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Train like a black belt STORY BY DEAN ROWLAND + PHOTOGRAPHY BY LLOYD WAINSCOTT
INSIDE THE SPIRIT OF A LOCAL MARTIAL ARTS LEGEND
Sifu Rick McElroy began martial arts at age 12 in Judo. It sparked his life-long pursuit of the arts that led him to the dojos of some of the world’s leading martial artists. He won gold and silver medals in Kata and Weapons respectively at the First World Martial Arts Competition 2001.
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LocalLifeSC.com + JUNE 2020
If credentials tell a life story, then Rick McElroy has one heck of a story to tell. Consider that this Beaufort born-and-raised native son began studying the martial arts at age 12 and founded the McElroy Martial Arts Academy on Hilton Head in 1979. He is an inductee in the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Who's Who in Karate and Martial Arts Black Belts Elite USA; an international champion; a trainer of military and law enforcement personnel; and a coach on the U.S. National Martial Arts Team. He also hosted the first karate tournament on Hilton Head in 1987. “The people who really know what they do don’t brag,” he said. “Every instructor I’ve ever had has been the best in the world for what they’ve done.” His instructors through the years are legendary: TV and movie star Chuck Norris was his first karate instructor and he studied under Daniel Inosanto, a famous training partner of Bruce Lee. He’s earned 14 black belts in 32 martial arts disciplines. He’s the real deal. He imparts his vast knowledge and infuses it with his indomitable passion to his 21 students ranging in age from 5 to 55 at the Island Recreation Center. He also teaches private lessons. “I love the martial arts, and I think it teaches lifelong lessons to an individual who learns from the right people,” said McElroy, who first visited Japan in 1980. “Good training, good atmosphere, good environment, good knowledge, good practice and a great attitude.” For students just starting out and eager to wear a black belt around their waist someday, they “have to keep doing it and doing
