Friday, Jun. 13, 2008
Karate school celebrates nine years on Main
By BRIAN HERNALSTEEN
News-Mirror Writer
Troy Dorsey’s Karate celebrates nine years on Main Street, after opening the doors in June of 1999.
He has been training in karate since he was 10, and opened his first school in east Dallas in 1981.
The six-time world champion in kickboxing and two-time world champion in boxing has been in his share of fights, taking a healthy beating over the years. Sixty-eight professional (33 boxing, 35 kickboxing) bouts to be exact.
Upon retiring from the ring in 1998, Dorsey, 45, moved to teaching full time. He had been teaching while fighting professionally, but retirement gave him the chance to get back into the gym full time.
"I was born and raised in Mansfield, and I’ve lived most of my life here. I graduated from Mansfield High School in 1981, so it just made sense to open up a gym downtown," Dorsey said. "In the late 80s, karate transformed into a sport that teaches respect. It has been great because they are teaching these kids new things and building their confidence.
"The students have learned how to do their best, at school or at work. We do our best to point out their achievements."
At the beginning of classes, Dorsey gives recognition to those who have done well in school, showing off their report cards or good grades, hoping to encourage the other students.
In many cases, it has worked.
Dorsey keeps a binder of letters and notes he has received through the years from current and past students, as well as proud parents, praising his teachings and helping them turn things around for the better in their own lives.
Parents have noticed a rededication to academics, a new respect to elders and a boost of self-confidence from their kids.
One letter mentions that Dorsey "is the reason I am what I am today." Another letter, from a student that turns 73 this year, mentions that Dorsey’s kickboxing classes have improved his flexibility, balance and quickness.
"We hear so many stories about martial arts turning lives around. The Lord has really blessed me, and I’ve tried to pass on my teachings as best I could," Dorsey said.
Dorsey also has the distinction of being the only person to win world championships in both boxing and kickboxing. In the July 2003 issue of Martial Arts Digest, Dorsey was voted "Greatest All-Around Fighter."
Dorsey has two assistants who help him on the floor. The pair comes out for classes and assists the students with their technique.
Lonny Lambert, 19, and Cody Dunn, 15, started taking classes with Dorsey when they were the children. They are hands-on in teaching the kids and also credit Dorsey with helping them in their personal lives.
"(Dorsey) is basically my hero. He is a nice guy and one of the few genuine people you will meet," Lambert said. "Besides my parents, he has been the biggest influence in my life.
"What makes him special is that he works with every student and tries his best with every single one of them."
Dunn agrees.
"He has changed my life. He gave me confidence that I didn’t have before," Dunn said. "It has a lot to do with the way he teaches. He is great with the kids, getting down next to them and showing proper techniques."
Dorsey doesn’t have any plans of leaving any time soon.
"I don’t have any plans to retire any time soon. I have two daughters to put through college," laughs Dorsey. "This is what I will do until I can’t do it anymore. I just thank the Lord Jesus Christ for helping me. I couldn’t have done it without him."
Dorsey lives in Mansfield with his two daughters, Kendra and Shelly, and his wife of more than 20 years, Leslie.
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