Marleigh Coleman

In October of 1987, at the age of 18, I took my first karate (Kenpo) lesson. I thought it would be a good way to get some exercise and it was something different to try. I was hooked. Three months later, I moved from home (Morgan) into Ogden. Once I got settled I started to look for a studio that I could join in the Ogden area. I joined the Silver Dragon Studio in May of 1988. I trained and competed for three years in the art of Kung Fu. I hold a brown sash in the system of Liang Chih Tai-ho. I was co-operator for 2 of those 3 years.

During my Kung-Fu training I competed in six tournaments, all local, in which I won a total of 11 trophies, four of them 1st. I also competed in the 1989 and 1990 Utah Summer Games, in which I won a total of 4 gold’s and 2 silvers. During my kung Fu training, I did well in the kata divisions but had a difficult time in the sparring divisions. Even now, 11 years later, I feel that my three years of kung-fu training gives me an edge when performing hand or weapon katas. I even favor the new katas I learn that have a “soft” side to them.

In 1991 I took a ten-month break from the Martial Art life. Soon I began to miss the training, competing, and the association with other martial artists (a true martial artist is a rare breed). So I again looked for a place to train. I was starting over since my Kung-Fu instructor had left the state. I tried Kenpo with Mr. Tugi Papaliitele, but found it difficult to merge my kung-fu training with the style of Kenpo. So a few months later I began to look for a different alternative. I came across Tang Soo Do. Classes were only offered twice a week and the drive was half an hour each way. I enjoyed the instructor and the style very much, but I needed more studio time and something a little closer. I then came across a flyer for a studio that was just up the street from where I was living at the time. I called and made and appointment to meet with the owner, Sensei Ron Bennett. On May 18, 1993 I entered the Red Dragon School. I had found my new “home”! Two weeks later I competed in my first Red Dragon Tournament in California. During the next two years I competed in eleven tournaments as a brown belt. Competing in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and California. In total, I won 28 trophies. 15 of them being 1st places and one a Grand Champion in a specialty division. I was finally even winning my sparring divisions.

In the fall of 1994, I decided to focus on my upcoming black belt test, as well as the many students on my schedule to which I taught privates. I started to enjoy seeing them achieve their goals of belt rank and have success at tournaments more than winning a trophy for myself, so I decided to put more time into sharing and teaching the art I had come to love. Teaching the art is much more rewarding than winning tournaments.

On April 12, 1995, eight years after I had first stepped into a karate studio, I tested in front of Shihan Louis D. Casamassa, and received my 1st Degree Black Belt. I will always be grateful for the many great things I learned and accomplished during my years of Red Dragon study. I am thankful for the California Red Dragons who took the time to instruct me or give me words of encouragement. Domo! But I am most grateful to my master instructor Professor Ron Bennett. Words cannot say, but I have done what I’ve done and continue to do what I do to make him proud. Domo!

In April of 1996, I married Steve Coleman. In May of 1998 we welcomed our daughter Ashleigh to our family. With a husband and a daughter my priorities changed and karate took a backseat. I just recently have decided that it is important to find a balance between family and my love for the martial arts and fellow students.

Because I have always believed in what Professor Ron Bennett is accomplishing I have chosen to continue my martial arts study with White Dragons of Bushido. I am excited to be back and could not do this without the support of my husband and the encouragement of my fellow black belts. I am looking forward to learning, teaching, and competing again.

Martial Arts have provided me with so many opportunities. When I look back on the hard work, fun times, the ups and the downs, I am amazed at how much I have grown as a person. The martial arts isn't just for self-defense! It has done more for my physical, mental, and spiritual well being than I had even considered possible when I first started on the path. I know I can only continue to grow with continued study.

Thanks to all students, parents and black belts who in one way or another have been a factor in inspiring me to be the best!

When I am not doing karate or being busy being a mom or a wife, I enjoy camping, snowboarding, and scrapbooking. I am currently becoming involved in defensive gun competitions.