Free Training Day Mid-West 2025: A Day of Training, Community & Legacy

June 4, 2025 Jenni Nather

Mark your calendars and polish your gi — Free Training Day Mid-West 2025 is coming in hot on Saturday, June 21st in Lenexa, Kansas at The Foundry!

This isn’t just a day of free martial arts training. It’s a celebration of everything we love about the arts — the discipline, the connection, the sweat, and the stories. Whether you’re a lifelong martial artist or a brand-new student, this is your chance to sharpen your skills, meet like-minded practitioners, and get inspired by some of the most passionate martial artists around.

Presenters That Pack a Punch

This year’s lineup is next-level awesome, with a mix of returning favorites and first-time fire-starters ready to deliver knowledge and energy on the mat:

Aubrey Koontz – First-Time Presenter
With over 13 years of martial arts experience and a dynamic career in stunt performance, Aubrey brings an exciting edge to the day. Her training blends Ryukyu Kempo, Goju Ryu, and more — and her passion for transformation through motion makes her session one to watch.

Wyatt Meriwether – Returning Presenter
A Strongman, soldier, scholar, and circus performer? Wyatt’s back with his signature style — combining physical power, deep academic insight, and diverse martial arts experience. Get ready for a seminar that’s as thoughtful as it is intense.

Jenni Nather – First-Time Presenter
Jenni began training at 32 and has since risen to 3rd Degree Black Belt in Pilsung Moo Do. She’s also the powerhouse behind much of the organization at Free Training Day Mid-Atlantic — and we’re thrilled to have her on the mat here in the Midwest.

Matt Nather – Returning Presenter
A skilled martial artist with a flair for clear, effective instruction, Matt’s sessions are all about practical takeaways. He’s been here before — and if you saw him last time, you know this is one you won’t want to miss again.

Jake Miesner – Returning Presenter
With 30+ years of experience, Jake brings a teaching style that prioritizes confidence through simplicity. Expect to leave his session with tools you’ll actually use — and a big smile on your face.

Jessica McLaurin – First-Time Presenter
Jessica is set to deliver a seminar packed with insights and high energy. An avid participant in last year's FTD, she’s come back to not only receive but to freely give from her experience as well.

Maytham Thurman – First-Time Presenter
A passionate martial artist and community builder, Maytham represents what we aim for at FTDMW — humility, heart, and a hunger to grow. His session will inspire you to dig deeper and move with intention.

Karen & Victor Guarino – Your Hosts & Returning Presenters
Victor and Karen aren’t just your happy hosts — they’re committed martial artists who pour everything they’ve got into making Free Training Day Mid-West a celebration of our shared love for the arts. They’ll be presenting, teaching, laughing, and probably handing you a t-shirt or a raffle ticket at some point, too.

Sponsors, Shirts, and Shenanigans

A huge shoutout to our sponsors, including:

Kataaro – Donating a deluxe custom belt voucher for our raffle (yes, you want this).
Sparring Sports/Quikstrike – Setting up a vendor booth with all the gear your dojo bag dreams of.
Sri’s Kitchen – Bringing the flavor with lunch available on-site (bring cash or card!).
Rudy’s Tenampa Taqueria – Hosting our post-event dinner. Show up in your FTDMW shirt and get a free cheese dip appetizer!

And speaking of shirts…
Shirts will be available for purchase at the event for just $20, sizes are first come, first served.

What Makes FTDMW Different?

This isn’t just a seminar series. It’s a movement.

We’re building community. We’re training across styles. We’re setting egos aside and showing up to grow together. From high-energy drills to reflective lectures, from the first handshake to the last bite of post-event tacos — this is martial arts at its best.

Event Details:

June 21st, 2025
The Foundry, 8835 Lackman Rd, Lenexa, KS
Completely Free
Multiple Seminars + Lunch + Vendors + Raffles + Community Dinner