Mission Statement:
Honor and Maintain Ancient Training Methods
Master Chris Edwards was born October 17, 1981 in Chattanooga, TN. He started his Martial Arts career at the age of six in Taekwondo and at the age of 15 he began training in Chinese Gung Fu. Since 2005 Master Chris Edwards has been teaching Martial Arts privately, and he opened Body Martial Arts in 2008 as a full time Martial Arts professional.
The philosophy he operates his Dojang by is to honor and maintain ancient training methods while constantly using the most up to date retention and teaching methods. Body Martial Arts is also a place honoring all styles of Martial Arts, maintaining that great benefit can be gleaned through unity of the worldwide Martial Arts community. Since the integrity of preserving traditional Korean military arts is of utmost importance, Master Chris Edwards strives to uphold the standards set forth by the Korean Martial Arts Instructors Association (KMAIA) and U.S. National Taekwondo Association (USNTA)
Master Chris Edwards frequently performs local and regional demonstrations for audiences of all ages. He uses the Martial Arts to inspire children to obtain their dreams and to use their most powerful weapons, which are words, wisely. He is a leader in his community by spreading the benefits of Martial Arts and by being a trusted voice for personal growth. Professionally he networks in the Chattanooga community with a membership to the Chamber of Commerce. His greatest career achievement is "transitioning from a selfish martial artist to one who strives to bring out the best in his students".
Competition Record
- 2-time National Point Style Taekwondo champion
- Bronze Medalist at U.S. Junior Olympic Taekwondo Championships
- 8-time TN State Taekwondo champion
- Winner of the Battle of Atlanta
- Competitor in the US Open and US Nationals
- Over a 20-year period he has been a top competitor in over 75 tournaments
Professional Achievements
- 5th Degree Black Belt in Chinese Gung Fu (Baguazhang, Small Circle Jiu-jitsu, 5 Animal System and Jeet Kune Do)
- 4th Dan in Taekwondo
- 4th Dan in Haemukwan Hapkido
- B.S. in Marketing from the University of TN at Chattanooga
- Inducted into the World Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame (2009 Taekwondo Master of the Year)
- Produced Official Poomsae DVD for the USNTA
- TN Representative for the USNTA
- TN Representative and World Council Member for the KMAIA
- TN State coach of TN Taekwondo Team
- Head Breaking Coach for the World Martial Arts Show Team
- Official School Charter through the USNTA
- Nominated for the 2011 Kickpics Calendar Contest
World Records
- Most Concrete Broken with 1 Strike (40 Stack)
Media Highlights
- Made the cover of World Martial Arts Magazine for the Spring 2010 Edition
- Article in the Times Free Press April 29, 2009 Times Free Press Article
- Article in the Hamilton County Herald November 6, 2009 Hamilton County Herald Article
- Appeared on WDEF News 12 This Morning with Brian and Rachael October 27, 2009 WDEF News
- Writes a Monthly article for World Martial Arts Magazine
- Hosts a Monthly Poomse (Forms) training segment for World Martial Arts TV
Body Martial Arts Chattanooga TN is a Certified Location For the Save A Life Project USA
