Local man named 'Master of the Year'

JOHN DOWDY The required training for persons who join the armed forces can be rigorous on all levels - physical, mental and emotional.

But John Dowdy, a former member of the U.S. Air Force, believes he has found something more difficult and far more intriguing than suiting up in camouflage on a daily basis - the world of martial arts.

Dowdy, who has earned black belts in 10 different styles, recently earned his second award in the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame for being Master of the Year in the art of hapkido. He won the same award in 2005 in this area which prides itself on effective self defense and employing maneuvers such as joint locks, pressure points, throws, kicks and other strikes.

"This is merely something I have a passion for and love to perform and teach," Dowdy said. "I have been going full-throttle for much of the past 38 years."

Dowdy initially became interested in martial arts during his tour in Korea, signing up to take classes immediately after watching it for the first time. Soon afterward, through hard work and perseverance he was able to earn his first black belt in a mere 10 months.

"It was the main thing I wanted to do," Dowdy said. "After achieving my first black belt, all I wanted to do was earn more."

He would do so nine times over, also earning several degrees in arts such as Tiger Shark, Hakdari Sohn and Kuk Sool Won hapkido, as well as Jujitsu.

"It is fine to be good in an area," Dowdy said. "But I wanted to be good in several areas."

Despite his own accomplishments, Dowdy also prides himself in teaching others.

"I wanted to teach anyone who was willing to learn, even when I was still in the process of learning myself," Dowdy said.

Such a love of martial arts and the willingness to teach led him to open his own school in Gaffney - the American College of Martial Arts. The school, which has classes for both adults and children, teach several types of martial arts from Karate to Kung Fu.

It is also preparing for demonstrations at the South Carolina Peach Festival next month, where he hopes others will gain the same love for the arts that he did so many years ago.

"The art will continue, especially if it keeps its current pace," Dowdy said. "It has gained such popularity over the years that more and more avenues are being opened."