08/28/2026
🌟 Famous Friday 🌟
This week's Famous Friday recognizes Master Jon Plumer of Plumer Karate America in Lodi, Wisconsin.
Jon began his martial arts journey in Madison in 1974. In the early 1990s, he transitioned to Karate America and began teaching its system.
In 2001, Jon and his wife, Chris, purchased their first karate school in DeForest. It was a struggling school with just 39 students.
Seven years later, they sold the school with 240 students.
But that was just the beginning.
Over the years, Jon and Chris have opened and sold nine schools to students who wanted to become school owners themselves. Today, they continue to own and operate two schools and teach together in Lodi.
About 17 years ago, Jon took a chance and reached out to legendary martial artist Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, asking if he would come to Wisconsin for a seminar.
He came.
And he has returned every year since.
What started as a simple invitation eventually became a close friendship and a mentorship that Jon still values today.
But when asked about his greatest achievement as a martial artist, Jon didn't mention championships, schools, or business success.
His answer was simple:
“Without question, my greatest achievement as a martial artist has been helping thousands of students reach their goals in life.”
That's what martial arts is really about.
The belts and trophies may eventually become memories, but the discipline, confidence, perseverance, and life skills learned on the mat can stay with a person for the rest of their life.
Thank you, Jon, for decades of dedication to martial arts and for helping create not just martial artists, but instructors, leaders, and school owners.
🥋 Who was the instructor who made the biggest impact on your martial arts journey?