed to provide students with a balanced mix of martial arts training and spiritual formation.
“To be able to bring together the two things that influenced my life the most – my martial arts training and my Bryan College experience – is truly an honor,” Mr. Holcomb said.
Students will have the opportunity to work towards a black belt in Isshinryu karate or their 1st through 4th degrees. The school will also offer scholarships to students based on demonstrated martial arts proficiency as well as financial need.
Through this program, which is fully backed by the International Isshinryu Karate Association, students will receive credit for their training and have opportunities to compete annually in weapons kata, empty hand kata, and point fighting. In addition to martial arts training, students will develop a biblical worldview as well as the ability to think and communicate well to others.
“This Academy will work to improve students’ physical and emotional well being,” Mr. Holcomb said. “While students will spend the majority of their time on physical aspects like conditioning, kata, weapons, self-defense, fighting, and body mechanics, the remainder will focus on spiritual and mental aspects.”
Mr. Holcomb said that his goal is to grow the program to eventually host a collegiate martial arts tournament on Bryan’s campus.
“There’s no school in the country that offers this type of program. With this program, you could potentially get a black belt within four years at Bryan College.”
Bryan College President Dr. Stephen Livesay shares his excitement for the program and what it will mean for the school going forward. “At Bryan College, we offer programs that meet the needs of our ever-changing community. This program will not only be impactful for the individual students, but also in positioning the College in a national spotlight.”
For more information about the program, please visit here.