By Steve Oldfield
NKyTribune staff writer
A former world-champion kickboxer who runs a karate school in Alexandria is taking eight of his students to the world championships in France next month.
Teammates from Michael McClendon’s Martial Arts Academy will be traveling to Thonon-Les-Bains in Southeastern France, from October 14-18th. They’ll be taking part in the ICO World Combat Martial Arts Championships, competing in everything from karate and kickboxing along with some other fighting styles.
The Northern Kentucky competitors range in age from 11 to 47, with two of the standouts being teenagers Addi Venneman, 17 and Mason Richeson, 16.
“I feel really confident that I can go and win world titles in all of my divisions,” said Mason, who is the only minor in the United States fighting in full-contact kickboxing. “I believe my preparation, training and skills have gotten me here.”
The Beechwood High School student plans to make a career in MMA as an adult and credits McClendon with making that goal more than just a dream – but a potential for success.
“He’s a really great coach,” Mason said. “He’s been with me the whole time I’ve been training, and I feel like we get the best workouts we can.”
Addi has been training with McClendon since she was six years old. When the Southgate homeschooler started, McClendon was 17, the same age she is now.
“He’s very understanding,” Addi said. “I like that he’s really patient and I like the bond that we have together. We just trust each other.”
“She’s on a roll,” McClendon said, pointing to Addi’s eight straight wins in tournaments. “Addi even competes against some grown women. She and Mason are very impressive.”
The two teenagers will be taking part in their second international competition. Addi has competed in Ireland and Mason in Portugal.
“It’s just really cool to be able to represent the United States on a world scale,” Mason said.
“The fun thing about traveling is that you get to see a lot of different ways of life,” Addi said.
Like Mason, she plans on keeping martial arts as a big part of her life as an adult.
“I was really shy when I was little and karate’s made me a lot more confident,” Addi said.
McClendon is just as proud of Addi and her teammates’ progress out of the ring as he is when it comes to their victories in the sport.
“It’s not just about the punches or kicks,” McClendon said. “It’s about the community. It’s about being a champion in the ring but also a champion in life.”
