:: Peggy Petty Jolly
Master Instructor
7th Dan
Training for 25 years under Master Young Taek Yu of Greensboro, Master Peggy Petty Jolly was one of just a few women who had the courage to study Tae Kwon Do in the 1970s. Those "few" continued to dwindle over the years, and Master Jolly is among the small sisterhood of women who have reached the level of Master Instructor.
Master Jolly was head instructor of Master Yu's main school in Greensboro for more than seven years, before bringing a branch of Young Yu Tae Kwon Do to Siler City in 1982. The school became South Eastern Karate in 1996, reflecting the leadership role Master Jolly had assumed, with the encouragement of Master Yu. She continues to teach the knowledge passed on by her own teachers.
Her early training was under Instructor Billy Gray. Master Jolly still appreciates the encouragement of Instructor Gray and Master Yu, particularly for their support at a time when martial arts were practiced almost entirely by men.
Another prominent figure in Master Jolly's development was Instructor Gary Ward. "He pushed me even harder than the male students," she says, "because he knew females are more likely to be attacked."
Over her distinguished career, Master Jolly has taught countless women's self-defense and general martial arts classes, and participated as a competitor and promoter in martial arts tournaments.
Thanks to her dedication and leadership, South Eastern Karate has continued to thrive, even in a small town and rural county. "Our success is due to the high quality and consistency of training I received," she says. "And, the fact that this school has mirrored that quality over the years."
:: Mark Ellington
School Head Instructor, Liberty
5th Dan
Beginning his training with Master Peggy Petty Jolly at age 16, Mark Ellington has been studying his art for well over two decades. He credits his study in martial arts with keeping him out of trouble as a teenager and refining the mental, psychological and physical tools crtical for his successful 20-year career in law enforcement.
"I have a sincere love for the art of Tae Kwon Do and try my best to pass that on to my students," says Mr. Ellington. "Through dedicated training, students learn that strength of character is more important than strength of flesh. Only through hard work, complete with all the sweat and sore muscles, can students discover what they can truly accomplish."
Mr. Ellington says his "loving, beautiful and supportive wife," Jeannie, has always encouraged him to continue training and teaching others. The couple has one son, Zack, who also trains with South Eastern Karate and holds the rank of 3rd Dan.
:: Other Black Belt Instructors
Other black belts also assist in teaching students, providing a wealth of resources and perspectives for those learning the martial art. Not only is teaching part of the black belt's own training in the art, but it provides a constant reminder of how students struggle to learn what more experienced martial artists could take for granted. This approach, Master Jolly believes, keeps everyone humble and prepared to learn.
