People’s Corner: Otis Burwell

 

Tell us about yourself

My name is Otis Burwell. I am a father, husband and eighth degree Grand Master, who has been teaching Martial Arts for over 30 years. I was born and raised in Huntsville, AL and graduated from Johnson High School class of 1980. I grew up fighting and now I teach Tae Kwon Do, Kick Boxing, Boxing and combative training which includes women’s self-defense. I’ve trained in Judo and I’m also a first-degree black belt in Kung fu.

What motivates you to do what you do?

I love watching children become successful. My passion is kids. All my kids who stay with me through high school, go to college and finish.

What is one verse that has been significant in your life and why?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

The words of that verse trained me to stay focused on Christ. I can’t do anything apart from Him.

What is God speaking to you right now?

God is speaking to me the last thing that my mother told me on May 5, 2011,

“Keep teaching the kids and don’t let your heart change.”

What is one of your most memorable God moments in this city?

When I got selected mentor of the year by 100 black men in 2008. To be honored with Dr. Harris was a huge honor. I was going through a tough time, the honor was God’s way of telling me that He had me. It hurts my heart to see the absence of male mentors. So many black men tell young black men not to let the white man tell them anything, but there are more white males mentoring young black men than black men.

Burwell’s Martial Arts is located at

1407 N Memorial Pkwy #16a, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 970-8190
https://www.facebook.com/burwellsmartialarts/

 

7 Comments

  1. Connie Oakley February 13, 2017 at 10:55 am

    Awesome! I love your heart to mentor children. So thankful for Godly role models like you!

     
  2. Vikki Buchanan February 14, 2017 at 9:09 am

    One of the greatest, strongest man I know. A lover of children, family and god and I am proud to call him my brother.

     
  3. Virginia February 14, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    Awesome! Thank you Mr. Burwell for helping children become their best self!

     
  4. Barbara Ellen Smartt February 18, 2017 at 7:45 am

    I love this. Keep on fulfilling God’s purpose in your life. You have the gift of teaching! Glad to have called you my brother for many many years and glad we have your daughter in dance now so I get to stay in touch!

     
  5. Rick Clark March 18, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    Proud to call you my teacher and my friend. I still tell people the story that happened about twenty years ago when I suggested you raise tuition because you were the best teacher with the least tuition, your answer still touches me , “you see all these single moms here ? if I charge more their kids wont be here , I’m here for the kids not the money “. Great teacher . Better man.

     
  6. Sylvia Miller April 29, 2017 at 4:24 am

    Mr.B Keep teaching the children. I know that you inspired mine to keep achieving. We love you for the martial arts training, but even more the mentoring and guidance that you provide to the children and the community.

     
  7. Brian TeGantvoort April 8, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    I’ve known Otis Burwell since I was 18 and I’m 46 fix to be 47 from the very time first time I met him he holds everyone accountable and holds them to a standard… he does not expect anything less from you than you expects from himself and if you are a man of God , all you’re doing is mirroring Him… A true Man of God (M.O.G) Be Bless Burwell Family and remember that you are a Blessing….

     

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *