Never Settle Awards
Congratulations to the
2024 Never Settle Award Recipients
Jason Fitzsimmons - 2024 Flashlight Award
G. Anthony Joseph - 2024 Emissary of the Arts Award
Meagan MacIntire - 2024 Open Door Award
Collin Lieberman - 2024 Enduring Footprint Award
Emissary of the Arts Award
Highlighting those who have contributed to the arts and the community as well, making the world a better place. Ideal nominees would demonstrate the positive qualities of martial arts and martial artists in ways not directly tied to martial arts. Many martial arts schools use positive character traits as a benefit to be grown from continued training.
These nominees demonstrate these qualities routinely beyond the walls of their schools such that people know the nominee based on actions and deeds, not on martial arts rank, ability, or martial arts notoriety.
G. Anthony Joseph
G. Anthony Joseph draws on his experience with TCF the System and around the ring to help a variety of people progress along their individual martial arts journeys. While some may know him for the work he does with professional fighters, especially within the MMA community, he doesn’t just work with the fighters themselves, he works with their coaches to help them elevate their games as well. He is known for being a kind and generous soul in his work with families, teens, and children, especially in their explorations of TCF. He embodies what he teaches in his everyday life and uses the attention to detail that can be so critical in martial arts to make positive contributions elsewhere, including in his work developing fight choreography for film. G. Anthony also helps spread awareness and motivation in a positive manner using a variety of social media platforms.
Flashlight Award
People who make a difference in the arts - no matter rank. While quietly making an impact in their community, they demonstrate that actions speak louder than words in the most positive of ways.
A nomination for this award represents that the nominee's actions were noticed, were appreciated, and are worthy of recognition beyond a simple “Thank You.”
This is the person who needs to be nominated because they would never nominate themselves.
Jason Fitzsimmons
Jason is the most caring human and he exemplifies the tenets of TaeKwonDo in his everyday life. He brings joy to his classmates and works hard to make sure everyone is included. He puts in extra time and effort to teach students outside of regular classes with one of the school's patterns clubs where he helps students be better prepared for leveling up and by spearheading a D&D group that gives adult students an opportunity to get to know each other in a different setting. Jason is the spearhead of the TaeKwonDo K.I.C.K.S. “Extra Ki-Ups”, this is a way to celebrate the achievements of students young and old because he believes that celebrating achievements outside of class is a great way to encourage community in our school
Open Door Award
This person operates or plays a significant role in a school that has created a culture where students would refer to it as home, family. Everyone is welcome and wants to be there - with each other, even though they are all different.
These schools make everyone feel significant, regardless of what they bring to the table. Past training or not, all ages, physical capacity, and more. These schools accept everyone, and make sure that their first few months are only the beginning of the journey.
Meagan MacIntire
Meagan MacIntire is always willing to help with patterns or answer any questions. She hosts a pattern club at her house every week to help with whatever anyone needs extra help with free of charge. She has created charts to assist in learning the meanings of patterns and is willing to help whenever students are struggling. Meagan is always encouraging others to keep learning. Meagan always volunteers to help teach class if needed, she is also a positive role model as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. Through these roles, she inspires everyone around her to go the extra mile and be the best they can.
Enduring Footprint Award
Ideal nominees would stand out for their lasting impact on the martial arts community across a significant period of time. While the extent of the impact may be a result of direct, in person interactions, impact resulting through social media and other internet activity is also worthy of consideration.
Martial artists would not only say that they know who the nominee is but will also be able to discuss how the nominee influenced their training in some way.
Collin Lieberman
Collin Lieberman has left his mark in the martial arts and his community for many years. He is the first to bring whatever he can to the table. He understands the importance of continued education and training for their benefits which enhances everyone and anyone he comes in contact with. Collin’s knowledge and passion are contagious which allow him to have an immediate and lasting impact on those around him. His love for others is genuine and honest. Collin hosts numerous classes and seminars across many styles in both martial arts and fitness in an effort to help those around him and to extend to others as much as possible.
Ripples on Our Pond - In Memoriam
Martial Arts Awards
Together with Martial Journal, whistlekick is proud to sponsor the Never Settle Awards. Our new sponsor for the awards this year is Martialytics! These awards are designed to recognize the martial artists who give back to their schools, their communities, and the martial arts world at large.
Special Thanks To:
2024 Sponsor
Guerrilla Grill, Keene, NH
2024 Banquet Location
A Part of Martial Summit 2024
Do you want to be a part of the 2025 Never Settle Awards?
We are continually looking for those willing to help us spread the word about the Never Settle Awards. If you support what the Never Settle Awards stands for and want to help, please let us know.
Learn More
You can learn more about how we got here with this episode of Martial Arts Radio.