Meet Michael Drescher, an exceptional martial artist and one of National Karate’s most accomplished Directors and Instructors. His journey in martial arts began at the age of 4, and over the years, he has honed his skills to become a leader and role model in the martial arts community. This is the inspiring story of Michael Drescher’s dedication, discipline, and success in youth martial arts, adult karate, and Krav Maga training.
Youth Martial Arts Foundations:
In the year 2000, Michael Drescher took his first steps into the world of martial arts at the Bartlett National Karate school under the guidance of Master Cristian Nelson. Even at the tender age of 4, Drescher’s parents recognized the positive impact of National Karate’s youth martial arts classes on their son. The program instilled confidence, discipline, and a passion for the challenges of earning new karate belts and higher ranks.
The young Michael in Mr. Nelson’s class.
Leadership Training and Communication Skills:
As Drescher progressed through the ranks, he joined the National Karate Leadership program to become a karate instructor, an initiative that blends leadership training with hands-on experience assisting younger children in their karate classes. This experience allowed him to develop strong communication and coaching skills. Eventually, he became National Karate’s youngest Karate Instructor, showcasing his leadership abilities.
Michael earns his Leadership Badge
The Competitor and Coach:
Drescher’s journey expanded into competitive sport karate, becoming one of the first children to join the Chicago National Karate Competition team. His dedication and talent led him to compete in major tournaments nationwide, earning him a highly regarded position as a NASKA competitor (North American Sport Karate Association). Today, he imparts his knowledge learned from competition in sport karate as the Chicago National Karate Competition Team Coach.
The Instructor and Director:
Master Nelson, recognizing Drescher’s maturity, dedication, and martial arts success, entrusted him with teaching responsibilities beyond his years and started working at the South Elgin National Karate school in Junior High, then High School and then put himself through college while teaching martial arts. Then, after graduating with a degree in Business and Marketing from Northern Illinois University in 2018, he chose the path he loved, making martial arts his career. Later that year, he assumed the role of Director at the South Elgin school. Since then, he has taken on additional responsibilities, including Tournament Director, Marketing Director, and Competition Team Coach. He likes to stay busy!
The Desk Prophecy:
A memorable incident of the young Michael Drescher occurred at the new South Elgin National Karate school when Michael was 6 years old. Michael and his mother were sitting in the office talking to Mr. Nelson on opposite sides of the office desk. The young Michael Drescher looks up at Mr. Nelson and says, “Some day this will be my desk.” The adults all had a good laugh, except Michael wasn’t joking. And 20 years later, we now realize how prophetic those words were – because in fact, it is now his desk!
Mr. Drescher at “his Desk”
Conclusion:
Michael Drescher’s martial arts success journey is a testament to the transformative power of youth martial arts, adult karate, and Krav Maga training. His story highlights the positive impact of martial arts on personal development, leadership, and the pursuit of one’s passion. Whether you are a child or an adult seeking to enrich your life through martial arts, our karate instructor Michael Drescher stands as a shining example of the profound and lasting benefits that this discipline can offer. Contact National Karate today to explore how their program can positively impact your life.
