How Kick Start Martial Arts Shapes Skills That Last a Lifetime
Winning the 2024 Best of Georgia Award is a proud moment for Kick Start Martial Arts, but for founder Master Renard Beaty, it also reflects years spent building something far deeper than a martial arts school. Nestled in Grant Park, Kick Start Martial Arts has become a cornerstone for personal growth and empowerment, and its recent GBJ.com recognition is proof of its lasting community impact.
Unlike awards decided in closed boardrooms, the Best of Georgia Awards are powered by people. Customers vote for businesses that truly make a difference, and Kick Start Martial Arts’ overwhelming support speaks volumes. For students and parents alike, the school is more than a place to learn Tang Soo Do—it’s a hub for developing essential life skills. Master Beaty sums it up best: “Our programs are designed to help students grow and develop skills that last a lifetime.”
Founded in 2007, Kick Start Martial Arts specializes in Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean martial art blending the grace of Kung Fu and Tai Chi with the precision of karate. But this school’s holistic approach sets it apart. Along with self-defense techniques, students develop self-advocacy, respect, personal accountability, leadership skills, and stress management. Beaty’s professional management training and leadership development background add an innovative layer to the curriculum, creating a unique fusion of physical training and personal growth.
The school caters to a wide range of students, from six- and seven-year-old "Little Ninjas" to adults looking to refine their skills. Training focuses on four key areas of development—physical, emotional, social, and critical thinking—and every lesson is taught in a formal atmosphere that emphasizes etiquette, discipline, and respect. “Our goal is to build leaders,” says Beaty. “We want our students to leave with the tools to navigate life with confidence and resilience.”
The community-driven philosophy has made Kick Start Martial Arts a staple in the Grant Park neighborhood. Classes are structured to instill discipline and self-control, even in sparring sessions, where students stop their strikes just short of contact to ensure power is always coupled with precision.
Master Beaty’s own accomplishments reflect his commitment to excellence. A 5th-degree black belt inducted into the Hall of Honors for teaching, he also holds a Master’s degree in Training and Leadership Development and has over 18 years of experience facilitating leadership programs. Under his guidance, Kick Start Martial Arts has grown into a space where students aren’t just learning martial arts—they’re learning how to lead.
The Best of Georgia Award celebrates that mission. It’s not just a recognition of excellence; it’s a nod to the deep, transformative impact the school has had on its students and community. “We’re not just teaching self-defense,” Beaty explains. “We’re teaching skills that last a lifetime.”
For Kick Start Martial Arts, the recognition from GBJ.com is a milestone, but it’s also a reminder of why they do what they do. As students bow at the end of each class, they’re not just showing respect for tradition—they’re honoring the life-changing journey they’ve embarked on. For more about the Best of Georgia Awards, visit GBJ.com.
Contact
Phone: 404-664-3485
Address: 1039 Grant Street, SE. A22, Atlanta, GA 30315
Email: kickstartatl@gmail.com
Website: www.kickstartatl.com
