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Spartanburg Martial Arts proudly serving Spartanburg since 1991
Kickin’ Kids was started shortly after and has been an instrumental part of our martial arts program. Kickin’ Kids has given us the opportunity to inspire more children to be successful in sports, school, and life through martial arts training.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
WE KNOW HOW DIFFICULT AND CONFUSING FINDING A MARTIAL ARTS
PROGRAM CAN BE.
We remember when we were children, feeling uncertainty about beginning martial arts, and we wondered if we had what it took to succeed. We weren’t the most athletic or confident children – quite the opposite. Little did we know that beginning our martial arts journey would be one of the most profound experiences of our lives!
When we opened our school in 1991, we made a commitment to serving and empowering the community of Spartanburg by teaching children and adults the confidence, leadership, and fitness skills that can only be achieved through martial arts.
WE SHARE & TEACH THE SAME VALUES YOU TEACH AT HOME.
Our programs have a strong focus on personal development. The foundations of our morals, values and core character traits are formed in our early years. For this reason, the programs at Spartanburg Martial Arts are an essential way to enhance the growth and personal development of young students of all ages.
Rick and Nicki Lee
Owners
GET TO KNOW OUR KICKIN' KIDS STAFF!
Jesse Tesh
Program Director and Martial Arts Instructor
Coach Jesse graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and also has a Psychology Degree from USC Upstate. He has worked with us for over 15 years as a Black Belt Instructor and Kickin’ Kids counselor. He started his martial arts training with Coach Rick at age 5. Coach Jesse enjoys lifting weights and watching his Clemson Tigers play football when he’s not at SMA. His favorite thing about working at Kickin Kids is being able to help the children gradually improve their behavior and develop positive attitudes through our programs.
Nancy McDaniel
2nd-4th Grade Teacher and Trainer for our new KK team members
Ms. Nancy is a 1st grade Assistant at Arcadia Elementary. She has worked with us for over 15 years as an after school and summer camp counselor. Being a proud Grandmother of 6, Ms. Nancy loves children. Her favorite part of being a counselor and teacher is helping the children improve their minds and watching them blossom into positive leaders. Ms. Nancy’s favorite thing outside of Kickin Kids is planting flowers and spending time with her Grandkids.
Taylor West
4K-1st Grade Teacher
Taylor attends USC Upstate and is majoring in nursing. She has worked with us as an early education counselor for 4 years. Taylor loves knowing that she can make a positive impact on the children at Kickin’ Kids. She has a younger brother that is in our program so she realizes the importance of establishing good habits and manners at an early age. Taylor likes to read good books when she isn’t studying or working.
Jessie Springer
2nd-4th Grade Teacher
Jessie currently attends USC Upstate and is working toward her Bachelors degree of Science in Nursing. She has been with us as a counselor for 2 years. She enjoys helping the kids with their homework, teaching them new things, and giving them real world advice. When Jessie isn’t working or going to school, she loves exercising at the gym.
Taylor Edwards
5th-Middle School Girls Teacher
Taylor recently moved to the Spartanburg area from Charleston, SC. She has 2 siblings that are in our program so she realizes the importance of establishing good habits and manners at an early age. She enjoys helping the kids with their homework, teaching them new things, and giving them real world advice. Taylor loves spending time on the beach with friends and family.
Mercucio Nunez
Martial Arts Instructor
Coach Mercucio currently attends college at Limestone University. He grew up in our martial arts program and now has worked with SMA for 5 years. “Coach Coosh” loves to push the students to be their very best and gives a little tough love when needed. He loves to participate in combat sports like MMA, wrestling, and sport karate tournaments. Coach Mercucio can always been found training late nights on the mat with Coach Josh.
Nancy Carlson
Ms. Nancy, also know as the “Snack Lady”, greets the kids when they arrive each day and makes sure they all have a snack. Nancy retired from nursing a few years ago and started helping us in the afternoons. Ms. Nancy is Nicki Lee’s mom so she makes sure to let Mrs. Nicki know if anything is not “just right”.
Nikki Dill
Office Manager
Nikki is our newest team member at SMA. She has quickly become a valuable part of our daily operations. She handles our front office and can be found constantly multitasking to meet the needs of our students. When you have questions about our programs or need to purchase something from our pro shop, Nikki is always ready to serve you with a smile. Her favorite part of working at SMA is the awesome and unique personalities of the children she encounters every day. Away from work, she enjoys rescuing and rehoming dogs, hiking, and camping.
Josh Bailey
Head Martial Arts Instructor
Coach Josh has been a part of Spartanburg Martial Arts for over 20 years. He is our Head Martial Arts Instructor, Weapons and Forms Instructor and Competition Team coach. Coach Josh oversees the martial arts programs for our Kickin’ Kids as well as our regular students. He really enjoys watching the students grow in their physical abilities as well as developing strong self esteem and character while on their journey from white belt to Black Belt. When Coach Josh isn’t at SMA, he enjoys spending time with his sons, Blaze, Kobe, and Jace, and competing in Martial Arts Tournaments.
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