Katie Gentry is a small-town woman who is not only kicking her way through life but make an impact along the way. She grew up in nearby Atlanta, Texas, and went to school with her now husband, Richard. She and Richard were often found hanging out with the same crowd in middle and high school. They volunteered together at church as well.
"We became close friends when we volunteered as a part of our church's youth drama team," Katie said. "He has an incredible heart and the best sense of humor."
Katie's love of martial arts started in 2010, when she decided that being afraid of a kidnapping or attack was no longer an option. She attended East Texas Martial Arts in Texarkana after watching her husband complete a class there. She was in love with it all from Day 1.
Katie and her husband decided to obtain instructor certifications in the hopes of not only teaching others, but to one day own their own school. That dream became a reality in 2016.
"A fellow instructor in Hope, Arkansas, was taking a job out of state, but didn't want her students to be left out in the cold so we took over," Katie said. "It has been a roller coaster ride of learning, failing, and learning some more, but I can't imagine doing literally anything else."
Katie said her ability to meet a stranger and feel comfortable interacting with them started at a young age.
"My mom has said that, even as a toddler, I could carry on a conversation with anyone," she said. "I loved, and still do, meeting and getting to know people."
This enables Katie to meet with new children starting at her school and build relationships with others in the field. Katie loves to learn new things and embraces it every chance she can.
As a child, she strove for all A's, did studio art and was involved in many extracurricular activities including theatre, dance, youth group at church, even the accounting team. She took every opportunity to grow her into a better self.
"I strive every day to be the best person I can be, showing courtesy, integrity, perseverance, courage, self-control, humility; to be the type of person who I would look up to because I understand that many look up to me. That is a responsibility I do not take lightly," she said.
One of the values at Southwest Arkansas Taekwondo or SWAT is "to give back to our community and the less fortunate." Every month the students and instructors complete a community service project. "We have coordinated drives for the shelters and organizations, fundraisers, cards and gifts for first responders and military, and cleaned up the park," Katie said. "I want every one of my students to see the bigger picture in life, not just learn to punch and kick."
Katie enjoys working with children and adults alike. However, she enjoys helping children build their confidence the most.
"One of my favorite things is knowing that I am directly contributing to their growth in confidence, focus, and seeing them become incredible people," she said. She wants to get on the same level with the children so they can better connect so she sits on the mats with them.
She speaks to them at an eye level as well as in standing positions. She takes the time to ensure that the children understand the lesson and do it to their best ability.
Some parents of her students have even shared their feelings about Katie and SWAT on Facebook.
One said, "Katie Gentry and her staff are top notch. They are patient, kind, and enthusiastic about the sport and are so passionate."
During the most recent winter storm a parent posted, "With all the weather going on, I want to give a huge shoutout to her (daughter's) instructors at SWAT. They have once again gone above and beyond keeping Taekwondo going even though they cannot be on the mats!"
Katie wants to help as many people as possible during her life.
"I know my purpose is to contribute to a better world by helping people see the best in themselves," she said. "To hear that they have grown as a person, improved at home or school or even that they just love being in class is evidence of my purpose and passion. It fills my energy tank to the brim." Katie credits her husband and parents as a huge support system for her.
She continues to challenge herself daily and is always looking for an opportunity to learn and grow as a person so that she can be even better for those that she helps.
"Being in this field has given me an international family of incredible people, constant new challenges and goals, and now, a way to make a mark on the world through teaching and developing leaders," she said.
(To learn more about Katie Gentry and SWAT, find them on Facebook.)
Name:
Katie Gentry
Family:
Married, 4 dogs, 2 cats
Neighborhood:
Texarkana, Texas, and Hope, Arkansas
Occupation:
CEO and chief instructor of Southwest Arkansas Taekwondo, director of Champion Kids Summer Camp
Favorite color:
Red
Favorite hobby: Working out, planning and organizing, hanging out with family and friends
Favorite Book:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Favorite thing to watch:
Anything with a mystery or suspense
Favorite quote: "Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."