Watkins Earns 4th-Degree Black Belt and Bronze Medal

Guest Columnist Bill T. Rials

Pelahatchie resident Bryant Watkins recently reached a major milestone in his martial arts journey, earning promotion to an internationally recognized fourth-degree black belt during the Global Traditional Martial Arts Globals event in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The international event, held July 22 through July 25, brought together martial artists, instructors, Masters and Grandmasters from around the world for advanced testing and tournament competition.

During the high-rank black belt testing, Watkins performed before a distinguished panel of Masters and Grandmasters. Following a successful evaluation, his promotion was officially confirmed and awarded by Grandmaster G.K. Lee, one of the most highly respected leaders in the world.

Watkins also competed in the GTMA Globals International Tournament, where he faced experienced black belts from across the country. He earned a bronze medal and third-place finish in the Traditional Weapons competition.

His accomplishments reflect more than a decade of training, persistence and commitment. Watkins began practicing martial arts after his daughter, Dana Duckworth, joined the sport. What began as a shared family interest grew into a long-term pursuit and eventually an opportunity to teach others.

Today, Watkins is an instructor at Fusion Martial Arts in Pelahatchie, where he teaches alongside Dana and his son-in-law, Garrett Duckworth. Dana serves as Fusion’s head instructor. Fusion Martial Arts has been teaching students in the Pelahatchie community for over 20 years. Fusion Martial Arts helps students develop martial arts skills while emphasizing confidence, discipline, physical fitness and personal growth. Fusion Martial Arts offers classes for both children and adults on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. No previous martial arts experience is required, and classes are designed to provide a fun, exciting and welcoming environment for beginners as well as experienced students.

Fusion recently relocated inside the Explosion Sports baseball practice facility at the end of the Davis Shopping Center. The new location gives area families another convenient opportunity to participate in martial arts training close to home.

Watkins’ promotion to fourth-degree black belt and his bronze-medal performance are significant accomplishments, both for him and for the local martial arts community. His journey from supporting his daughter’s interest to becoming a high-ranking black belt and instructor demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained effort and a willingness to keep learning.

For information about classes at Fusion Martial Arts, call or text 601-210-9190.