Brown's Dragon Fire Academy Breathes New Life

At age 62, Hercle Brown is not slowing down. It's true that the Montgomery resident recently retired, but that only means he has more time for his passion.

"I can now concentrate all my efforts and attention on my teaching," said Brown, who is a six-degree black belt in karate. 

Brown, since retiring from Caterpillar last spring, said he is positively driven to improve his dojo, which he moved this December to downtown Aurora from St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Montgomery. 

Brown relocated Brown's Dragon Fire Academy of Martial Arts to 17 N. Broadway, and started classes up the first week in January. 

Brown holds the title of shihan, or master instructor, in karate. He's been teaching karate for more than 25 years, and has been involved in it since the early 1970s. 

"It is now my full-time responsibility," he said of the new studio. He added that he is excited to put new life into it. 

In the new dojo, Brown practices a series of choreographed karate moves with his longtime friend, and fellow shihan, David Carr, of Aurora. They both step, throw punches, and kick on the cushioned red mat that fills most of the dojo's first floor. Trophies displayed proudly surround them—Brown has been competing since 1985. 

Brown hopes to add some cardio and light weight training as well as aerobics to the studio. He stresses health and well being at his dojo. He also promotes family, and friendship. His students become extended family. 

The dojo is open in the evenings Monday through Thursday, and on Saturdays. Brown would like to eventually extend hours, as classes grow. 

Visit the dojo online and on Facebook for more information. Call Brown's Dragon Fire Academy at 630-664-0561.