Josh Hite started Middle Tennessee Black Belt Academy in July of 2001. He opened the Cookeville location of Karate for Kids in January 2002 after earning his Black Belt from master Ron Boswell. This certified instructor is chief of instruction for our school and stays on the forefront with his continuing training.

Martha Hite is a Cookeville native and graduate of MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN. Shortly after beginning her martial arts training in March 2005, Mrs. Hite joined on with the Karate for Kids team. She enjoys Taekwondo because of the physical activity in class and the thrill of competing at tournaments.

Chad Robinson began taking Taekwondo at five years of age. At the age of 13 he placed at world championships for sparring. Chad is currently a 3rd degree black belt and plans to test for his 4th degree in late 2006. His vast experience as well as being a certified Jahng Bong Instructor and a certified trainer helped earn his spot as the first employee of Cookeville’s Karate for Kids. Mr. Robinson recently reached his goal of becoming a certified instructor. As a freshman at Tennessee Tech, he has many more goals just waiting to be checked off his list.

Mary Ann Simcox is currently a junior at TTU. She became involved with Taekwondo in January of 2005 and recently earned the rank of 1st degree black belt. She is the smiling face and office manager for Karate for Kids.

Beth Langston became involved in Taekwondo when her son began taking classes in 2003. Mrs. Langston is currently a 2nd degree black belt and a certified instructor. She is also a certified Protech Tai Chi instructor. Mrs. Langston was awarded State Champion in forms and sparring in 2005.

Rex and Barbara Stephenson opened the Gainesboro school on August 14, 2005. They began taking Taekwondo over four years ago along with their boys, Alex and Robert. As a family they were the first students to take class at the Cookeville school. All four of the Stephenson’s are 2nd degree black belts. Rex is 2005 State Champion in forms. Both Rex and Barbara are certified in Tai Chi, CPR. Rex is also a certified Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention, (SHARPS) instructor.
When not at the studio, Barbara is a nurse at the Cancer Center in Cookeville and Rex is a Director at the hospital. They both enjoy working with others and having their family with them.