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

Top 5 Key Differences Between Karate and Taekwondo

Top 5 Key Differences Between Karate and Taekwondo

Martial arts are an incredible avenue for personal growth, offering benefits that […]

What Is the Best Workout to Improve Your Karate?

What Is the Best Workout to Improve Your Karate?

Are you looking to enhance your karate performance? The good news is […]

What Is the Difference Between Okinawan Karate and Japanese Karate?

What Is the Difference Between Okinawan Karate and Japanese Karate?

For those new to the world of karate, it is worth knowing […]

10 Tips to Set a Habit for Consistent Attendance

10 Tips to Set a Habit for Consistent Attendance

When you commit to training in martial arts, it’s the perfect opportunity […]

Reaching Key Developmental Milestones for Your Child Aged 3-6 With All the Benefits of Karate

Reaching Key Developmental Milestones for Your Child Aged 3-6 With All the Benefits of Karate

At Action Karate, we really commend parents with young children who enroll […]

10 Benefits of Karate Classes for Kids

10 Benefits of Karate Classes for Kids

Parents who are looking for engaging activities for their child as a […]

What Is a Karate Uniform Called? Exploring the Symbolism of the Attire

What Is a Karate Uniform Called? Exploring the Symbolism of the Attire

Both masters and students of karate wear a karate uniform. But do […]

What Are the Best Self-Defense Martial Arts?

What Are the Best Self-Defense Martial Arts?

With bullying on the rise, and with an increase in people wanting […]

Is Martial Arts a Good Fit for Your Child with Autism? Here’s What to Consider

Is Martial Arts a Good Fit for Your Child with Autism? Here’s What to Consider

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be considering enrolling […]

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