Advertisement

KC Black Karate Master Representing Team USA in World Kickboxing Tournament

David Muhammad, a Black KC martial artist & Dean of Students at Barstow will represent the United States in a world kickboxing championship in Portugal.

Kansas City’s very own David Muhammad, a lifelong martial artist, is set to make waves on the international stage, representing the U.S. at the prestigious European Kickboxing Organization’s Senior World Championship in Portugal.

Rooted in karate, Muhammad’s journey from a young student under his father Rudolph Muhammad’s tutelage to a sixth-degree black belt and revered instructor is a testament to his dedication and skill.

At just 3 years old, Muhammad embarked on his martial arts path, a journey that not only honed his physical prowess but also cultivated a sense of community at his dojo, Integrity Martial Arts Academy – a cornerstone in south Kansas City and the longest-standing Black-owned martial arts school in the city.

Advertisement

Muhammad, who also enriches young minds as the dean of students at the Barstow School, is no stranger to the rigor of competitive combat.

His expertise extends across various disciplines including the Chung Do Kwan school of taekwondo, Shotokan style karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. This diverse background has perfectly primed him for his latest challenge – kickboxing.

Just three years into his kickboxing journey, Muhammad is already making a mark by securing a spot to compete in two disciplines at the global level.

This achievement, especially at 38, speaks volumes about his relentless spirit and commitment to personal and student development.

As he steps onto the world stage for Team USA, Muhammad carries with him not just his personal aspirations but also the pride and hopes of his community back home.

Defender News Briefing

America's #1 newsletter for Black politics, culture tech and world news.

Smart, brief, and straight to your inbox

You can unsubscribe at any time. Have a question? Contact us or read our privacy policy for more info.

Author

he/him/his or they/them/theirs.

Ryan has a diverse background including working at one of the nation’s most esteemed Black think tanks, one of Chicago’s top B2B Tech PR agencies, a top 3 global PR firm, and founding Kansas City’s largest Black-led direct action group during the 2020 uprisings. During Ryan’s professional career he’s consulted brands such as Facebook, Samsung, Amazon and Google.

He is a recipient of the Civil and Human Rights Award recognized by the Urban League of Kansas City, Southern Christian Leadership Conference and NAACP. He has also engaged in a number of public talks as a prison industrial complex Abolitionist thinker including on; NPR, PBS, a Kansas City Art Institute Lecture, a lecture at University of the Arts London, the Annual International Symposium (Digital Ethics for a Sustainable Society), as well as the T-Mobile Speaker Series.

Community support is the lifeblood to the sustainability & growth of our urgent work among Black youth. Will you help us by becoming a Defender?

Your new monthly donation goes 24x further right now