Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Johannesen.
Mary, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I never anticipated that enrolling my 4-year-old daughter into martial arts classes in New Jersey would change my life and bring me to Texas. I was recently divorced and trying to help my daughter navigate the choices in trying out different sports. We tried Martial Arts and after a couple of short months, my daughter begged me to take classes with her so I agreed. As I moved through the ranks, I discovered a sense of pride and accomplishment I didn’t know I could feel as an adult simply doing a hobby. I continued to take classes and teach in New Jersey for five years, but I knew financially, I wouldn’t be able to afford to open my own school. I started searching to find a school that would hire me under the promise of being able to purchase the school down the road. My parents were living with me and I took the whole crew to the DFW area in 2005 and began teaching in Southlake.
At the end of 2007, I with the help of my parents, I opened up Keller ATA Martial Arts in Keller, TX. Hindsight being 20/20, I look back and think that was such a terrible time to open. I don’t know how I made it through that first couple of years financially. I vividly remember family meetings about buying groceries and ways to cut back on all bills. I hovered between 20-45 students those first 3-4 years before things started looking up. I was caught up financially, I was getting more students, and my daughter and I were partners in teaching. Then my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and things changed again. My mom could no longer help out at the school and my dad was home with her. My daughter and I would take turns being at the school and being there for my mom and her appointments and treatments. The financial costs of Cancer was an unexpected hit that brought us back to barely hanging on. Things were tight financially and everything was emotionally charged for the next few years. We had many ups and downs but managed to not just hold onto the school but to watch it flourish in the community.
We held a free child safety day each year where kids could get ID Kits filled out at the school with us so they wouldn’t just be strewn aside when the family goes home. We had a dentist do tooth prints, a hairstylist taking hair samples as well as the Police making the ID cards. I gave a talk at one church about Child Safety and then I had a talk at a different church or parent’s group every week. When my daughter graduated from college, she moved to Dallas to pursue her own dreams. I found more time to volunteer. I began to Mentor at the local high school. I volunteered more time giving free self-defense classes and any volunteer activities I could get involved with. I had been volunteering with the Special Olympics for years and now they were inviting me to p[participate in their pilot program for martial arts. I was the only martial arts school in the area that had separate classes for Special Abilities students of all ages and ranks as well as having some special abilities students in our typical classes.
In attending events and activities in our area, I met the owner and founder of Cancerstrongher and offered to teach free classes for the group of survivors that she was empowering through activity. My school has always functioned with volunteers. Volunteers to sit at the desk and answer phones, young leaders to assist with classes, and then adult students. We got voted best of the best in our town three years in a row and then the Grand Master of our organization came to celebrate that victory with us. Last year I married the love of my life and it only;y took me 46 years to find him. A man who loved martial arts his whole life but never had the time or money to pursue it, he gave up everything to become my partner at the school as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Recession of 2008. Mom’s Breast Cancer-2012. My daughter moving on after graduating college leaving me as the only instructor- 2015. The struggles have been as small as having a new customer coming in the door asking to speak to the instructor. I say,”yes, that’s me. How can I help you?” They say, “the other instructor.” I tell them I’m the only instructor and they say “no the owner” I say that “I’m the owner” Some have even said “No, I’m looking for the man in charge.”
I don’t consider Taekwondo a man’s sport. This is for everyone for kids beginning at potty trained to adults of all ages and fitness levels. No matter what your abilities or limitations you will leave here feeling accomplished or inspired in some way.
Keller ATA Martial Arts – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a martial arts school – we teach Taekwondo. We are known for taking kids as young as two (most studios wait until 4). We are known for having Special Abilities Classes. We are known for our FREE self-defense classes for any group of 5 or more. We love to give back to our community with donations of both time and money. Our school’s motto is “We’re not just a school, WE ARE FAMILY!”
I live this each and every day. I go to award ceremonies, sports games and competitions as well as academic events. It’s not just about martial arts. It’s about putting in the time and heart to get to know your students and to help provide them with what they need. It’s always changing, sometimes confidence, discipline, attitude, goal setting, you name it. I consider it part of my job to teach so much more than Taekwondo.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents – none of this would be possible if they didn’t believe in me and mortgage their home to allow me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. Through all of the ups and downs, they kept supporting me and urging me forward. My daughter taught with me from 10 to 19 years of age. Even racing to our school from the train station after attending College in Dallas all day to help with teaching the evening classes every day.
My husband – I had been on this Taekwondo journey with my daughter and then I was alone. Divorced since 1996, I never thought I would find someone who would understand my life and how I took my role as an instructor/friend/mentor/parent very seriously and that often meant working outside of working hours. He began taking classes at my school within two months of meeting each other. In less than a year, he quit his job and joined me to instruct full time. The school has changed his life in a more positive way as well.
Pricing:
- Free self-defense classes for groups of 5 or more
- Free Safety talks vitual/in-person
- Classes are currently on Zoom, FB live and limited in person – $130 per month for unlimited classes
Contact Info:
- Address: 102 Navajo Drive
Keller, TX 76248 - Website: kellerata.com
- Phone: 817-337-9493
- Email: kelleratamartialarts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleratamartialarts/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kellerata/?ref=br_rs
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