How One Coach Turned His Passion Into a Program That’s Shaping Fond du Lac Youth
by SFW · 11/2/2025
This week in The Faces of Our Future, I caught up with my old friend TJ Lee, who I’ve known since our days back at Parkside Elementary. TJ’s story is one of passion, discipline, and giving back. What started as a love for martial arts turned into a mission to help kids right here in Fond du Lac. From training students in his garage to building a growing MMA program that teaches respect, confidence
I’ve known TJ Lee since we were kids running around Parkside Elementary here in Fond du Lac. Even back then, he had that kind of energy that stood out, the type that made you think, yeah, he’s going to do something cool one day. Fast forward to today, and TJ’s turned that energy into something that’s making a real impact on the next generation: teaching kids mixed martial arts.
TJ told me it all started because of his brother, a professional wrestler who went by the name The White Dragon. “He inspired me to be something great,” TJ said. “We had an MMA gym in town, so I stopped in at Unified Martial Arts and instantly fell in love with it.” Not long after, a parent asked him how their kid could get involved in MMA. There weren’t any programs for kids in Fond du Lac at the time, so TJ started training the student right out of his garage. “Next thing I knew,” he laughed, “my garage was full of kids learning MMA.” From there, his old coach Mike Biddle and Molly Tynan from Knockouts Women’s Kickboxing Studio offered him space to officially start a kids’ program, and the rest is history.
Today, TJ has four boys of his own who also train in martial arts. He’s competed in MMA, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu, but now he’s focused on passing on what he’s learned. “Respect and discipline come first,” he said. “Once kids get that, the rest is easy.” His ultimate goal is simple, to help every student who walks through his doors grow, both as fighters and as people. “I want to see each of my students become more successful than I’ve been,” TJ said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Related articles
Kids Kitchen Club N. Fond du Lac
Kids Kitchen Club is a hands-on cooking program for children that focuses on building confidence, independence, and practical life skills in a fun and supportive environment. Children have the opportunity to prepare their own food, try new things, and take pride in what they create.
by Ashley Ernst · May 30, 2026
The Crayon Initiative
The Fond du Lac Public Library is partnering with The Crayon Initiative throughout May to collect used and broken crayons that will be recycled and donated to children in long-term hospital care. It’s a simple way for the community to give back while teaching kids how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
by Shane Michael · May 15, 2026
Kids Kitchen Club Teaching Kids To Cook
Kids Kitchen Club is helping young chefs in Fond du Lac build confidence and independence through fun, hands-on cooking classes designed for beginner cooks ages 5–11. From making fruit parfaits and wraps to learning kitchen safety and basic cooking skills, the program creates a positive space where kids can learn, have fun, and feel proud of what they make.
by Shane Michael · May 8, 2026
Leave a reply
Be the first to comment
Your email address won't be published. Required fields are marked *.