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TO CONGRATULATE AND APPLAUD MARTY KNIGHT OF ANDERSON COUNTY FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE WORLD OF KARATE AS A TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION AND THREE-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION.
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives of South Carolina find it altogether fitting and proper to pause in their deliberations to commend and recognize Marty Knight for his astounding accomplishments in the world arena in the sport of karate; and
Whereas, Marty Knight, a son of Belton in Anderson County, is a world-renowned karate champion who has brought his prowess and love of the sport to the citizens of Anderson; and
Whereas, Marty was born and reared in Belton. In 1973, he graduated from Belton-Honea Path High School. As a high school stand out in track and field, Marty was set to go to Anderson College on a scholarship, but after seeing Billy Jack, decided to pick up karate, training under Keith Vitali and Mike Genova; and
Whereas, his love for the sport soon blossomed, and in 1975, he earned his black belt. Three years later, in 1978, he opened his first studio, Marty Knight Karate. Over the years, Marty has had multiple studios throughout the area, including in Anderson, Greenwood, Ware Shoals, and Honea Path, in addition to teaching many classes on the side; and
Whereas, over his forty years as a sensei, Marty has trained over twenty thousand students and continues to instruct to this day. His tutelage has produced world-class champions such as Rick Lee and Nicki Carlson Lee; and
Whereas, his dedication to his students is exemplified by his unwillingness to take a break from the studio after having knee-replacement surgery in February 2016. Coaching from a chair, he continued to drill his students until he was back on his feet again, delivering his famous lightning-fast back-fists; and
Whereas, Marty's career boasts of several regional, national, and global titles. His first state title was won in 1981. In 1984, he placed in the finals for the nation, and in 1985, was voted in the top twenty black belts in the nation; and
Whereas, in 1989, Marty traveled with the Chuck Norris team to Russia, where he was named the most valuable competitor of the team; and
Whereas, 1991 saw Marty's first national championship win in the Pro Kabbadi League. He won his second national championship in 1993 with the National Blackbelt League. Marty continued learning and improving and in 1998, his tenacity paid off with his first world championship win; and
Whereas, throughout his career, he has won gold medals in Greece, South America, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and Jamaica. He has never lost an international match; and
Whereas, furthermore, Marty has served as a bodyguard to such musical icons as Garth Brooks, Guns N' Roses, and Bon Jovi; and
Whereas, Marty's lifelong commitment to his passion has produced countless titles and accomplishments in his own karate career, as well as instilling valuable life lessons in his students that can be used on and off the mat. Teaching the importance of dedication, diligence, and self-discipline, Marty has led by example and continues to produce champions; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives wish to express their gratitude for the renown and honor Marty has brought to the Palmetto State and eagerly wait to hear of future accomplishments. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives of South Carolina, by this resolution, congratulate and applaud Marty Knight of Anderson County for his extraordinary accomplishments in the world of karate as a two-time world champion and three-time national champion.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Marty Knight.
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