Hello, Kankakee County and Beyond!
We’re back with another engaging episode of the Kankakee Podcast, where we spotlight the remarkable people and places that make our corner of Illinois truly unique. Today, we dive into martial arts, character-building, and community impact with a guest who’s shaping lives—both young and old—right here in Kankakee County.
Meet Duane Brumitt: Martial Arts Mentor and Community Builder
Our guest this week is Duane Brumitt, co-founder (and now sole owner) of TriStar Martial Arts. But Duane is much more than an instructor—he’s a mentor, role model, and a steadfast force in the lives of hundreds of local kids and their families.
From Lifeguard Whistle to Black Belt Journey
Duane’s introduction to martial arts wasn’t in a studio, but at a pool—as a lifeguard, no less! Spotting some playful karate in the water, he blew his whistle and, through a chance encounter with a martial arts mom, got hooked himself:
“I always had wanted to do martial arts… I think, you know, most boys, we pretend like we knew something even though we didn’t.”
From ninja games as an older brother babysitting his siblings to training in Korean Tang Soo Do, Duane’s lifelong fascination with martial arts eventually led him to form TriStar in Kankakee, in partnership with a few like-minded friends.
What Makes TriStar Unique?
TriStar isn’t your typical martial arts school. While tradition is respected, Duane identified early on that every style has its limitations—and he set out to fix that. Today, TriStar’s curriculum is a thoughtful blend:
- Tang Soo Do (traditional Korean martial art)
- Kickboxing (for stand-up skills)
- Jiu Jitsu (ground defense)
- Haganah (Israeli self-defense system, similar to Krav Maga)
“I want my students to have a well-rounded training. I don’t want them to have holes in their training… I teach on the statistical things. If they have their core and the statistical things, they’re going to be good and solid in those things and they can have confidence that they are going to be able to protect themselves.”
More Than Kicks and Punches: A Focus on Character
One of the most powerful takeaways from Duane’s episode? Martial arts at TriStar is foremost about character development. While self-defense skills are taught and practiced, Duane emphasizes that students will “have to defend themselves mentally, emotionally, socially well more than they’re going to have to defend themselves physically.”
Building Young Leaders—One Belt at a Time
TriStar starts teaching kids as young as three. Most students are children, many of whom transition from white belt to black belt and beyond—often joining the STORM Team (“Special Team Of Role Models”). These are students molded not just in martial skill, but in leadership, empathy, and community values:
“Every single instructor that we have on the floor has started out as a basic student, moved to the leadership Black belt leadership program, and then moved into the Storm team… then I pull my paid instructors from them.”
Duane notes the immense value of nurturing his own staff. “It’s invaluable… There’s a lot that can happen in that nine years that can be then transferred to another student. So, it’s invaluable.”
Anchoring Values: The “Word of the Month”
A unique tradition at TriStar is the Word of the Month—a focus word like focus, respect, courage, and independence. Each word comes with an “I am” statement and accompanying hand movements:
“For July the word was courage—‘I am courageous even when I’m afraid.’”
Stories abound of children carrying these words into daily life, from conquering the diving board to showing respect and responsibility at home. As Duane shares, “That had nothing to do with the martial arts moves… but yet it had everything to do with, with it.”
Teaching Methods and Community Impact
Duane’s teaching philosophy is as much about positive reinforcement as physical mastery. For parents, he shares actionable advice: “Phenomenal parents not only correct what needs to be corrected, but they also, especially in the younger years, they see what the kid is doing correct and then praise that.”
Kids aren’t just learning discipline—they’re becoming better people, ready to face the world with confidence, resilience, and kindness.
A Second Family—For Kids and Instructors Alike
For many, TriStar becomes a second home. Duane has watched some of his staff grow from eager three-year-olds to confident adults, teachers, and leaders, crediting their long-term bonds and cultural immersion for the program’s high standards and close-knit community.
“I guess I shouldn’t hesitate saying this. I’m a second dad – or a second parent – to him.”
Join the TriStar Family
Want to see what it’s all about? TriStar Martial Arts welcomes new students year-round, offering a two-week free trial (four classes) at either of their locations (Bradley or New Lenox). Visit tristarkarate.com to get started.
Conclusion: More Than Self-Defense
In today’s episode, we saw how the discipline of martial arts, combined with a deep commitment to character-building and community, can change lives for the better. Duane Brumitt and TriStar aren’t just teaching kids how to kick and punch—they’re teaching them how to live with purpose, confidence, and love.
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Kankakee Podcast. Subscribe and follow us for more incredible local stories. And remember—for our children and community, sometimes the biggest impact comes from the lessons you cannot see.
Until next time, I’m Drew Raiser, reminding you to look for the everyday champions walking among us right here in Kankakee County!
