Local Martial Artist Recognized Internationally

This press release was submitted to Patch. It has been edited.

A Lawrence martial arts instructor was recently honored by the world's largest martial arts supplier.

, who owns a school with his name on Central Avenue, received the 2012 Century Mark of Excellence on July 2 from Century Martial Art Supply CEO and chairman Michael Dillard in Las Vegas .

“I feel very honored to receive this award," Levi said. "I couldn’t have done it without the help of the community and their support.”

The award is recognized internationally and is given to an individual that has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in his school and community, according to Levi. It also symbolizes a person who demonstrates leadership qualities and practices outstanding levels of martial arts, he said.

Levi has owned and operated the Lawrence school for six years. A few years ago, he initiated Project Sparrow, which reaches out to local schools and awards deserving students with free martial arts training. Levi volunteered at local schools this past year and has taught over 1,000 students topics such as bully self defense, stranger danger and confidence building.