Moore's Martial Arts Academy

Photos by Emma Highfill, Rose Wheat Photography

Childhood Start

It all started when Ronnie Moore’s mother enrolled him in Karate classes when he was 7 years old. Over the next two and a half decades, Master Moore studied several styles of martial arts and competed in countless tournaments, where he won several grand championships, was repeatedly ranked in the top five of his division and was featured in Sport Karate Magazine for his number one rating in weapons, kata and sparring in the Midwest region. Additionally, Master Moore has served as a professional judge at numerous mixed martial arts events throughout Kansas and Missouri.

This impressive list of accomplishments was only the beginning of Master Moore’s career in martial arts. After teaching in several recreational and community centers throughout Topeka, Master Moore opened his own school, Midwest Martial Arts, in 1995. Three years ago, Master Moore changed the name to Moore’s Martial Arts Academy and moved his school to Fleming Place Shopping Center.

While Master Moore has studied several styles of martial arts, his favorite is Shorin-ryu Karate.

“This fighting form originated over 1,000 years ago and came from farmers who were forced to use their body and their farming tools as weapons to defend themselves,” Moore said. “For instance, nun chucks, believe it or not, were used to strike the rice stalks that would cause the rice to fall into their baskets.”

Building Character

Moore’s Martial Arts Academy is all about making a difference in people’s lives. Master Moore’s hope is to help individuals gain a better understanding of self and the world while becoming the best version of themselves. To Master Moore, karate is not only a form of physical self-defense but is also a catalyst to building character.

“We use martial arts training as a catalyst to teach the things students should be doing at home with their parents or siblings and teachers at school by showing them respect,” Master Moore said.

According to Master Moore, anybody can learn martial arts. Training can begin at the age of 4 and can continue late into adulthood.

For over 40 years, Master Moore has
impacted the lives of three generations of
students, and to this day, continues
to shape the youth of Topeka.

“I like it because all ages can learn it, all statures, it doesn’t matter what your size is. I think it is a style that is very adaptable for anybody to learn if you come in with a positive attitude,” Master Moore said. “I see the smile on their faces when they find themselves passing the belt test or the tip test because they realize I didn’t just give it to them, but they actually worked up to the point where they can execute the technique and feel good about it.”

Teaching Respect

Master Moore not only builds self- confidence within his students but he also helps organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club by providing free summer camps.

“I wanted to provide that encouragement to underprivileged kids, and teach them about martial arts and respect. I’d send them home with an assignment with six things to do around the house, and they would have to get it signed by their parents. They had to be respectful to their parents and to their camp leaders,” Master Moore said. “It showed them martial arts is really more than just learning kicking and punching; it’s how you treat others. Those camp leaders were coming back and telling me they saw some positive changes within the kids.”

For over 40 years, Master Moore has impacted the lives of three generations of students, and to this day, continues to shape the youth of Topeka.