LINCOLN, Neb. – It’s 4:30 a.m. and time to get the day started. Anthony Ray hits the road not prolonged after waking up and drives Proper down to Lincoln. He arrives On the Nebraska Nationwide Guard air base, places on his gear for safety forces, After which works Inside The world he’s assigned. He drives again house as quickly as his shift is over, lets the canine out After which modifications for taekwondo school. Ray teaches packages till 9:00 p.m., comes house To wash up, hops in mattress and waits to repeat All of it of the subsequent day.
Tech Sgt. Anthony Ray, with the One hundred and fifty fifth Security Strains Squadron, has educated in martial arts for over 42 years and is the proprietor of Nebraska Academy of Martial Arts located in Omaha, Neb. Ray’s journey in martial arts first started in 1980 when his dad decided to convey him to a Clinic.
“I used to be getting picked on In school and was smaller in measurement As in contrast with my classmates, so my dad thought It Might be good that I Uncover strategies to defend myself,” Ray said. “I started shielding others as quickly as I found The biggest Method To shield myself. I am the sheepcanine Inside the analogy of there’s wolves and sheep.”
The shieldor can again up his converse with An inventory of accolades and accomplishments. Ray is a sixth-diploma black belt in taekwondo, holds A third-diploma black belt in unified martial arts, and is a two-time newbie Omaha Golden Gloves champion. He has additionally educated in MMA, hapkido, judo, jiu-jitsu, and kung fu.
Martial arts has taught Ray self-discipline, self-confidence and The biggest Method to be An environment nice teacher. He has used these classes whereas additionally working with Airmen.
“I liked educating the wing members Once I used to be fight arms. I took An monumental curiosity in educating appropriately,” Ray said. “I can practice you to move the course, However Once I can practice you to be A greater marksman then I do know You’ve The expertise.”
Somebody who has been In a place to see Ray develop by way of his time in martial arts is
Col. Mark Shirley, State Air Surgeon for the Nebraska Air Nationwide Guard.
“When Ray first started taekwondo I used to be Definitely one of his primary teachers. He then turned like Barely brother to me,” Shirley said. “He started out quiet, but now provides course and mentorship to others.”
First meeting in martial arts After which connecting later by way of the army was a sheer coincidence said Shirley.
“I did 20 years Inside the Navy Reserves After which acquired out in 2005. Then recommissioned into the Air Strain Reserves in 2010 And finally acquired here to the Air Guard in 2014,” Shirley said. “I come to the gate Eventually and he’s saluting! It’s very surreal and neat to Have The power and serve with him.”
Shirley went on To Clarify Ray as outgoing, self-disciplined and tenacious with a stopping spirit. That stopping spirit goes into the interactions Ray has and The suggestion he provides to others.
“Everyone Should take a self-protection class. Self-consciousness, understanding what To look for or how To not be in a sure state of affairs makes all the distinction,” Ray said. “It applies All by way of the place and that method You will Have The power to look out In your fellow Airman, household, pals and your self.”