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Kerry Roop of Rochester, twice world kickboxing champion and twice U.S. kickboxing champion, is using his experience to help instill winning habits and physical skill in his students.
He has 200 students at Roop's SuperKicks for America martial arts studio on Main Street in Rochester.
But Roop, 55, says his mission isn't about martial arts, which are just a tool. His goal is to teach kids, and often their parents, to take care of themselves.
Roop gets passionate when he talks about how often he sees coaches and mentors saying one thing and doing another.
Often, he uses one of his favorite quotes: "Children may close their ears to advice but open their eyes to example."
"I try to teach my kids to persevere and keep doing something even after it gets mundane or boring," Roop said earlier this month. "It's practice. So many times, I see parents and kids that want instant gratification. A child may be unfocused or distracted in my class, and their first reaction is to quit."
Roop teaches all ages at his studio. He estimates that 70% of his students are male. Roop does personal training, hosts Friday night bouts in adult boxing and kickboxing and has teen nights.
Over the years, Roop started passing along positive quotes and information to his students, in conjunction with the physical movements.
Students do a range of movements to a repetitive list of words. Often, the kids recall the words before they master the movements. Phrases and words such as "integrity," "don't drink," "don't smoke" and "eat right" emanate from the studio. Children and adults wear white uniforms and move in sync around the room.
Jerry Neubeck, 47, of Rochester attends Roop's classes with his grandson, Hayden, 8. He said he likes that the classes teach more than self-defense.
"Mr. Roop doesn't let the kids get away with anything," Neubeck said earlier this month. "He teaches good exercise, focus and a learning process. It is sure a lot better than watching video games. Kids need exercise."
The walls of Roop's studio are adorned with plaques, photos, maps, quotes and posters -- mostly gifts from students -- focusing on positive mental and physical health and martial arts.
On one side, a boxing ring is surrounded by jump ropes, boxing bags and mirrors. On the other side, the floor is covered with mats with the names of all the countries written on them. The warm-up consists of the students running around the floor -- totaling about a mile -- touching the names of every country.
Father figure
Roop himself is in excellent physical condition.
When asked if he would compete again, he said, "I'm not in competition shape right now ... but it wouldn't take long."
Roop began training in tae kwan do at the age of 21 and soon was in the gym every opportunity he got.
After 13 months, he obtained a black belt and started leading classes and competing in full-contact karate competitions. He won his first seven matches and did exhibitions on television. His world titles were through the Professional Karate Association and Professional Amateur Karate Association.
Born in Pontiac, Roop grew up in St. Clair Shores with one sister. His father died in a car accident when he was 3. Roop started working two jobs in his early teens to provide for his mother and his sister. He married at 17 and became a father at 18.
"I never had a chance to be a kid," he said. "I was always working. I didn't have a father figure."
That was until he met his first teacher at age 21. He himself has been a father figure and role model for two generations.
Tom and Kimberley Phillips of Royal Oak bring their five kids to the Roop's studio several times a week. Tom Phillips started working with Roop in 10th grade.
"He teaches life lessons, geography, history, math, foreign language and a whole lot of common sense," Phillips said. "Students must learn the presidents, the bones in the body and give an oral report before moving to consecutive levels of achievement."
Roop applies the lessons he's learned to the way he structures his classes, to positively influence others. He tells students, "I'm going to do a commercial now," and he delivers a message about topics that range from drinking to lying.
Tracy Feliksa of Rochester Hills homeschools her two sons. Four years ago, she enrolled Neil, 12, and Patrick, 10, at SuperKicks.
"It's good for my boys to have another male role model besides their father to teach them good habits," she said. "I especially think the 'commercials' that Mr. Roop does for the kids are great. He really goes above and beyond for them."