Michelle Ray, 4th Dan, Chief Instructor/Owner
The owner and Chief Instructor of Little Rock Taekwondo Academy,. Michelle Ray began her training in Taekwondo in 1977, becoming one of the first females to achieve her Black Belt at Little Rock Taekwondo Academy in 1978. She subsequently achieved the rank of 2nd Dan, was an instructor in both the children and adults classes, and earned the title of National Champion in both Forms and Sparring in 1979.
After a hiatus of several years to devote her time to her family and business, Mrs. Ray became active again at Little Rock Taekwondo Academy in 1996. Starting over as a white belt (beginner) student in order to participate in class with her then 13 year old daughter, Mrs. Ray rose through the ranks on an accelerated training program, earning her 1st degree Black Belt again in 1998.
She purchased Little Rock Taekwondo Academy in 1980, and is responsible for bringing cross training from other martial arts disciplines into the curriculum. At the age of 49, Ms. Ray underwent total hip replacement surgery. Demonstrating single minded determination, she set a goal of completing her 4th Dan Confirmation Test only three months after surgery. Ms. Ray accomplished that goal, receiving a standing ovation at in Dallas, Texas in March, 2006.
In an effort to find a martial art with an emphasis on self defense technique and suitable for adults of all ages and abilities, Ms. Ray began studying American Kenpo Karate in2007. Through the addition of Sifu Frank Garza to the staff of Little Rock Martial Arts in 2008, American Kenpo Karate was added as one of the core black belt programs at the Academy.
Ms. Ray conducts School Talks on Goal Setting, Bully Busters, and School Safe/Street Safe topics to students in central Arkansas schools. She has also taught self defense seminars for Baptist Hospital, Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield, numerous other corporations, as well as churches and schools.