Dexter Kennedy: The Kumite Fightclub and National Martial Arts League Sports Franchise Founder
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Article - Founder Story - Dexter Kennedy

Dexter Kennedy: The Kumite Fightclub and National Martial Arts League Sports Franchise Founder

Retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer, Dexter Kennedy, has been ‘making people better for life’ and assisting in the fight against crime for over two decades.

Kennedy began studying the Martial Arts in 1974, and in 1976 began teaching Martial Arts classes to the community through his local continuing education program. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1978, and rose to the level of Chief Warrant Officer. He is also a Desert Storm Veteran. Following his service, he returned to study Martial Arts with noted teachers and Martial Arts champions Mike Genova and Keith Vitali.

Kennedy earned the rank of Blackbelt in 1986. That same year he opened his first karate school in Texas. Competing professionally, Kennedy was Nationally-rated for seven years.

Based on his experiences, Kennedy designed his Karate training studio, The Kumite Fightclub, on the philosophy of “Making people better for life.” He believes in assisting students not only in the Martial Arts, but to also on developing self esteem, self discipline, confidence, respect for others, leadership and sportsmanship. 

Through innovative programming for kids, teens and adults, Kennedy’s Kumite Fightclub franchises strive to combat community issues: Stress, obesity, crime and bullying. 

In addition to traditional belt certificate programs, Kumite Fightclub studios offer programs in self defense, general fitness, bullying prevention, and a special weekend program just for teens. 

In 2010, based on the success of FightNight, the Kumite Fightclub one-on-one combat series, and Kennedy’s belief that Martial Arts has a place in the new wave of family entertainment, he founded the National Martial Arts League (NMAL) with competition open to male and female martial artists, ages 18 and over. 

“For over sixty years, martial artists have honed their skills in one-on-one combat in hopes of being the best of best, or becoming the next Chuck Norris or Bruce Lee,” said Kennedy, NMAL President. “But so far no one, including investors, has yet to reap the rewards this sport can generate when it breaks out of its current limitations.” 

Kennedy believes the NMAL is poised to propel this exciting sport to a new level by bringing the fragmented martial arts world into organized events. NMAL regional tournaments will culminate in state championships across the nation.