Rochelle E. Brenner

Martial Arts Instructor & Writer | Action Karate Mt. Airy & Collingswood

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Rochelle writes across the full breadth of martial arts education, drawing on three decades of competition, coaching, and award-winning journalism.

ABOUT ME

Rochelle Brenner has spent 30 years within the martial arts space with a career alongside it telling its stories. A 4th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo and boxing, she is the 2008 National Women’s Golden Gloves Champion, a former USA Boxing judge and coach, and the first woman ever honoured by the Boxing Writers Association of America for first-person ringside writing. As a Temple University journalism graduate, she has written and edited three books on martial arts. Apart from all this, she has appeared on national television and built two Action Karate locations across nearly a decade. Rochelle’s expertise also means she has trained an estimated 3,000 students and guided more than 200 to their black belts.

WRITING AND TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Rochelle’s writing is grounded in a conviction she has carried since her first class as a child: that martial arts belongs in the mainstream. Not as a niche pursuit or a supplement to other activities, but as a core curriculum. The physical and mental benefits she has witnessed across 30 years of training and 10 years of teaching are not incidental. They show up in grades, in friendships, in the way a child carries themselves into a room. Her published work reflects that belief, moving freely between competition reporting, parenting insights, and the quieter victories that don’t make the headlines. As a mother of two teenagers and an active foster mum to teens with babies, she brings a professional and personal perspective.

CREDENTIALS

Martial Arts
Writing and Media
Personal

4th Degree Black Belt (Kenpo and Boxing)

BA Journalism, Temple University

Mother of 2 teens and active foster mum

30 years training and 10 years teaching

Graduate Certificate, C.E.M., University of Richmond

American Gladiators contestant, 2008 (won her episode)

2008 National Women’s Golden Gloves Champion
Author, Emu and Squirrel; editor, Black Belt Parenting and Teachings of the Asah Shark
Featured in Championship Rounds by Bernard Fernandez
Grand Champion 18+ Open Form, NAFSMA 2024 (swept kata, weapons, and open form)
First woman honoured by the Boxing Writers Association of America
Media appearances on Philadelphia and South Florida news affiliates
Former USA Boxing judge and coach
Digital Marketing Certificate, BrainStation
See: actionkaratema.com/blog
Approximately 3,000 students taught and 200+ black belts trained
Graduate, Kaleo School of Biblical Leadership

Articles by Rochelle

Why Martial Arts Training Strengthens Kids Mentally and Physically

Why Martial Arts Training Strengthens Kids Mentally and Physically

In today’s world, knowing a few basic self-defense skills can make a […]

When Kicking and Punching Are a Good Thing for Children with ADD/ADHD

When Kicking and Punching Are a Good Thing for Children with ADD/ADHD

If you’re thinking that teaching a kid how to kick and punch and scream “Ayah!” is the last thing you’d want for someone with ADD/ADHD, I can relate to that. 

From Eye Rolls to Meltdowns: 7 Annoying Kid Moments You Can Totally Handle

From Eye Rolls to Meltdowns: 7 Annoying Kid Moments You Can Totally Handle

By Rochelle E. Brenner To be a truly good martial arts instructor […]

9 Times When Knowing Martial Arts is Better Than Owning Firearms

9 Times When Knowing Martial Arts is Better Than Owning Firearms

By Rochelle E. Brenner Martial arts isn’t just about fighting—it’s about thriving. […]

Top 10 Reasons Parents Enroll Their Kids in Karate

Top 10 Reasons Parents Enroll Their Kids in Karate

By Rochelle E. Brenner A parent walks into a karate school.  Why?  […]

Karate Belt Colors Guide: What Each Belt Means for Your Child’s Growth

Karate Belt Colors Guide: What Each Belt Means for Your Child’s Growth

Parents, are you looking to give your child the gift of physical […]

Karate for Kids: Age-Appropriate Training Guide

Karate for Kids: Age-Appropriate Training Guide

We all know that every time we learn something new, we need […]

How Karate Classes Build Confidence and Character in Children: A Parent’s Guide

How Karate Classes Build Confidence and Character in Children: A Parent’s Guide

At Action Karate, we believe in fostering strong relationships with our students […]

How to Choose the Best Martial Arts for Women’s Self-Defense

How to Choose the Best Martial Arts for Women’s Self-Defense

In today’s world, personal safety is a growing concern, and many women […]

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