Leap of Faith Martial Arts Opens New Location in Downtown Emporia! New Date Set for Ribbon Cutting!

This event was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 11th. Due to weather, it has been moved to Saturday, January 18th.

Emporia, KS – January 6th – Leap of Faith Martial Arts, a family-owned and operated martial arts studio, is thrilled to announce its move to 618 Merchant: a new, larger location in downtown Emporia.

Owned and led by Brad, Loi, and Annika Douglas, the studio has been a cornerstone of the community for the past eight years, offering a welcoming environment for students of all ages.

Leap of Faith Martial Arts was born out of a dream—that of then-teenager Madelynne Douglas, who envisioned owning a martial arts school. What seemed like a long-term goal quickly became a reality when the opportunity arose, and the Douglas family took a “leap of faith” together. Over the years, Madelynne and her brother Noah played key roles as co-founders and lead instructors, while their brother Daniel provided behind-the-scenes support. Today, Annika Douglas, who grew up immersed in Tae Kwon Do, has naturally stepped into a leadership role alongside her parents, continuing the family legacy.

The new space allows Leap of Faith Martial Arts to expand its class offerings and create an even better experience for its students. The studio’s programs include:

-Core Classes and Sparring for ages 6 and up, taught by all three owners.

-Advanced Classes and Self-Defense Workshops, led by Master Brad and Ms. Annika.

-Little Warriors Program for ages 3-5, taught by Ms. Loi and Ms. Annika.

-Black Belt Club, which includes weapons training, exclusively taught by Ms. Annika.

The move to the new location provides both instructors and students a space to grow and thrive.

“Our school is growing, and we love the additional space that we have now,” said Loi Douglas. “This move gives us the opportunity to expand our teaching, offer more workshops and seminars, and even host bigger and better birthday parties.”

Community support really makes an impact for local businesses. 

“It is always very exciting to see local businesses have the need for expansion,” said Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street. “When the community gets behind a business, we are able to see growth and success for all.”

The new location also reinforces the studio’s commitment to building a family-oriented and community-minded atmosphere. Leap of Faith encourages parents to train alongside their children and emphasizes the core tenets of Tae Kwon Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit.

At Leap of Faith Martial Arts, the focus goes beyond physical training.

“Our goal has always been to instill skills that go beyond the mat—focus, resilience, respect, and determination,” said Loi Douglas. “These tools are what guide people through life’s challenges and help them achieve their dreams.”

The Douglas family invites the community to visit their new studio and see firsthand how martial arts can inspire confidence, character, and growth. Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or a beginner looking to try something new, Leap of Faith Martial Arts has a place for you. The Douglas family will be hosting a Grand Opening for their new location (618 Merchant) Saturday, January 18th, from 10 am to 1pm, with a ribbon cutting taking place at 10:30 am. There will be activities, refreshments, door prizes and special promotions.

For more information on classes and costs, visit Leap of Faith on Facebook or stop by the new location at 618 Merchant Street.