02 Jun 2024 Men of the Moment 2024: Tom Mullaney
“To get something you never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.”
Tom Mullaney understands this quote better than anyone. The owner of Grandmaster Han’s Martial Arts & Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Conway, Greenbrier and Clinton, Mullaney has taken chances that, regardless of their outcome, have led him to a position in life to instruct others on how to be successful.
“I’ve seen the power of martial arts in my life and thousands of other people’s lives,” he said. “The fundamental shift in their self confidence and the empowerment it provides is not available anywhere else in society.”
Mullaney chose to work in martial arts because he and his team have built something unique in north central Arkansas.
“This community of people believes everyone belongs,” he said. “I am inspired every day by my students, like the children being bullied, the women who have survived physical or emotional trauma and are determined to not let it dictate who they are, and the men who seek to better themselves for the safety of their families. I’m proudest when kids I trained 10, 15 or 20 years ago ask me to be a reference for college and job applications or invite me to birthday parties and weddings.”
His community includes his wife, Shana, and his beautiful and talented daughters Keri, Reilly and Piper, who train alongside him. He is also grateful to Grandmaster Han and Grandmaster Helio. “I wouldn’t be here without them or my instructors Jeremy Fox, Rener and Ryron Gracie. I also can’t thank enough the countless training partners who have pushed me to be the very best version of myself,” he said.
Some of his most significant accomplishments are earning his 6th-degree black belt in Youn Wha Ryu Taekwondo and earning a purple belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He is a certified instructor in both systems. The instruction and quiet confidence gained from this training are what he seeks to impart to his students.
His future plans are to empower generations of students to be all that God has gifted, called and blessed them to be.
Contact Mullaney at 501-733-3848 or through gmhgjj.com.