“When I was 13 I walked into the Denton Optimist Club in my hometown to try a martial arts class. When I walked out that evening I knew I would do martial arts the rest of my life. Not only that, but I knew I would have my own school. It’s all I ever wanted to do. That was nearly 32 years ago. Today I feel the same way. I love everything about martial arts and what it can do for people. Today I opened my school 25 years ago. Thank you to everyone would never be enough. And there is way too many people to list on here that have been a part of the journey. So I would like to say if you have had any part of this amazing journey I started 25 years ago thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for the opportunity to teach you. Many of you started with me when I was just a kid and you trusted me. Thank you. To all my family, students, teachers, and friends thank you for helping me on this path. I’m forever grateful. See you on the mats.” – Professor Mark Reding