Karate Kid

Self defense may seem like second nature to many, however, to Soph. Emily Hull it is first. Emily has been a martial arts student for over 6 years at Premier Martial Arts in Lawrence, KS. Through the help of her teachers, Mark Taylor, Ray Brady, Steven Howe, and Troy Russell, she has become very skilled. She eventually earned her black belt in June 2014, a very honored achievement in the martial arts community.

“When I train, it’s not so much to protect myself, it’s to protect the people that I love in the case that someone tries to harm them,” said Hull. Emily practices up to five times a week now, and starting next fall, she will be certified to teach classes at Premier.

Emily’s instructor, Mark Taylor believes that she has natural talent that aids her. “Her intelligence aids in smart decision making when it comes to self-defense and her growth in the martial arts, it’s also her talents and hard work that really help contribute to her success in anything she does. She’s always pushing herself no matter what, her size doesn’t stop her from working hard even with some of the big guys she gets to spar with.”

“Martial arts has taught me to be stronger than I think I can be and to stand up for myself,” said Hull. Whether Emily is in school, out of town or just sitting at home, she always has a weapon on hand: her black belt in martial arts.