Conner Hawry
About Conner
"I was born in Southeast Michigan. I studied physics and computational mathematics at Michigan Tech before moving to Ann Arbor to work as a systems engineer. I enjoy nerdy interests like Lord of the Rings, Dungeons & Dragons, and board games. I tend to dive into new hobbies with enthusiasm, even if some only last a few months. I push myself both physically and mentally, always looking for ways to grow, not just in my interests but in my capabilities and mindset. My beliefs continue to evolve as I gain more experience and perspective in life."
Athletic and Martial Arts Background
"I had no martial arts experience prior to coming to JMAC, but I have always enjoyed being physically active. Throughout high school, I played soccer, and in college I dabbled in a variety of intramural sports such as racquetball, basketball, and broomball. After college, I started going to the gym and lifting weights to build confidence and strength while pushing myself beyond my comfort zone."
Path to JMAC Judo
"I joined JMAC in the fall of 2024. Around that time, I felt like I was just going through the motions in life and wanted to break out of the rut somehow. I mentioned this to a friend and told him I was considering trying a martial art to change things up. He recommended judo, describing how much he had enjoyed taking a class in college. While searching for a place to train, I found JMAC. Its proximity to work and the variety of martial arts offered made it an easy choice, so I decided to jump in headfirst. After a month of training, I told my friends that I plan to practice judo for the rest of my life."
Favorite Aspects of JMAC
"Community, expertise, and opportunity.
Community: JMAC has introduced me to some of the best people I have met, both as training partners and genuine friends. Both instructors and students contribute to an atmosphere of safety and camaraderie that supports a strong, effective learning environment.
Expertise: The depth and variety of experience at JMAC stand out. Each instructor and student brings a unique martial arts background and personal approach to training. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and help guide each other's development. Training here strengthens not just physical ability but also mental resilience and critical thinking.
Opportunity: Multiple classes are available throughout the week, along with chances to compete and train with other dojos locally, nationally, and internationally. There is no shortage of opportunities to grow."
Ongoing Challenges in Training
"I am always striving to grow and develop, not just as a martial artist but as a human being. JMAC has become an ever-growing part of my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. As my time spent training increases, the challenges extend beyond the physical and mental and begin to take on a spiritual dimension as well.
Now that I have a routine in class and focus on the day's material, my challenge is avoiding the tendency to simply go through the motions. There is always more to gain from drills and techniques, but learning to connect them, develop a personalized judo style, and build a cohesive structure has become one of the most persistent challenges in my martial arts journey."
Positive Changes and Growth Since Starting at JMAC
"Since starting at JMAC, I've seen noticeable changes in my body composition, strength, and mind-to-muscle connection. I've also become more disciplined in areas of my life outside of martial arts, and my ability to assess situations analytically has improved.
On an emotional and spiritual level, I feel more grounded. I have greater control over my breathing and a stronger ability to regulate my nervous system. A ton of the growth I've experienced at JMAC carries over into other areas of my life."