Our Team
Founded by Michael and Sydney Lewis in 2010, Lion’s Crest Martial Arts has launched many people into a lifetime of martial arts training
Our goal is not just to “create black belts” but to start people on a path to a lifetime of health through training in the martial arts. We adopted “Train for Life” as our motto. It is a motto with a multifaceted meaning; we have students who train for physical or mental health, and some train for safety in their jobs or for self defense.
Below is our Team of Instructors who will help you on your journey.
Professor Michael Lewis has grown up in the martial arts, since the age of 10. At 16, he started teaching in the Wilmington and Burgaw area. He later earned his Black Belt and continued until his Sa Dan (4th Degree) in Moo Duk Kwon under Master Doug McDonald and. In 2010, he established Lion’s Crest Martial Arts located in Burgaw. Shortly afterwards, he wanted to expand his martial arts training and began training under Uzcategui BJJ to bring quality Jiu Jitsu training his area and earning his black belt under Professor Jonathan Uzcategui. His gift for teaching encourages beginners and advanced students alike to continuously see improvement in their technique and grappling.
Professora Sydney Lewis always shows exemplary skills and character on and off the mats. Whether training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, helping kids in our After School Program or teaching the Women's Kick Boxing, Sydney excels in everything she does. “I absolutely LOVE teaching and watching the student’s excitement when they get the technique, hit a goal, or reach their next belt rank! Being part of their journey is incredibly humbling; martial arts has given me ‘permission’ to live the healthiest ME I can and, in turn I get a chance to share that with others.” She is a Black Belt in Moo Duk Kwan Karate and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Professor Jonathan Uzcategui. and has become a testimony of our motto "Train for Life.
Coach Margaret is our awesome Administrator for the Kid’s Classes, After School and Summer Camp Team! She started in our Women’s Kick Boxing class and always shows excellence both on and off the mats! She’s also served on our team as an After School Coach…“I love helping the kids and working with an amazing team. Watching the kids learn and grow has been a blessing.” She is a Home School Mom, loves animals (dogs especially) and has her own dog sitting business.
Coaches Ben, Hannah and Peter have all grown up in our Martial Arts Programs and love the sport so much, they wanted to share it through teaching. They train weekly on how to be the best coaches to their students, along with training daily to sharpen their skills on the mats!