Name

Blake Ely

Family Connections

Kendra Ely (wife)
Grant Ely (son) - 1st degree black belt
Grayson Ely (son) - black belt
Gunnar Ely (son) - black belt: 

3. How long have you been a black belt?

I have been a black belt since January 2023.

4. How long have you been practicing martial arts?

I practiced for 3 years as a kid, between 1987 - 1990.  I started again as an adult and have been practicing between 2019 - present.

5. Career or activities outside of the dojang

Professionally, I am a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer and Process Improvement Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a defense contractor.  My activities outside of the dojang include volunteer coaching for flag football, baseball, and soccer.

6. What inspired you to start martial arts?

As a kid, I was inspired by movies like, 'The Karate Kid, Bloodsport, Best of the Best, Missing in Action, Rambo,' etc., where the hero was up against improbable odds and finds a way to succeed.  As an adult, the desire for self-defense drove me to get my kids involved.  As they succeeded, they inspired me to 'restart' for the same reasons.  However, I also realized that I need to maintain my own health so that I can be there for my family.

7. What do you think is the most important part of practicing martial arts?

The most important part of practicing martial arts is STARTING.  It is easy to see that you need to and even say that you want to, but pulling the trigger and actually starting is critical.  Once you've done that, the most important part is MAKING TIME.  We are all busy, overwhelmed, and mentally/physically drained from daily life, yet we all make time for the things that are important.  I make time for martial arts because it is important for all the reasons stated above.