Interview by Gideon Verdin of NBC TMJ4 Milwaukee

Posted 10:21 AM, Aug 12, 2024

NBC TMJ4 Milwuakee Interview

Little warriors, big dreams

How Combat Corner and City Champs martial arts is empowering Milwaukee’s youth

NBC TMJ4 Milwaukee – From self-defense to self-confidence, these young martial artists are kicking their way to success — all at no cost. These kids from City Champs Martial Arts might look cute, but at the Combat Corner , they’re all business.

Aurora

Just ask 6-year-old Aurora what she enjoys most about learning martial arts from City Champs . “Defending myself,” says Aurora with excitement. This tiny warrior wants to be an engineer when she grows up but also packs a powerful kick.

Breanna

The kids at City Champs learn focus, patience, leadership, and confidence. Breanna Alcarc plays violin and chess and says she was once afraid of spiders and bugs but now after learning martial arts she’s not afraid anymore. “I used to get scared so easily, but now if I see a spider, I don’t get scared anymore,” says Breanna.

Breanna’s Mom

And Breanna’s mom Elsa agrees. She says that after being in City Champs Breanna’s “more brave, and she’s helping me a lot more at home.” Elsa Alavez, Breanna’s proud City Champs mom goes on to say that City Champs and martial arts have helped Breanna “a lot with self-discipline.” “She used to be more shy, but now she’s more independent,” says Elsa.

Dylan

And the City Champ Kids have some words of encouragement to those who want to try martial arts.

Dylan Ferguson is 6 yrs old and attends 81st street school. He says he loves combat sports and has fun showing everyone that he can fight! “If you want to do it, you can!” says Dylan.

Breanna Alcarc says, “It’s kind of difficult, but you can do it. I believe in you.”

And 6-year-old Aurora adds, “You should try it!”

The City Champs Kids

Aurora, Breanna, and Dylan are just some of the kids participating in City Champs and training with Sensei Nick Lee, the executive director and martial arts teacher at City Champs . Nick’s been doing martial arts for 7 years, and he started City Champs to share his love for martial arts with youth and to give them access to the skills without barriers.

Nick, City Champs Director

“Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become a superpower in my life,” says Nick Lee, Executive Director at City Champs .

Through City Champs , Nick offers free lessons to kids to share the beauty of what martial arts provides.

“Removing that barrier and making martial arts free for youth is the main goal, so they can be exposed to it and see the beautiful things martial arts provide,” says Nick.