A martial arts demonstration hosted by TEAM ENGAGE drew about 70 participants on Jan. 3 at the Tallulah–Madison Community Center, according to organizers.
The event was organized by TEAM ENGAGE in partnership with The Sylbyl-Denver Training Facility Inc., a Tallulah-based nonprofit. Coach Akachi Washington, CEO of TEAM ENGAGE, led the seminar, which included instruction in boxing, kickboxing and wrestling for children and adults.
Washington said the demonstration focused on fundamentals and physical activity and was open to all age groups.
“We do boxing, kickboxing and wrestling seminars for young children and really for everybody,” Washington said. “It began with the fundamentals of boxing, the concepts of kid boxing and the fundamentals of wrestling.”
Washington said the organization has held similar events in the community for about five years and that the Jan. 3 turnout was larger than previous seminars.
“It was a big turnout because we had more equipment and the city jumped in on it,” Washington said.
Brittny Washington said the demonstration was held to introduce a martial arts program that will be offered through the City of Tallulah beginning in March. She said the program will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the community center and is sponsored by the city.
According to Washington, parents who want to enroll their children in the March program may sign up through City Hall. She said the demonstration followed several years of community fitness and nutrition workshops hosted by the organization.
Washington said the March program will be conducted as classes rather than a seminar and will include boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and other martial arts offered by the nonprofit.
Former students volunteered to assist during the event, Washington said. He also said Freddie "Birdman" Carter donated water and gifts for participating children.
“Everyone had a good time and huge smiles, that’s what we do it for,” Washington said. “We do it for the children. Coaching and teaching is what I love doing.”
Washington said his work is centered on discipline and mentorship.
“I believe a lot of the violence we see comes from a lack of discipline and a lack of positive male presence,” Washington said. “I don’t just teach martial arts or boxing. I teach discipline.”
He said discipline learned through structured physical activity can help young people manage conflict. He said that his goal is to take responsibility for youth development in the community.
“We lack someone taking full responsibility for the youth outside of school,” he said. “This is not about money. That’s why we have a nonprofit. It’s about giving back and instilling values in the next generation.”
The City of Tallulah encourages residents to register children for the martial arts classes scheduled for March 2026.
The Sylbyl-Denver Training Facility Inc. was established in 2019 and offers programs that include martial arts, health and fitness, and youth education, according to Washington.
