Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Wolfe.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Audrey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started training in martial arts under Guy Mezger when I was seven years old. At 14 years old, I became his first-ever female black belt. I continued my training with him and had my first boxing fight when I was 16 years old in the Dallas Golden Gloves and first kickboxing fight at 17 years old. I earned my degree in Biology while teaching at the gym. Through the years, I won the Women’s National Golden Gloves, Ringside World Boxing Championships, International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Pan American No- Gi Championships, 6 x North American Grappling Associations World Championships and various other titles. I am now the managing partner at Mezger Martial Arts. I run the day to day activities at the gym, teach group classes and private lessons to men women and children, and fight professionally in mixed martial arts. I am currently ranked #4 pound-for-pound female in the state of Texas in MMA.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is ever smooth, but your goals are worth fighting for. Thankfully, when I started in martial arts, I started under Guy Mezger who was very supportive to have females compete and train in a male-dominated sport. My parents also supported me in any and every way possible. That wasn’t always the case though. If they didn’t have female divisions in the karate tournaments that I entered as a kid, I would compete in the boys division. When I won, other parents would say that it wasn’t fair. I had one boxing coach tell me, “I am working with you because Guy told me to, but just so we are clear, I don’t believe that women should train or fight. Women weren’t allowed in the gym that I trained in and that is how I think it should be.” Now as a coach, I have people constantly question if they can learn to fight from a female and other coaches make silly comments to me or my athletes at competitions.
When I graduated from college, of course, I could have pursued a more typical path, but I have been passionate about martial arts since I started. I had to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet because I didn’t teach enough or have enough private clients to pay my bills. My parents constantly told me to use my degree, but I couldn’t give up teaching. It took a while, but I have finally built the gym up and my clientele up enough that I can provide for myself.
Often times, it is hard to find a good work/life balance. It is hard to do what I need to do to compete as a professional athlete, plus run a gym, and have some time to spend with my family. I have never been afraid of working hard, but it is a constant juggling act.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mezger Martial Arts – what should we know?
Mezger Martial Arts is an elite martial arts facility that offers group classes and private instruction to men, women and children in boxing, kickboxing, muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, judo, MMA, karate, self-defense and more. We have the highest caliber of coaches. We have boxing world champions, kickboxing world champions, karate world champions, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champions, and UFC champions teaching and training here, but we also have soccer moms that want to get in shape, children that want to learn self-defense, and disabled veterans that are looking for a healthy outlet. We truly have something for everyone and have an incredible community. Whether your goals are weight loss, self-confidence, or fighting professionally, we can help you achieve them. I am also proud that our members are willing to help us give back to the community. From hosting a trunk or treat at Dallas Life a homeless shelter, to a toy drive for Jonathan’s Place, an emergency foster home for children, we are constantly trying to leave this world better than we found it.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My work ethic has led me to success over and over again. I have had never been afraid of hard work. I am a very goal-oriented person, and when I set a goal, I will fight tooth and nail to achieve it. Success isn’t an accident. It comes with a lot of tough decisions and sacrifices.
Contact Info:
- Address: 13344 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX 75240 - Website: www.guymezger.com
- Phone: 2149540022
- Email: mezgermartialarts@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/mezgermartialarts/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mezgermartialarts
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/mezger-martial-arts-dallas
Image Credit:
Ross Stewart
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