Who We Are

The mission of Solid Stance is to provide management for charitable activities conducted by Unity Martial Arts, to provide scholarships to students in need, to organize and implement community outreach projects, and to aid in the functions and financial responsibilities of Unity Martial Arts when necessary.
SOLID STANCE was formed by a group of Cuong Nhu students and parents within the Unity Martial Arts community, with the goal of providing training and stability to at-risk members of our community. We open avenues for financial assistance, provide access to the many benefits of martial arts training, and foster opportunities for connection.  

We believe that a martial arts practice is valuable to our community and to individuals. Our hope is to grow in ways that will strengthen our community, both locally and at large.

Our Projects

What We Do

Solid Stance Scholarships

Photo of children practicing martial arts

Solid Stance offers scholarships for students who have demonstrated the desire and dedication to pursue martial arts training but are unable to do so due to financial hardship. The scholarships are also available to current students who are in need of emergency financial aid. Students must be able demonstrate a financial need and attend classes at least twice a week. For more information about our scholarshipscontact us using our form below.

After School Program

two boys being silly

The goal of the Solid Stance After School Program is to offer on-campus martial arts classes to public school students in the Central Arkansas area. Solid Stance currently only offers classes to one school - M.L.King Elementary in Little Rock - but is looking to expand to other schools in the area in the near future. For more information about our After School Program please reach out to us with the form below.

Unity & Community COVID Outreach

Man wearing hat that reads "Love Your Neighbor"

In these uncertain times, Solid Stance recognized the need for community members to come together and support our neighbors who are having a tough time. So, Solid Stance is offering assistance to families in the community who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about our Community Outreach, contact with the form below. Please reach out and let us know if we can be of assistance to you. And to our entire community, we encourage you to send us a message to see how you can get involved.

Meet our Team

our board of directors

Kristin Crowder

kristin crowder

President
Favorite Food: Veggies // Beets

Kristin is serving as the Present of Solid Stance and Chair of the Advertising and Marketing Committee. She loves building confidence in kids and digging deeper into connections with people. In her spare time, you'll find her reading and getting to know the humans of all the dos she knows in her neighborhood. She lives here in Little Rock with her partner and fellow board member, Tom. Kristin practices Cuong Nhu at a snail's pace alongside their two kids.

Theresa Bennett

Terri
Bennett

Vice - President
Favorite Superpower: Flying

Terri RN, received her BSN Obstetrical Nursing and has worked for Baptist Health Medical Center in Labor and Delivery for 19 years. Terri has volunteered her talents for a variety of organizations, from a ten volunteer at the Doctor's Hospital, to an art studio guide, and currently volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America and the food pantry at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. She is an active member of Cuong Nhu, along with her husband and children, and enjoys the community martial arts has provided.

Tom Crowder

Tom Crowder

Secretary
Favorite Superhero: Batman

Tom is passionate about community outreach and philanthropy. Tom is an Arkansas state registered forester and active member of the Unity Martial Arts Community. In addition to Solid Stance, Tom is serving the community through multiple non-proift organizations. He is currently on the executive committee of the Arkansas Forestry Association, a board member for the Arkansas Forestry Association - Education Foundation, and working with local organizations to provide meals for families in need at the Our House Family Center.

Emilie Rowland

Emilie
Rowland

Treasurer
Favorite Drink: Whiskey

Emilie can’t unfortunately reveal her true history, as a person currently protected by the Witness Protection Program (attached photo is just a stock photo). She will admit that she looks quite young for somebody in her80’s, is proficient with numbers, loves a good spreadsheet, and enjoys reading, interpretive dance, checklists, the number 4, and perfecting her bird calls.

Gary Bennett

Gary
Bennett

Favorite Food: Yes. (aka: all of them)

Gary works as a Civil Engineer/Assistant State Conservation Engineer for the USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service in Arkansas. Gary holds a BSN in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas. When not working, Gary has spent numerous volunteer hours with the Boy Scouts of America and is now an Assistant Scoutmaster. He has also been an active volunteer at his children's schools and is an enthusiastic member of the Cuong Nhu community.

Solid Stance logomark

CONTACT US

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