Students test to earn new belts at Premier Martial Arts

Lauren Rhea jots down notes while Arie Borden, 7, demonstrates a skill during a belt test on Thursday at Premier Martial Arts. When evaluating students for a new belt, Rhea said he looks at the "mechanics" of their body placement and their technique. Rhea has been teaching martial arts for 37 years. He moved to Columbus four years ago and opened Premier Martial Arts. Due to COVID-19, Rhea will apply for the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program and expects to receive $2,500 at most, which Rhea said is enough to cover the money his business lost due to the pandemic. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Connor Anderson, 6, stands in a ready position during a martial arts class on Thursday at Premier Martial Arts. Connor has been learning martial arts for a year and a half. Lauren Rhea, Connor's instructor, said he's noticed a lot of progress in that time, especially regarding Connor's ability to stay focused. Rhea credits this to the structure and discipline required to learn martial arts, which he says also helps kids manage their behaviors in regular life. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Lauren Rhea holds up his hands in demonstration during a martial arts class on Thursday at Premier Martial Arts. Rhea told his students that this stance signals to your opponent that you do not want to fight them. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Zoey Petersen, 7, demonstrates a kick to her martial arts instructor, Lauren Rhea, during a belt test on Thursday at Premier Martial Arts. Zoey tested to earn an orange belt and will find out if she passed during a ceremony on June 11. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff