The History of 
Spartanburg Martial Arts

Spartanburg Martial Arts was founded in 1991 by Coach Rick Lee and Coach Nicki Carlson. Both accomplished blackbelts trained by martial arts legend Marty Knight, they were world champions in point sparring and competed in tournaments across the country—and around the world. In 1996, the two married and became Coach Rick and Nicki Lee, going on to become pillars of the Spartanburg, SC community.

Over the years, they have guided countless students to earn black belts, achieve world championships, and most importantly, grow into outstanding citizens. This has always been the core mission of Spartanburg Martial Arts: to develop well-rounded martial artists who become leaders in their communities.

Sensei Josh Bailey’s journey with Spartanburg Martial Arts began when he was just four years old, inspired by dreams of becoming a Power Ranger and Ninja Turtle. After years of dedication, hard training, and perseverance, he earned his blackbelt on December 1, 1996. Alongside his close friend and training partner Gerald Foster, Josh and Gerald became two of the youngest blackbelts in South Carolina at just seven years old—a remarkable feat, especially in the days before the Little Ninjas program existed. Sensei Josh later took the lead over the Little Ninjas program, shaping both its curriculum and teaching methods. After years of serving as the program director for students age seven and under, he eventually stepped into the role of head instructor when Coach Rick decided to give that role and its responsibilities to Sensei Josh.

SMA was Sensei Josh’s first job. He started by helping with the Kickin’ Kids After School and Summer Camp programs and served as an assistant instructor alongside Coach Rick, Coach Terry, and Coach Apple. Melissa “Coach Apple” Sioson Morris came to Spartanburg Martial Arts as an accomplished black belt and World Champion forms competitor from California. She played a major role in shaping Coach Josh’s success in forms and weapons at tournament.