As Seen in The Tennessean: A Moment That Reflects Who We Are

Today, most people assume martial arts schools naturally offer programs for kids—even preschoolers. But it wasn’t always this way. The reason children’s martial arts became so widespread can be traced back to the vision of one man: Great Grandmaster Ernie Reyes, Sr. Pioneering Martial Arts for Children In the 1960s and 70s, martial arts in the U.S. were taught almost exclusively to adults and teens. Many believed young children were too small or too unfocused to benefit. Ernie Reyes, Sr. saw something different. He recognized that martial arts could be one of the most powerful tools for building confidence, discipline, and respect in children during their formative years. His vision proved right. By 1981, Reyes was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year, after producing seven national champions from a single school—an accomplishment that stunned the martial arts world. Over the years, he went on to train numerous world champions and even an Olympic champion. The Rise of Ernie Reyes Jr. The Reyes family legacy grew even stronger through Ernie Reyes Jr. A martial arts prodigy, he became the youngest competitor ever ranked in the Adult Professional Black Belt Forms Division at just eight years old. By twelve, he was starring in Hollywood films and even landed his own ABC television series. His on-screen performances inspired kids everywhere, showing them someone their own age excelling at martial arts. Some of his career highlights include: The Last Dragon (1985) – Breakout martial arts film role. Red Sonja (1985) – Performed major action sequences. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) – Donatello stunt performer. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) – Starred as Keno, the Turtles’ secret weapon. Surf Ninjas (1993) – Starred in the martial arts comedy classic. The Rundown (2003) – Memorable fight scene with The Rock. No other young martial artist had ever blended world-class competition with Hollywood stardom in the way Ernie Reyes Jr. did. Li’l Dragons: The Curriculum That Changed Everything To share his methods nationwide, Ernie Reyes Sr. developed the Li’l Dragons program in partnership with Century Martial Arts. Designed for ages 3–7, Li’l Dragons became the gold standard for introducing young children to martial arts. It made training fun, age-appropriate, and centered on life skills like respect and confidence. Even today, most preschool martial arts programs are based—directly or indirectly—on the foundation Reyes built with Li’l Dragons. The Gallatin Connection Here in Gallatin, Tennessee , that same pioneering spirit continues at Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts , led by Senior Master Instructor (Kwan Jang Nim) David Hughes. KJN Hughes began training under Ernie Reyes Sr. and Tony Thompson in the mid-1970s. By the early 1980s, he was an instructor, helping launch and teach the very programs that transformed children’s martial arts. Today, ERWMA Gallatin proudly welcomes students as young as three, carrying forward the Reyes legacy of martial arts as a tool for confidence, discipline, and leadership. Why This History Matters for Parents Today When parents enroll their children in martial arts, they’re joining a system Ernie Reyes Sr. pioneered more than 40 years ago. The benefits go far beyond self-defense: Confidence – Kids learn to believe in themselves. Discipline – Training teaches focus, respect, and accountability. Life Skills – From better listening in school to healthier habits at home. That’s the Reyes legacy—and it lives on right here in Gallatin. At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts, we’re proud to continue building the next generation of strong, confident kids who live by the motto passed down from Great Grandmaster Reyes himself:  “Yes, I Can!”