Tag Archives: Battle Ground JKD

EmpowerHer: Free self-defense class for women provided by Battle Ground JKD on July 26

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In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Reggie Macon of Battle Ground is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Globally, an estimated 736 million women aged 15 and older—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical violence at least once in their life, according to UN Women. This figure does not include sexual harassment.

Reggie Macon, owner and instructor of Battle Ground JKD LLC, is dedicated to ensuring women and children are able to protect themselves from these senseless acts of violence.

In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Macon is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class. The class will take place at Boston Square Christian Reformed Church on Friday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m.

Why self-defense is important

At Battle Ground, Reggie Macon (center) is focused on helping women and children defend themselves (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

“As an instructor, I think it’s important to learn some type of self-defense skill,” said Macon. “I’d rather have the women know it and not need it, than need it and not know.

“With everything that goes in the world, it will also give them a sense of awareness and confidence in their everyday life.”

At the EmpowerHer event, women will learn basic strikes, situational awareness, how to read body language, and tips on maximizing verbal and nonverbal communication.

“Self-defense is important as a woman because it gives you the confidence to defend yourself against an attacker,” said Macon’s wife and co-owner of Battle Ground, Chandra Macon.

“As a mother, it’s important to make sure our daughters have the knowledge of how to get away from an attacker as we cannot be with our children all day, everyday – especially as they get older and want to hang out with friends at the mall.”

A local youth learns self-defense techniques with Macon (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Chandra went on to say that class participants will gain a better understanding of the tools they can use when in uncomfortable situations, generating confidence.

“This can also help you in everyday life where you may have been struggling to speak up before, but now have the confidence to speak up for your piece,” said Chandra.

“I’ve seen firsthand at sporting events where other kids navigate toward the larger crowds to fit in. Not my child; she decided not to. Proud moment for sure, because that tells me she’s okay to stand on her own – as that’s what leaders do! Anything can happen in larger crowds, and you don’t want to be guilty by association.”

Macon encourages local women to attend this free event and gain tools and resources to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

RSVP

Register for the free EmpowerHer event here.

This event is sponsored in part by Amplify GR’s Amp the Good grant funding.

More about Battle Ground programs

Battle Ground offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages, and personalized experience to fit the needs of each individual.

Whether looking to get in shape, build self-discipline, defend against an attacker, or become the next boxer or MMA fighter, individuals can reach their goals through Battle Ground JKD.

Battle Ground programs and classes can be found on their website, Instagram and Facebook sites.

Battle Ground JKD invites community to free Fitness in the Park event June 26

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Battle Ground owner Reggie Macon leads a fitness class at a local park (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Local business, Battle Ground JKD LLC, is offering a free Fitness in the Park event on Wednesday, June 26 at Boston Square Community Parklet.

Reggie Macon (right) leads a a Battle Ground fitness event (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

“I think it’s very important for us to be as active as possible,” said Reggie Macon, Founder and CEO of Battle Ground JKD. “The healthier we are, the better we are.”

From 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., participants can enjoy light fitness activities, learn self-defense skills and observe demonstrations from Battle Ground staff, teens and trained MMA fighters. A healthy snack and water will be provided for event attendees.

Fitness in the Park is free to attend and all ages are welcome.

Macon said the Fitness in the Park event is a way to give those interested in starting a fitness journey a safe, controlled environment to learn, have fun and bring families together.

“If [families] work out together, have fun together, you tend to create a habit a bit more than you would if you were by yourself,” said Macon.

A passion for helping others

Reggie Macon with daughters Leilani (left) and Kailani (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

Macon trains often with his wife and three children. In fact, Macon’s passion for teaching martial arts and fitness began with his two daughters.

“One of the main reasons for starting in the martial arts world is having two daughters and wanting them to be safe because we’re not always around them as parents,” said Macon. “Giving them the knowledge and know-how to protect themselves to make it back home.”

Macon himself has over a decade of experience in Jeet Kune Do. He has also learned additional styles within the martial arts industry including: Kali, Savate, Panantukan and boxing.

“My purpose is to use my experience in fitness and martial arts to help people have a better quality of life,” says Macon on the Battle Ground website. “Sharing my love of training and teaching has been a blessing and a dream come true.”

A one-stop shop to fitness

Battle Ground offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages, and personalized experience to fit the needs of each individual.

Whether looking to get in shape, build self-discipline, defend against an attacker, or become the next boxer or MMA fighter, individuals can reach their goals through Battle Ground JKD.

“My goal with Battle Ground is I want to be a one-stop shop,” said Macon, adding that many fitness centers only specialize in one area of fitness. “It takes driving from place to place out of the picture.

“By offering options, having a passion for developing and helping a person become one percent better every day, and being blessed to have different talents and knowledge, I said, why not? If not me, then who?”

Impacting others through community programs

Macon is currently in the process of registering Battle Ground Impact, a nonprofit fitness organization. He hopes to offer even more options to the public through community events.

A local youth learns self-defense techniques with Reggie Macon (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)

“I want to take the whole concept of not having financial backing to do a class out of the picture,” said Macon, adding that finances are a large part of why people do not begin a fitness journey.

“If I can take that off the table, then that leaves no excuse for people starting a fitness journey – or anything else when it comes to being active.”

Macon also hopes the nonprofit will help open doors to partnerships with other organizations.

“People see the LLC and all of a sudden they think of price,” said Macon. “It’s not about that all the time.

“I’m different. I want to make sure everybody gets the quality, but I don’t want money to be an issue, or that they’re thinking I’m just there for the money. My whole passion is to make sure people are able to protect themselves.”

Look for Battle Ground Impact updates and launch information on the Battle Ground JKD website.

Bring family and friends! 

Macon encourages the community to try out Fitness in the Park – and to bring family and friends.

“Come out to have a good time – it’s going to be fun,” said Macon. “Bring family. It’s good for people to show up by themselves, but I want people to actually have someone there with them so they can go through it together.”

Children are invited to meet local veteran heroes at free Hero’s Breakfast event on June 15

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Children are invited to dress as their favorite superhero and spend time with local heroes – our veterans (Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Children are invited to dress as their favorite superhero and have breakfast with our local veteran heroes on Saturday, June 15.

Sponsored by Hero’s Corner and Battle Ground JKD LLC, the Hero’s Breakfast event will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Hero’s Corner in Kentwood. The breakfast is free to attend.

Heroes walking among us

Battle Ground JKD owner, Reggie Macon, said superheroes such as Batman and X-Men are highlighted so often that children don’t realize there are heroes right next to them every day.

Heroes walk among us every day in the form of U.S. veterans (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

“The kids are more familiar with those heroes, not knowing that they walk amongst actual heroes that actually help us, that gave us the privilege to walk freely as we do,” said Macon. “Giving them a chance to dress up like their heroes and meet our local heroes is big to me.”

Hero’s Breakfast is designed to serve those local heroes – our veterans – as well.

“It helps our vets get their story out, or get a chance to mingle with everyday people that might not normally stop to give them a conversation,” said Macon. “This would give the younger kids a better understanding of what these guys have been through so [the kids] could have the life that they’re living now.”

Curiosity invites conversation

(Courtesy photo)

Veterans are invited to wear their military uniform, a military branch hat or jacket, or even dog tags to invite questions from children that could lead to a deeper conversation.

Macon believes the interaction between children and veterans could give the younger generation a better understanding of their history.

“We get taught a lot of stuff in school, but a lot of stuff is watered down and not in much detail,” said Macon. “Just giving them the understanding that these [veterans] aren’t people that are in history, these are people that still walk amongst us now, will give them a better insight.

“When we get taught history, we think about stuff that happened long ago, but these are still people that live today. Being able to meet these people and shake their hands…I think that would have a great impact.”

Building a bridge of greater understanding

Bridging the gap between civilians and veterans is important to Reginald Howard, owner and CEO of Hero’s Corner, as well as to Battle Ground owner Macon. Together, these local business owners are working to build a greater understanding between those two groups.

“[Hero’s Corner] can be the one space where they come together and get stories, get a better understanding of what’s going on, or dig deeper inside the veteran’s thoughts and give the vets more ways to communicate,” said Macon.

“That’s been one of the biggest things that help vets get over whatever they went through – just by talking, and having somebody that they can lean on and have a conversation with.”

Hero’s Breakfast will allow children to have a better understanding of our country’s history (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Events like Hero’s Breakfast, Macon went on to say, can be utilized as an icebreaker to begin those conversations people might be hesitant to start.

“This would be the icebreaker, and get that conversation started. Now, it wouldn’t be the fear of starting the conversation, it would be continuing it.”

Non-veteran community members are also welcome to utilize the space at Hero’s Corner. Rental inquiries can be directed to Reginald Howard at connect@heroscornergrandrapids.org or 616-635-2768.

Let’s have some fun: Event details

Along with breakfast, Hero’s Breakfast attendees will be able to play various games. A 360-degree photo booth will allow children to do action shots.

“Just come out and have fun,” said Macon. “Enjoy yourself, and come utilize this great space that’s available to the public.”

To RSVP for the free Hero’s Breakfast event, click here.

For more information about Hero’s Corner and upcoming events, click here.

For more information about Battle Ground JKD and upcoming events and classes, click here.


Creating memories: Hero’s Corner and Battle Ground JKD sponsor upcoming Daddy Daughter Dance on June 14

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By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Two local organizations have teamed up to provide a fun and safe event for young girls and the positive male role models in their lives in the form of a Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, June 14.

Though labeled a “Daddy Daughter” dance, Reginald Howard of Hero’s Corner and Reggie Macon of Battle Ground JKD LLC recognize that a wider light needs to be shed on fatherhood in the community.

“In some cases, some people might not have a father,” said Macon to WKTV. “We say ‘Daddy Daughter,’ but we want any positive male role model and niece, granddaughter – whatever the case may be – to come out and enjoy themselves.”

In with the positive, out with the negative

Reggie Macon with his two daughters, Leilani (left) and Kailani (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

Macon went on to say that the positive father-daughter, or positive male role model-young girl, relationship within families is not often seen or recognized.

“There is so much negative stuff going on when it comes to stuff like that, so we want to give fathers – or that positive male role model – a chance to celebrate not only themselves, but the kids’ lives that they are impacting,” said Macon.

Macon’s own father demonstrated that positive influence throughout Macon’s life.

“He was somebody that worked hard, showed us love, provided, protected and gave us a sense of security – for our household, and for our whole neighborhood,” said Macon. “My house was the house that the neighborhood kids would come to, and if we had extra food, my dad would provide for them.”

Macon defines a positive role model as an individual who has a positive impact in someone’s life. And he believes the importance of showing positive versus negative family relationships to young girls in the community is vital.

“Show them the positive love so they won’t go out into the world looking for it,” said Macon.

With three children of his own, two daughters and a son, Macon strives to be that positive influence he experienced with his father.

“[Becoming a father] gave me a sense of: it’s not just about me anymore,” said Macon. “Having somebody else that depended on me actually lit a fire under me to want more [so] I can leave something behind for them.”

Bringing the community together

Reggie Macon with daughter Leilani (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

The idea for the Daddy Daughter Dance came from Macon’s brother, C Dot, who is hosting the upcoming event.

Having recently attended his first daddy daughter dance at his daughters’ school, C Dot told Macon that he had a great time – but felt awkward standing by himself when his two daughters walked off with their friends. “He didn’t know anybody at the school,” said Macon. “He said, ‘I think we should have something where we can get all our friends and their daughters together.’”

Having already formed a partnership with Howard at Hero’s Corner, Macon and Howard began brainstorming ideas.

When Macon mentioned his brother’s idea for a daddy daughter dance, Howard offered the use of his facility.

What partygoers can expect 

Reggie Macon with daughter Kailani (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

Dance attendees will be treated to door prizes, raffles, a photo booth with a professional team, food, refreshments and games. Those in possession of a dance event ticket with a star on the back will also win a prize. A few surprises will be revealed during the event as well.

“It’s music, and fun times to create those memories and enhance that bond between fathers and daughters,” said Macon.

The Daddy Daughter Dance will take place Friday, June 14 from 6-9 p.m. at Hero’s Corner, 4809 Eastern Avenue SE, in Kentwood. Ticket cost is $10, and space is limited.

For more information and ticket purchases, call Reginald Howard of Hero’s Corner at 616-635-2768, or Reggie Macon of Battle Ground at 616-255-7571.

Tickets can also be purchased through the Battle Ground JKD website.


(Courtesy, Reggie Macon)