Second Degree Black Belts

(Pictured left to right. Front Row. Jonathan Foy, David Foy, Benjamin Foy, new second degree black belts. Second Row is the Test Board. Ramsey Roberts, 3rd degree; Master Michael T Sharif, 6th degree; Kenecia Harris-Smith, 3rd degree, Master Paul Bird, 7th degree, and Grandmaster Greg Anderson, 8th degree.

Warrior Way Martial Arts is celebrating with three of our instructors: Jonathan Foy, David Foy and Benjamin Foy on their achievement of second degree black belt. Father David was proud to stand between his two sons as they tested together.

We asked David recently what led him to the martial arts. He grinned and said, “When my children joined, I figured I’d better join too, so they wouldn’t be able to beat me up!” He admitted that age keeps him from doing all of the things he wants to do in the martial arts, but, “I cannot let my limitations become an excuse. I can still improve. I must aim to be a better me.”

Jonathan, the oldest son, was actually the first of the three to reach first degree black belt. When asked about the most important thing he had learned in his years of training he said, “Perseverance. Instead of giving up when presented with a difficult challenge, now I know I can make my way through it.”

All three of the Foy men are instructors in the weekly classes at Warrior Way. Benjamin spoke about the satisfaction of seeing students grow in the class. “(You see) a student change. Their motivation changes. They start to learn defense, balance, or simply confidence. As they accomplish their goals, their motivation changes. Their goals become more specific and detailed. They mature.”

We are very lucky to have these three instructors as part of the Warrior Way family. And speaking of family – no, your eyes are not deceiving you. The post below this one includes information about three students testing to brown belt – all of whom are named Foy. Hannah is married to Jonathan and Coralea and Lilyann are two more of David Foy’s children. We expect to see them test to first degree black belt early in 2026.

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Four test for rank

On July 12, 2025, four students successfully completed requirements to promote to a higher belt. Three students tested to brown belt. Those students were Hannah Foy, Coralea Foy and Lilyann Foy. Colten McPhail tested to blue belt. Pictured are the students who completed the examination along with the members of the test board.

Pictured left to right: John Goforth, David Foy, Silas Murray, Master Michael T Sharif, Hannah Foy, Coralea Foy, Lilyann Foy, Colten McPhail, Grandmaster Greg Anderson, Master Paul Bird, and Jonathan Foy.

The next beginner class for Warrior Way Martial Arts will begin after Labor Day.

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Seven test for rank

On April 13, seven members of WWMA tested for the next level of colored belts. Testing for blue belt was Branton McPhail, Coralea Foy, and Lilyann Foy. Testing to senior green belt was Colten McPhail. Two students tested to green belt. They were David Harwell and Ben Lightsey. Will Burks tested for gold belt.

Pictured are the students who tested and the black belt members of the test board. Front row: Jeanie High, Ben Lightsey, Coralea Foy, Lilyann Foy, Branton McPhail, Colten McPhail, David Harwell, Will Burks and Paul Bird. Second row: Benjamin Coy, Jonathan Foy, and Scott High

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Foy tests to first degree

Benjamin Foy earned his first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do on August 27, 2022. Foy tested in front of a panel comprised of master instructors and other black belts.

Pictured are the black belts who conducted the rank test for Benjamin Foy. (L to R) Master Greg Anderson, Master Michael T Shareef, Master Paul Bird, Benjamin Foy, Albert L Williams II, Master Mark Fails, David Foy, Jonathan Foy
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Bird recognized by Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi

On November 9, 2019, Master Paul Bird was recognized by the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi for years of volunteer service. Presenting the award is Irena McClain, the Associate Director of the DFM

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Love test to 1st Degree

On September 28, 2019, Adam Love tested for his first degree black belt from Warrior Way Martial Arts. Taking a look at the photos, you can see that Mr. Love was worn out at the end of the exam – but he was all smiles a few minutes later when posing with a couple of the Test Board members.

Just take a deeeep breath
Mike Mulvihill and David Foy stand united with WWMA’s newest first degree, Adam Love
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First Degree Exam

On May 12, 2018, four students of Warrior Way Martial Arts tested for the Cho-Dan, or first degree black belt exam.  After five hours plus of rigorous testing, the students were successful in their quest.

Students who achieved first degree were: Faith High, Scott High, John Goforth, Gracie High

The eight-member Board evaluated the candidates as they demonstrated their understanding and ability of the traditional martial art of Taekwon Do.

Students promoted and the Test Board, Front: Chris Sumrall, Jeanie High, Faith High, Scott High, John Goforth, Gracie High, Paul Bird. Back: Nathaniel Lias, David Foy, Jonathan Foy, Mike Mulvihill, Juanita McLain

 

 

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January Beginner Class

Our next Beginner Class will start on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. We will leave the class open for a couple of weeks in order to give the most people the opportunity to sign up, but then that class will “close” and the group will work together toward their first colored belt. We normally only start beginner classes twice a year. Please review the information about our class on this website if you are interested and make sure you are ready to make the commitment. Since we meet only once a week, we ask students (and their parents) to make class attendance a real priority. Another thing the student must be prepared to do is practice outside of class. The student will NOT progress appropriately if they only practice in class. For more information, go to the “Contact Us” and send a message

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Second Degree Test

Let us take a moment and congratulate Juanita McLain (Chief Instructor of McLain’s Martial Arts in Columbia, MS) on the successful completion of her second degree examination on Saturday, August 5, 2017. A lot of “life” has happened since Mrs. McLain completed her first degree examination 21 years ago!

Members of the Test Board included Master Paul Bird, Master Greg Anderson, Master Mark Fails and Mr. Mike Mulvihill.

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New Website!

The website for Warrior Way Martial Arts is new for January 2017. Check back for upcoming events soon! Until then, see the links above for class information. Thanks!

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