2014 IKF Champion Howard Steer alongside Coaches Brian Wilson and Danny Dring

A Tradition of Excellence: Five World Titles and Counting

Força Martial Arts has a proud history of success at the IKF World Classic. Over the years, our team has brought home five world titles, proving that world-class martial arts talent can come from right here in the Arkansas River Valley. Most recently, we brought home another title when Howie competed in 2024, showcasing the heart, preparation, and grit that define Team Força's fighters.

The 2015 LDMA IKF World Classic Team

Coach Danny Dring will be cornering alongside coach Brian Wilson. Coach Dring has produced champions who won the IKF World Classic 16 different years, many in which multiple world titles were brought back to Arkansas. It is a major asset having Coach Dring in our corner and working with our athletes in preparation for this upcoming tournament.

Howard Steer after securing victory at the 2024 IKF World Classic.

This year, Howie returns to the world stage, joined by Caroline Dunham, who has earned this opportunity through relentless commitment, discipline, and determination. This is more than just another tournament. This is a chance for two young athletes to chase their dreams on a national stage.

Cora Wilson after securing the 2015 IKF World Title

Evelyn Colindres after securing the 2014 IKF World Title

The Real Cost of Chasing a Dream

Competing at this level requires more than talent and preparation. To send both fighters and their coaches to Las Vegas, we are raising funds to cover:

• Four plane tickets

• Hotel accommodations

• Tournament registrations

• Coach registrations

• Food and daily expenses

• Transportation and travel-related costs

These expenses add up quickly, but with enough community support, we can remove financial barriers and allow these athletes to focus fully on preparing for competition.

Every Contribution Makes an Impact

We have created several ways for our members and the Russellville community to get involved. Whether you donate personally, sponsor as a business, or simply help spread the word, every contribution moves us closer to Las Vegas.

Donate Directly

You can make a fast and easy contribution through our Venmo fundraiser using the QR code provided. No donation is too small. Every dollar helps move Team Força one step closer to the world stage.

Local Businesses Stepping Up: Community Sponsorship in Action

We’ve already partnered with more than a dozen local businesses who have stepped up to support these athletes by purchasing sponsorship space on our official Team Força fundraiser shirts.

These sponsorships allow businesses to:

• Support local athletes

• Gain visibility in our community

• Be featured on official event fundraiser apparel

• Be recognized across our social media channels

Fundraiser Shirts Are Selling Fast

One of the most exciting parts of this campaign has been the incredible response to our Team Força fundraiser shirts. We have already sold around 50 pre-sale shirts, and the support has been amazing.

Every shirt sold helps directly offset competition costs while giving our supporters a chance to proudly represent Team Força and stand behind Howie and Caroline as they pursue world titles. Wear it proudly. Represent our team. Support the journey.

The Pie Challenge….Yes… Someone’s Getting Pied

We’re also having some fun with our in-gym fundraiser. Donation jars are set up at the academy for our “Pie an Instructor in the Face” challenge.

Here is how it works: For every $20 raised in an instructor's jar, that's one pie in the face!

Want to Pie Your Instructor? We will draw names to see who gets to pie their instructor.

• $5 for 1 Entry.

• $20 for 5 Entries.

Enter as many times as you want for the chance to pie your "favorite" instructor in the face! It's all in good fun, and every donation helps Howie and Caroline on their road to becoming 2026 IKF World Champions!

More Than Just a Tournament

Martial arts teaches young athletes something few activities can: Discipline. Courage. Resilience. Perseverance. Humility.

For Howie and Caroline, this opportunity represents years of sacrifice, hard work, and commitment. For our community, it’s a chance to rally behind two athletes who are chasing something extraordinary. When local athletes step onto a world stage, they carry all of us with them.

Together, We Can Make This Happen

If Força Martial Arts has ever impacted your life, your family, or our community, this is a chance to help two deserving athletes take the next step: Donate. Sponsor. Buy a shirt. Help spread the word. Let’s show the world what Russellville, Arkansas and Team Força are made of!

Cora Wilson alongside Coaches Brian Wilson, Danny Dring, and UFC fighter Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson after securing her 2015 World Title