It is statistically proven by the National Association Of Professional Martial Artist that only 1 in 300 people that start training in Martial Arts are promoted to the rank of Black Belt.  When discussing Black Belts, you have to consider the discipline of Martial Arts the belt is in. Today on average it takes about 2 years to receive a Black Belt in a discipline such as Tae Kwon Do or Karate. A lot of schools promote students to the next belt ranking based on your class attendance record, which translates into anyone who attends classes regularly and pays tuition will automatically qualify for the next belt rank. This is not the approach to belt ranking at King William home Martial Arts school Odyssey Martial Arts Academy.

            In order to earn rank at Odyssey Martial Arts a student must demonstrate numerous things which include consistent attendance, knowledge, technique, toughness, physical fitness, and good old fashion blood, sweat and tears. On October 5, 2008 Odyssey Martial Arts Head Instructor John Simons III promoted his first prodigy student Emily Dawson to the rank of Black Belt in the Odyssey Mixed Martial Arts system. Mixed Martial Arts is today’s most popular and effective Martial Arts systems. MMA includes combat styles such as, but not limited to, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Wing Chun Gung Fu, Judo, Wrestling, Escrima Stick and Knife Fighting and much more. MMA is most commonly seen on the platform of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC).

            Emily Dawson, a thirteen-year-old King William local, started training at Odyssey Martial Arts Academy at age 6 in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since 2004 Dawson has competed nationally in over 30 of the world’s largest and most prestigious Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling competitions. During that time Emily has placed  and won the worlds largest and most prestigious BJJ & Grappling competitions and is a 3 times consecutive National Title holder. Dawson has also placed first in world championship competition in advanced divisions which is the highest level of competition you can possibly compete in.

            Aside from Dawson’s phenomenal competition record, she has also achieved greater things. She is an assistant instructor in classes at Odyssey Martial Arts where she gives of her own time to help build future Martial Arts stars. “Martial Arts have made me who I am in life, and I can’t imagine life without it… The Black Belt represents humility and the ability to place yourself below others. I have learned this skill” Dawson stated. “Emily is that needle in a hay stack that very instructor wishes they had a chance to find. I have seen thousands of martial artists in my time and Emily is a rare find. I am honored to call her my first Black Belt,” stated instructor John Simons III.

Dawson will continue to belt rank in other disciplines at Odyssey Martial Arts Academy such as Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Dawson has the intentions on making Martial Arts her career and opening her own Odyssey Martial Arts Academy in the future. Dawson also plans on making a name for herself in Mixed Martial Arts competition in the near future. For more info on Emily Dawson and Odyssey Martial Arts Academy call 804-769-2400.

(Emily Dawson is the only Black Belt in Odyssey MMA certified by Black Belt instructor John Simons III. Anyone else making claims to be a Odyssey MMA Black Belt are making fraudulent claims.)