Like many of our instructors, Mr. Cardwell discovered his passion for martial arts at a young age. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, a time when martial arts were immensely popular and martial arts legends were starring in numerous films, he initially learned by emulating what he saw. It wasn’t until he was 15, he first attended formal training at a Free Style American Karate school, in Wichita, KS. Shortly after, he transitioned to Muay Thai and competitive kickboxing, where he fought in the ring.”What I’ve liked most about martial arts is the discipline and perseverance I’ve gained, and how it’s positively carried over into my work and relationships.” 8 months after beginning to fight in the ring, unfortunately Brian was severely injured during a fight. Just days after, a car accident prolonged his already rough recovery, forcing him to step back from martial arts. After relocating to Oklahoma as a junior high school, he explored various martial arts schools but couldn’t find the right fit. Consequently, his passion for martial arts was set aside. In 2008, while searching for a martial arts school for his two young daughters, he discovered Jenks Martial Arts Academy, an ITF Taekwon-do school in Jenks, OK. After speaking with the head instructor and being invited to join the class with his daughters, his passion for martial arts was reignited, and the Cardwell family began training together. Four years later, even after his family had lost interest, he continued and achieved his 1st Degree Black Belt. But his journey didn’t end there. In 2013, after moving to Oklahoma City, he sought a local ITF Taekwon-do school to continue his training but found none. Seeking guidance from his instructors in Jenks, they encouraged him to start his own school. Thus, in 2015, Edmond Martial Arts Academy was born. In 2022, after years of focus on other martial arts such as Krav Maga and the Executive Black Belt program, Mr. Cardwell decided to focus again on his own Taekwon-do training. Today, Cardwell holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt. He continues his training with Master Justin Dunham in Jenks, OK and plans to test for his 3rd degree in June of 2025.