Who We Are
Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.
Simon Bockler
Chief Instructor
🥋 3rd Degree Black Belt and 3rd Generation Martial Artist | 📍 Proud Texan | 🧠 Overcoming Challenges with ADD and Dyslexia
👊 Martial Arts Mentor from Age 15: Simon Bockler discovered his passion for teaching martial arts at the young age of 15 and has been dedicated to empowering others ever since.
💪 The martial arts tradition runs deep in Simon’s family, with his grandfather’s training in Japanese Karate while stationed at Fort Shafter and his mother’s dedication to the craft. Continuing a tradition of martial arts, Simon follows in the footsteps of his grandfather and mother, upholding a proud family legacy.
🌱 Nurturing Young Minds & Bodies: Simon finds immense joy in teaching martial arts to children, witnessing their mental, emotional, and physical growth on their journey to self-discovery.
🏅 Local, Regional, National Medalist 🥈🥇: With numerous silver and gold medals at local, regional, and national competitions, Simon is a proven martial arts champion.
👥 Influential Instructors:
- Grand Master Buddy Hudson
- Grand Master Troy Burleson
- Grand Master Brad Whitlow
🥋 Currently Training Under:
- Grand Master Buddy Hudson
- Alan Ellen II
🧠 Overcoming Obstacles: Simon understands the struggles that children face because he, too, overcame obstacles, managing ADD and dyslexia with resilience and determination.
🚀 Join Us on Your Journey to Greatness! 🚀
Marlene Bockler
Owner/Instructor
🥋 4th Degree Black Belt | 🎯 Martial Arts Enthusiast | 🤝 Empowering Women | 💪 Mental Health Advocate | 👩❤️👨 Wife | 👩👧👦 Mama
🌟 Marlene brings her passion for martial arts and community to life. Her leadership sets the stage for a transformative experience within the academy.
👩❤️👨 She recently retired from a 28-year career in Information Technology and Marketing so she can fully dedicate herself to a new journey, and embrace the opportunities and adventures that await.
🏡 Originally hailing from Illinois, Marlene and her husband made a life-changing move to DFW in 1998 and settled in the vibrant community of McKinney, in 2008, where she has since found her home and community.
👨👩👧👦 Marlene takes immense pride in her role as a mother. Simon and Lucy are her children and her source of inspiration and motivation.
🥋 As a passionate and dedicated martial artist, Marlene has achieved the prestigious rank of 4th Degree Black Belt. Her martial arts journey began in her mid-30s, and she has since achieved remarkable success, competing and earning silver and gold medals at local, regional, and national tournaments. Her accomplishments span point sparring, patterns, and continuous sparring disciplines. Her martial arts journey is a story of perseverance, discipline, and personal growth.
Marlene has had the privilege of training with some of the most respected figures in martial arts: Grand Masters Buddy Hudson, Troy Burleson, Brad Whitlow, Scott McNeely, Edison Le Andro Da Silva, and Master James Wadley.
👩🦰 Marlene is a passionate advocate for self-defense education, particularly for women. She firmly believes that everyone should possess the knowledge and skills to protect themselves, a conviction she shares with her family.
💪 She firmly believes in the transformative power of martial arts to enhance mental and emotional well-being, in addition to promoting physical fitness.
Marlene’s life is a testament to dedication, family values, and a commitment to making a positive difference.
Lucy Bockler
Assistant Instructor
🥋 2nd Degree Black Belt | 🎻 Violinist | 📚 Student | 🥋 Assistant Instructor | 🧠 Overcoming Challenges with ADD and Dyslexia
🌟 Lucy’s journey in martial arts began at the tender age of 7, mirroring her mom and brother’s unwavering determination, passion, and grit on the mat. With years of dedication and relentless effort, she has ascended the ranks, proudly achieving a 1st-degree black belt in 2018 and currently holding the esteemed rank of 2nd-degree black belt.
🏫 Lucy thrives not only in martial arts but also at McKinney North High School, where she faces her academic pursuits with the same tenacity. As a student with ADD and dyslexia, she demonstrates resilience daily, breaking down barriers and achieving excellence.
🎵 Beyond martial arts, Lucy is a gifted violinist, a valued member of her school’s orchestra. Her love for music and her ability to embrace her unique learning style with grace and determination are truly inspiring.
💼 Balancing her studies and extracurricular activities, Lucy also contributes to her growth by working part-time at the academy. As she continues her journey, she aspires to become an regionally-certified instructor, showcasing how individuals with diverse learning needs can excel.
🥋 Lucy finds immense joy in supporting her brother on the mat, proving that determination knows no boundaries, and with the right support, anyone can achieve greatness.
Join Lucy as she demonstrates that ADD and dyslexia are not limitations but unique strengths that shape her into the remarkable individual she is today. 🌟 #MartialArtsandLearning #UnstoppableLucy #BlackBeltJourney #MusicAndMartialArts #DeterminationPersonified
