(Pictured left to right. Front Row. Jonathan Foy, David Foy, Benjamin Foy, new second degree black belts. Second Row is the Test Board. Ramsey Roberts, 3rd degree; Master Michael T Sharif, 6th degree; Kenecia Harris-Smith, 3rd degree, Master Paul Bird, 7th degree, and Grandmaster Greg Anderson, 8th degree.

Warrior Way Martial Arts is celebrating with three of our instructors: Jonathan Foy, David Foy and Benjamin Foy on their achievement of second degree black belt. Father David was proud to stand between his two sons as they tested together.

We asked David recently what led him to the martial arts. He grinned and said, “When my children joined, I figured I’d better join too, so they wouldn’t be able to beat me up!” He admitted that age keeps him from doing all of the things he wants to do in the martial arts, but, “I cannot let my limitations become an excuse. I can still improve. I must aim to be a better me.”

Jonathan, the oldest son, was actually the first of the three to reach first degree black belt. When asked about the most important thing he had learned in his years of training he said, “Perseverance. Instead of giving up when presented with a difficult challenge, now I know I can make my way through it.”

All three of the Foy men are instructors in the weekly classes at Warrior Way. Benjamin spoke about the satisfaction of seeing students grow in the class. “(You see) a student change. Their motivation changes. They start to learn defense, balance, or simply confidence. As they accomplish their goals, their motivation changes. Their goals become more specific and detailed. They mature.”

We are very lucky to have these three instructors as part of the Warrior Way family. And speaking of family – no, your eyes are not deceiving you. The post below this one includes information about three students testing to brown belt – all of whom are named Foy. Hannah is married to Jonathan and Coralea and Lilyann are two more of David Foy’s children. We expect to see them test to first degree black belt early in 2026.