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Professor D. Head Coach and Owner/Founder
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Cory H. Assistant Coach/Owner
Cory Hall, a seasoned martial artist from a family deeply rooted in the martial arts tradition. Born into a lineage of martial artists, Cory's grandparents were both black belts in judo and karate, inspiring him to embark on his own martial arts journey from a young age.
At the age of 8, Cory delved into the world of martial arts. Under the guidance of the late Dr. Brownridge in Champaign, Illinois, Cory achieved the significant milestone of earning his brown belt in karate. His promising wrestling career at Manuel High School Peoria Illinois then Urbana Illinois was unfortunately cut short due to unforeseen medical complications, but this setback didn't deter his passion for martial arts.
In 2009, Cory transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts training under the tutelage of Tim Morrissey the founder of The Dragonzs Lair and the person credited with introducing the Champaign Urbana area to it first and only Gracie Barra, and his now coach, Professor D. Under the guidance of Tim and Professor D. he gained an amateur record of 12-2. Alongside his MMA endeavors, Cory also pursued Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and currently hold the rank of brown belt.
Cory's journey in martial arts transformed into a mission to empower his community. Fueled by a deep sense of purpose, he channels his expertise and knowledge towards teaching martial arts and self-defense to people in his community. His focus on empowering children is particularly inspiring as he has 3 of his own children who all train along side him. Cory is dedicated to instilling confidence in young minds, not only in the realm of self-defense but also in navigating life's challenging situations.
Coach Caryol Assistant Coach and Administrator
Carolyn, a dedicated martial arts practitioner, fulfills both operational and administrative responsibilities while also serving as assistant coach at Akosa. Her resilience has guided her through the challenging experiences of domestic violence and assault, empowering her to emerge stronger than ever. Today, she stands proudly at Akosa, embodying not only a survivor but a thriver who actively embraces self-defense as a proactive means to reclaim her strength and autonomy. This chapter of her life is characterized by a profound rewrite of her narrative, driven by resilience, self-discovery, and an unyielding determination to shape a future on her own terms. Five years ago, Carolyn embarked on her kickboxing journey at AKOSA with the goal of improving her physical fitness, boosting her confidence, and acquiring self-defense skills. Recognizing that a single discipline would not fully encompass her self-defense aspirations, her coach encouraged her to join his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class. Presently, Carolyn holds the rank of blue belt. As she continued to evolve as a martial artist, she transitioned into the art of Kempo Jujitsu, where she also achieved the rank of blue belt. Notably, she stands as the second of only two students to attain the prestigious "Double Blue" rank, an accomplishment that commemorates her journey from white belt in both arts at Akosa. Carolyn's transformation into a complete martial artist has allowed her to nurture her mind, body, and spirit, enabling her to reach the pinnacle of her personal growth and self-actualization.
As a committed martial artist, Carolyn's pursuit of self-mastery extends across multiple martial arts systems. Presently, she is training in the arts of Sanuces Ryu Jiujitsu, VSK Jiujitsu, and weapons under the tutelage of her Sensei, Master D. Allah, and SWAM Martial Arts under Sidagoo Odette Russell. Carolyn's training encompasses a comprehensive range of philosophies, including Bushido, Bubishi, Five Rings, The Way-The Power, Kybalion, Art of War, Qabalah, and other disciplines that enhance her warrior mindset and training. Carolyn is committed to empowering and inspiring women and children in her community to become their best selves through the art of self-defense and mental and physical wellness practices. In her free time, Carolyn indulges in various interests, including attending martial arts seminars, reading, baking, soap making, learning chess, gardening, working out, studying herbalism and holistic healing, listening to music, watching horror and gun fu movies, and focusing on her spiritual maintenance. Her multifaceted interests and dedication to self-improvement demonstrate her commitment to becoming a well-rounded, empowered individual who serves as a positive role model to others.