Chris Wilder

Chris Wilder - Karateka at JMAC

About Chris 

I was born and raised in Texas and moved to Michigan in 2003. I'm a dad to two awesome kids and husband to an amazing wife. I began my career in IT 15 years ago and currently play the role of Software Engineer. For hobbies – the nerdier the better. I like reading (I'm a big fan of horror), creative writing, board games, video games, trading card games, and pretty much anything adjacent to those categories. I also love music, mostly listening these days with occasional attempts at creating.

Athletic and Martial Arts Background

I developed an interest in strength and conditioning training in Junior High and have done various versions of that on and off ever since. Aside from one season of little league and some Karate classes at the local rec center when I was young, I don't have any experience with martial arts or organized sports.

Path to JMAC

I've had an interest in martial arts for as long as I can remember but never had the courage to try. When my son expressed an interest in Karate, I thought that might be a great thing to do together. I started searching for a martial arts school in the area that had training programs for both kids and adults while also being beginner friendly (I wanted to find the opposite of a Cobra Kai dojo). Everything I read about JMAC sounded exactly like what I was looking for. I was immediately hooked after my first introductory class.

Favorite Aspects of JMAC

I love the environment at JMAC. The community has been so warm and welcoming, and the instructors are all incredible. Starting martial arts later in life, I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up but everyone I've worked with has been nothing but encouraging and helpful. It truly does feel like you're part of a big family at JMAC.

Ongoing Challenges in Training

Starting at the age of 40, while also not being in the best shape, I would say the biggest challenge has been physical. I don't have the stamina or mobility I used to, but training has been a fun way to work on improving those things. I try to make it to as many classes as I can when work/life schedule allows, while practicing at home when I can't make it to class.

Positive Changes and Growth Since Starting at JMAC

I've seen a number of positive changes in myself since I started my training, both physically and mentally. Karate is an excellent motivator to improve my overall physical fitness, and the mentality shift it encourages goes far beyond the mat. I've found that training is an excellent form of stress relief. One of my favorite parts of training is being able to unplug from all the distractions and focus completely on what's happening in the moment.

A Personal Note

We have an absurd amount of animals in our house. I've learned that when my wife goes to the Humane Society to "just look", we're gaining a new furry family member.