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Young students beginning the pursuit of that much desired achievement - the black belt!
He now celebrates 35 years in his beloved Martial Arts. He is student, teacher and believer! He is a celebrated martial artist. He brought home World Championship titles from Russia, Italy and Canada! He has been active in Martial Arts since 1971 and holds the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt. He has also earned belts in Shotokan, Tae Kwon Do, Ju-Jitsu and Akido. His studio at 140 West Main Street in Forest City is more like a museum of achievements. It is full of trophies, testimonials, photos and medals. Everywhere you go there is positive proclamations. They state what Ray Rice believes: Positive discipline in mind, body and spirit! His school is ranked in the top 1ten nationally and is an award winning school.
Ray has been married to Anita for 33 years; they have two boys, Brandon and Cory. Both boys are in college pursuing their professional careers. They also are black belt martial artists.
Ray opened his first school in 1975. His career and school has seen its ups and downs, but Ray is committed to all that is good about Martial Arts. He offers what he refers to as "positive discipline in a now negative world." He claims that through it all, he gained renewed strength and is now more committed than ever. He has dealt with acceptance and rejection, but the positive frame of mind makes it all work out for the better! He life is definitely testimony to what he teaches!
In an ever changing world, Ray Rice continues to spread the gospel of Martial Arts - Respect, Excellence, Attitude, Commitment, Loyalty and Honor. On the right wall of his studio, in large red letters, he states the schools mission: "This Is A Black Belt School. Your Goal Is To Be Black Belt and Beyond. Quitters Never Win And Winners Never Quit." Personally, he will add: high achievers in life are not born - they are made!
He gives a lot of credit of his success to his father, mother, wife and sons. Also, to extra ordinary friends who were there when he needed them. He is a very Christian man and has no trouble letting anyone and everyone know what, he says, he finally discovered for himself.
Parents and grandparents alike claim that because of Ray's influence, the kids who he teaches are more respectful, more focused and more self disciplined. To them, he is a big plus in their children's lives. One parent said that self-esteem is a great bonus in Ray Rice's teaching.
How fortunate that beyond holding three world championships, we also have a teacher who still cares.
