Some of the martial arts taught at Legacy Martial Arts Center in Madison originated more than 1,500 years ago, with the Shaolin monks of China. The four owner/teachers who opened Legacy in 2014 don't go back quite that far, but they do have several decades of shared history. Before becoming business partners, Grandmaster Ken Bent, Master Russ Topper and instructors Kim White and Tony Harper competed against each other in amateur martial arts tournaments, beginning in the 1970s. Back in the mid-'70s, Bent says he was a young man headed in the wrong direction, with athletic ability and a penchant for ghting. An older friend suggested he channel that energy into karate lessons and introduced him to the master instructor who helped him get started. Bent soon found he had a knack for the sport. Taught by a Korean grandmaster who instilled discipline, respect and other foundational values, Bent says his attitude quickly evolved from wanting to learn better ways to “kick butt,” to personal growth and a desire to share the knowledge and skills he had acquired. “When you're young, you think the world revolves around you. Martial arts has made me a better man, a better husband, a better father. I became more giving and helpful to other people.”
FOUR COMPET I TORS JOIN FORCES
“I’m always challenging students to set new goals; that’s how they grow.”- Grandmaster Ken Bent, co-owner, Legacy Martial Arts Studio
CULTURE
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