Tony Potter’s voice carries the resonance of passion and transformation as he sits down for an interview on KSWV Radio. With humor and sincerity, Tony talks about the beginnings of Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0, a martial arts training center that he started with his wife 23 years ago.It was not love at first sight, but love at first kick for Tony and his wife, who are dojo sweethearts. Together, they embarked on a journey of teaching martial arts, not just as a discipline but as a tool for life transformation. The couple’s mission was clear from the start: to effect positive change in kids’ lives through martial arts. Whether it’s aiding physical strength, boosting confidence, or nurturing mental resilience, their classes offer much more than just martial arts techniques.
Tony nostalgically recalls the bounds of laughter and the joy of watching students, from small children to adults, grow through Kenpo. It’s evident that for Tony, work isn’t just a job. It’s play—a realm to spread his characteristic sarcasm and love.
Driving this mission even further is the It All Matters Foundation, an initiative built from the ground up to fund martial arts training for children who, due to cognitive or financial challenges, would otherwise miss out. Thanks to community donors, Tony envisions no child being left behind, striving to empower those who need it most.
With a deep personal connection to his cause, Tony reflects on his own life, where martial arts and faith guided him through hardship, offering redemption and purpose. Deeply personal is Tony’s battle with childhood adversities, profoundly understanding the necessity of overcoming both physical and emotional challenges. For him, teaching Kenpo is more than imparting physical skills; it’s about equipping children with the courage to confront fears and embrace life’s uncertainties with grace and prowess.
The commitment to inclusivity shines brightly in their mission statement, which underscores offering a positive, qualified martial arts program to anyone, regardless of physical, cognitive, or financial limitations. Tony recollects stories of students like a shy young boy who, over time, overcame his fears and flourished into a confident child, appreciating life’s challenges rather than dreading them.
As the year draws to a close, excitement stirs for the first annual It All Matters gala, set to be a lively event with music, laughter, and celebration of the many lives touched by their work. With a mix of speakers, live auctions, and performances, the evening promises to be both entertaining and pivotal in raising the necessary funds to continue their noble mission. The Gala is not just an event but a testament to the power of collective effort in creating expansive ripples of positive change.
The upcoming gala is a call to action for individuals and businesses alike to support a cause that is about much more than martial arts—it’s about creating enduring pathways of empowerment and community solidarity. As Tony aptly puts it, martial arts aren’t about the fists but about the heart it cultivates within. From personal growth stories to an inspiring gala celebration, this narrative is stirring proof of what’s possible when passion aligns with purpose and support. Join the movement for change, as every contribution counts in turning dreams into definitive community action.
