By Amanda Galloway
special correspondent

Mike Florence founded Ultimate Karate Academy 10 years ago after watching the effect martial arts had on the discipline and self-esteem of his son.  He chose Erick Easter, now a sixth-degree black belt, as the academy’s instructor and has celebrated the decision ever since. 

Easter, a long time Midlothian resident and a graduate of Midlothian High School, began his martial arts training at the age of 12. 

When asked why he chose to pursue martial arts, his answer was simple:

“My mom made me do it.”

Easter never regretted his mother’s insistence. Now, at 34, has been practicing several forms of martial arts for over 20 years, in addition to teaching.

“Something clicked, and by the time I had my red belt, I decided I wanted to teach.”  Easter was 14 years old at the time.  “I immediately fell in love with working with the kids and adults.  It was great,” he said.

Easter received his black belt in two years, a feat that usually takes four.  A black belt is the highest belt color to denote martial arts competence. 

At Ultimate Karate Academy, Easter now teaches martial arts to 270 students, ages four-and-a-half to adult.  Besides the 60 or 70 adults he instructs, he also teaches adult fitness classes, including a popular kick-boxing class.

He also enjoys the karate enrichment programs he teaches annually for Bettie Weaver and J.B. Watkins elementary schools.  By successfully completing the program, each student graduates with a white belt. 

“Erick is really modest,” Florence said.  “He is evaluated as a teacher by his teachers, and by his students.”

The level of Easter’s students plays a role in his promotions, Florence explained.  His ability to reach a sixth degree black belt is not only reflecting of his personal competence, but that of his students.

Easter attributes much of his success to his teachers, Dan Wilson, an eight degree black belt, and Joe Lewis, a tenth degree black belt.  Lewis is a heavy weight kickboxing champion, and at one time served as a private student under Bruce Lee. 

Florence, however, says that Easter is equally responsible for his own success.

“Erick knows all of [his students’] names.  It is really impressive to the kids for him to know their names.  Imagine standing in a group of thirty, and your instructor calls you by name.  It really gets their attention,” Florence said.

Easter takes great pride in his relationship with his students, and names it as one of his motivations to continue to grow as a student and as a teacher.

“Watching the kids get their belts, to go from Ds on their report cards to all As.  That’s what I love,” Easter said.  Since he began, over 400 of his students have been promoted to black belt.

His greatest martial arts memories include his students, as he is especially proud of six students that became Junior Olympic champions in sparring, kata, and weapons.  Two of his black belts also fight in the amateur and pro kickboxing circuit.

“Martial arts is all I ever wanted to do, and now I’m here at one of the best schools in Midlothian,” Easter said.