THE DYNAMIC DUO
David C. Bateman
Grand master
Training since 1972, founder of United States Expert Karate Association, and USA Martial Art Hall of Fame's 2021 Grandmaster of the year... David Bateman holds a world recognized High Dan black belt with the Kukkiwon and 10th degree black belt with USEKA. He is also a USA TEAM KICKBOXING certified coach and trainer. He has trained over 5000 students and certified over 350 champion black belts. He takes pride in teaching the new generation an art that has made him successful throughout his life!
Bryan Varner
Master and Sifu
Bryan Varner is a member of the United States Expert Karate Association Council. He has over 20 years of martial arts experience across multiple disciplines, including Shotokan Karate, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Wing Chun, and Xingyiquan. Bryan has advanced black belt ranks in Hapkido and Taekwondo, and is a Sifu of Xingyiquan. He is an AAU Taekwondo Official. Bryan collects books on martial arts, qigong, and Daoism, and occasionally writes book reviews on his website. He is also studying to become a Daoist Priest with The American Dragon Gate Lineage.
Master Instructor
World recognized 5th degree black belt, Six time AAU National Champion, World Association of Kickboxing Organization 2021 PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPION, 2022 Pan-American Medalist, Currently ranked #13 internationally in K1 Kickboxing and USA Martial Art Hall of Fame's 2020 Female Instructor of the year, at just 23 years old, MariLiis Bateman is an extraordinary example of how martial arts can positively benefit your life. She is a 2024 Lee Uiversity Graduate and now attends ETSU pursuing a Doctorate's of Phyiscal Therapy Degree. She enjoys training and teaching martial arts to kids and still trains/coaches while attending school with the use of technology to teach virtually!
MariLiis Bateman
Michael Lockhart
Sifu
SIFU Michael Lockhart, has spent the last 15 years developing a direct and efficient approach to combatives, utilizing hsing-I Kung fu , wing chun hung fi-i , kali escrima and aiki jujitsu called internal dragon jutsu. Sifu Lockhart has spent the last 33 years dedicated to martial arts and its development. Sifu Lockhart also has become proficient in using various weapons, which includes, kali escrima stick, karambit, straight blade knife, kukri, bolo machete, and kubiton. Currently, Sifu Lockhart teaches Internal Dragon Kung Fu—a system that integrates Hsing I, Wing Chun Hung Fi Ye Kung Fu, Chin Na, and Sanda Kickboxing—at Force Academy in Cleveland, Tennessee, continuing to pass on the deep knowledge and discipline gained throughout his distinguished martial arts career.
Force Acdemy is brought to you by:
Julia Bateman
Owner and Instructor
Julia Bateman is Force Academy's owner. She holds a 4th degree black belt, 2021 Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee, and is the United States Expert Karate Association's President. She takes pride in supporting the Bateman's by keeping their legacy alive through her contribution of time, sponsorship, and teaching. She enjoys the electric atmosphere the Bateman's bring through their instruction to students!
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