August 11, 2022
Planning Commission meeting
Planning Commission meeting
Public Comments
5 Comments for 8-L-22-RZ and 8-F-22-SP
Emily
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Emily (37876), August 8, 2022 at 4:14 PM
Hi, my name is Emily Estep and I'm writing to ask that you please approve the rezoning request for KMAA, so they can have this opportunity to grow and open doors for even more individuals in the community. I'm the mother of a 13 yr old son with ADHD who has been a student of KMAA for over 8 yrs, since he was 5 yrs old. KMAA has made such a difference in my son's life that we've been able to take him off of his ADHD medication. He's learned so much more about himself than he would have at any other martial arts academy. KMAA is more than a gym that trains the body. Its a family and second home that strengthens the mind and body. Rezoning the land to allow them to build this new facility will only strengthen the community.Candace
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Candace (37876), August 9, 2022 at 10:55 AM
When I became a police officer, I knew I was in a profession where I could potentially be hurt or killed. I am a female of small stature, which was a huge concern for me. A fellow Officer introduced me to Eric and KMAA in 2012. I took some jujitsu classes with him then later started Kickboxing. I stuck with it! I now teach self defense for my department, and continue to improve myself. Because of KMAA, I am more disciplined and have gained confidence in myself, my skills, and my abilities to perform on the street as a police officer. My size and gender as an officer are no longer a concern. This is a true family with some of the best people you will ever meet. They are loyal, giving, and truly care about the community. They deserve to have a facility to continue to mentor and teach others as they have done for me.
Melissa
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Melissa (37876), August 10, 2022 at 10:16 AM
At 19 KMAA gave me a family to help guide me and still today the people within it lift me and my family up. I am 29 and a pediatric ICU RN at Children’s. My job is certainly mentally difficult. My husband, previous LEO and military, and myself both find KMAA as a sanctuary to debrief our minds in a healthy manner. As a woman, I gained self-confidence and direction in life due to KMAA. Our kids are empathetic, hardworking, but most importantly respectful. The gym teaches our children self-defense, but they are helping them to be respectful humans that are hard working and self confident. The youth out of this gym will most certainly serve Knoxville in the most positive ways in the future. KMAA is more than just a gym to so many people. It is a home and a beacon of light for many in the community. Allowing this gym to prosper, allows the community to continue a healthy and prosperous life. It would be a disservice in the community to not allow this rezone. Thank you for you time!DeDe
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DeDe (37876), August 10, 2022 at 6:31 PM
It’s very disappointing to hear that you would even be considering not allowing this family business to move forward. My family and I have known Eric, Taylor, and the KMAA family for many years. We have never met anyone so caring, loving, accepting, and genuine as these people. KMAA has helped me physically, but more importantly, mentally. I truly believe their most important goal is to help people to become their "best self". This world needs more places like KMAA, and people like Eric and Taylor. It would be a shame to not allow this organization to continue to help people and improve the lives of others. I hope you re-consider and allow them to provide a facility that will benefit the community.
Jim
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Jim (37876), August 10, 2022 at 9:40 PM
Kmma has had a positive impact on me physically and mentally. It is a great place to get into shape, learn a new skill set and have fun doing it. The rezoning would allow even more to experience what I have.