Before I introduce Kinchen Martial Arts Academy—and the man behind it, Cliff Kinchen—I want to share how close this place is to my heart. Both of my sons earned their black belts in Taekwondo here. They still talk about the challenges they faced along the way, but I saw how their confidence, discipline, and resilience grew. To this day, Sensei Kinchen is on the floor each week, guiding his students with the same passion and dedication he showed when he taught my boys.
“My teachings are based on practical self-defense and building a community rooted in leadership and personal growth,” says Cliff. With a long list of martial arts credentials and an MBA in Strategic Leadership, he’s created a dojo culture that goes far beyond physical skill.
Cliff grew up in a tough Detroit neighborhood, with no strong role models. At age 10, he became interested in martial arts—teaching himself through magazines and movies. After joining the military at 18, he began formal training and earned his first black belt in Taekwondo in just a year and a half.
Cliff’s martial arts journey continued to deepen as he expanded his training to include Judo, Aikido, Japanese and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, American Karate, and Muay Thai. As if that weren’t enough, he went on to become a professional Kickboxing Champion.
His dedication led to a proclamation recognizing his own style of martial arts, which he named American Burendo Style Karate, ultimately earning him the honorable title of Kyoshi, meaning “Teacher of Teachers.”
But for Cliff, it’s never been just about the belts. He keeps his dojo intentionally small, staying true to his students and his teachings. He’s created an inclusive, patient, and empowering environment and at the end of each class, students talk through real-life challenges—building emotional strength through community, paving the way for the next generation of strong, self-aware leaders.
Kinchen Martial Arts Academy
10308 Bailey Rd Unit 420
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 237-0015
About the Author:
Anne McColgan is the founder and sole creative force behind AnnieMc, a design studio based in Davidson, North Carolina.
Originally from Scotland, Anne Moved to the U.S. 10 years ago with her husband and young family, bringing along her passion for design and creativity.
When she’s not designing, she loves supporting small businesses and travelling with her family.
About the Publisher:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN. He’s a local real estate agent and digital marketing professional.
Since 2020, Jeff has been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most inspiring small businesses and nonprofits.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating, playing pickleball, cycling local greenways, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.
Jeff Hamm
NC Real Estate Broker
Lake Norman | High Country
www.LKNreal.com
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