Competitor Spotlight
Spotlight Archive (By Last Name)
Jeremy South
Competitor: Jeremy South
Rank: 3rd Degree Black Belt
Age: 21 Years Old
Team: Team Elite
Base Style: Tae Kwon Do
School: Joey Perry’s Martial Arts, Jonesboro, AR
2006 AKA Titles: Extreme Weapons and Extreme Forms
Mr. Jeremy South is currently an instructor at Joey
Perry’s Martial Arts Academy where he is passing on his winning ways and
attitude to a whole new generation of Martial Artists. Jeremy began his
martial arts journey at the age of 12 in Benton, Arkansas. From the moment
Jeremy stepped on the floor his instructors took notice of his over the top
energy and charisma. It wasn’t long before Jeremy knew exactly what he would
do with his life - be a martial arts instructor! Mr. South set his goals to
become a certified instructor, champion tournament competitor and own his
own school. When Mr. South sets his goals it is only a matter of when, not
if. He is highly skilled in Extreme Martial Arts in which he has been
training for over five years now. Clean technique, high energy, and his over
the top charisma are all trademarks of Jeremy’s high intensity performances,
and have helped make him a perennial favorite of both the spectators and his
fellow competitors.
Early on, Jeremy began competing and, as a young black belt, racked up two
ATA World Titles in forms competition. Moreover, he has had great success
competing on the NASKA World Circuit. This year, however, has been a banner
year for Mr. South as he has undisputedly united the coveted Extreme Weapons
and Extreme Forms titles making him the undisputed AKA Southern Region
Extreme Champion this year.
Mr. South, however, is more than just an AKA champion. Mr. South’s positive
attitude and upbeat personality is absolutely infectious, spreading to his
fellow competitors. His influence, in particular, has an enormous impact
upon the kids as he demonstrates by example how to be a winner and then
actively encourages the youngster to do their best, remain positive and,
most importantly, to have fun! Spend some time around a ring that Mr. South
has volunteered to run and you will most assuredly hear his enthusiastic cry
of, “Ok, guys, now LET’S HAVE FUN!” He is such a popular center judge and
referee with the children and parents that at many events, parents on their
child’s behalf and many competitors of all ages request to participate in
Mr. South’s ring. One parent requested at the Regionals this year, “Is there
any way we can move him to Mr. South’s ring? He does so much better with Mr.
South. He’s not so nervous.”
When asked recently about his plans for next year regarding competition, Mr.
South promised with a wink and a grin, “I’m working on some new tricks. I
can’t wait.”