On Saturday, September 20th, 82 martial artists came together for Free Training Day Mid-Atlantic 2025. That’s a few more than last year’s 77 — but numbers only tell part of the story.
What stood out most wasn’t the size of the group. It was the smiles. The breakthroughs. The friendships that grew stronger in the middle of training sessions.
From the moment people arrived, the energy was electric. Some were returning for another year, others had no idea what to expect, but everywhere I turned, there was laughter, people swapping stories, practicing forms together in the hallway, and an incredible number of folks who stepped in without hesitation to help — hanging flyers, running the check-in table, and pitching in wherever they were needed. Nobody asked, “What’s in it for me?” It was pure willingness to make the day the best it could be.
Moments That Stood Out
There were so many snapshots from the day that I’ll carry with me:
- People trained so hard they didn’t even stop for lunch.
- Friends posed for photos together, laughing in between classes.
- A conversation that started casually turned into something surprising when I realized the person I was talking with was one of the authors from our Modern Dads of Martial Arts, Volume One project — someone I’d only ever known through email until that moment.
And one moment that I’ll never forget: one attendee, who used to be very reserved, spent the entire day bouncing from class to class, eager to try things she had never done before. She wasn’t waiting to see who else was going; she just jumped in, curious and excited. That shift didn’t happen by accident. It happened because the environment felt safe enough for her to explore and grow. I was (and am) so proud of her.
Connections That Last
One of my favorite parts of Free Training Day is how people connect beyond the training floor. This year, I saw attendees exchange contact info so they could keep digging into what they’d learned. Some even made plans to host each other for seminars at their schools. That’s what it’s all about: sharing knowledge, building bridges, and continuing the conversations long after the event ends.
Why It Matters
Yes, we all left with new ideas for our own training. But this day wasn’t just about pushing ourselves. It was about lifting each other up, finding the threads that connect our different styles, and strengthening the martial arts for the next generation.
Again and again, I was reminded that martial arts isn’t just a hobby for us. It’s part of who we are. It’s how we make ourselves — and the world — better.
Gratitude Beyond Words
My little* heart isn’t big enough for all the love I feel for this community. I’m honored to know that so many people are as excited about this event as I am. And judging by what I’ve heard, I’m not the only one who feels that way:
"I love the exchanges we have at Mid-Atlantic."
"It was such a great day. Thank you for all the work that you did to make it happen!"
"I always have a good time and leave with something new. That’s why I try to make it every year and tell people about it."
"I was having so much fun that I forgot to take any pics myself, which is completely unlike me."
"We’ll definitely be back next year."
Free Training Day Mid-Atlantic isn’t just an event. It’s proof of what happens when martial artists come together with open minds and generous hearts.
Thank you to everyone who came, trained, taught, and supported. Because of you, the martial arts are stronger.
📸 Photos from this year’s event will be shared with the email list in the next few days.
📅 Next year’s event dates will be announced to the email list within the next couple of weeks.
Until then, keep training, keep connecting, and keep making the martial arts better than we found them.
— Jenni
*Yes, this is a short joke. 😉
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