Atlanta’s Kick Start Martial Arts Wins $25,000 Grand Prize Wells Fargo Small Business Neighborhood Renovation Program Contest

ATLANTA – Moreland Avenue’s Kick Start Martial Arts (KSMA) in East Atlanta was chosen as Atlanta’s $25,000 grand prize winner of the 2017 Wells Fargo Works for Small Business: Neighborhood Renovation Program Contest. Kick Start Martial Arts is one of four local, small businesses, and one of twenty small businesses in five cities across America to receive renovation makeovers to support economic development in select neighborhoods across the country.

Applicants completed applications and essays, and a panel of judges then reviewed the entries and chose winners in August. Elements of Kick Start Martial Arts’ renovation will include improving and increasing studio equipment and materials storage spaces, installing new flooring, enhancing spectator seating, and adding technology tools for teaching, efficiency and security.

“I was thrilled to find out we were chosen by Wells Fargo as a contest winner, and then became even more excited to know we were the grand prize winner!” said Sah Bom Nim Master Renard Beaty, owner, Kick Start Martial Arts. “The $25,000 worth of renovations will go towards enhancing the customer experience in my studio, allowing me to conserve resources I can use to expand my business. I will then be able to make an even bigger impact on the community that has been so good to me, developing leadership qualities in even more children and adults through martial arts.”

Kicks Start Martial Arts’ mission is to develop a diverse group of tomorrow’s leaders using martial arts principles. According to Beaty, KSMA’s founding principles include goal setting, achievement, self-discipline, accountability, confidence, and respect, all helping youth build skills that last a lifetime.

“We want KSMA to be a first-in-class martial arts studio and to become the first place the community turns to for assistance with training their youth to obtain and demonstrate the skills of an effective leader,” said Beaty. “We also combat the stereotypes of the aggressive side of martial arts by underscoring that martial arts actually helps teach self-discipline and socialization skills. My students learn respect, whether from bowing or standing still and waiting for the next command, which can be the most important benefit. This benefit often carries over into school, helping to improve behavior and even grades.”

Interested students and their families are welcome to learn more about Kick Start Martial Arts, its parent’s night out program, summer camp, or to observe a class for free. Call 404-664-3485, or visit www.kickstartatl.com. KSMA is located at 749 Moreland Ave., SE, Unit C102, Atlanta, GA 30316.