I imagine many of us have dreamed of being called a “Master”, but one Prosper resident can say he’s earned it. Master Buddy Hudson is an 8th degree black belt, an international champion and an inductee to the Masters Hall of Fame. With over 30 years experience in the martial arts, Master Hudson is widely recognized as a mentor in the industry.
Long before he was Master Hudson, a thirteen-year-old Hudson began training in martial arts in his home state of Arkansas. By the time he left to attend college at The University of Arkansas at Monticello, he was able to begin teaching martial arts to help put himself through school.
Although he was steadily rising in the ranks of martial arts, Hudson originally wanted to become a basketball coach and biology teacher. But in 1981, Hudson received his National Instructors Certification and a year later opened his first full-time professional martial arts academy in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Then, in 1985, he was asked to become the Director of Operations of the United States Taekwondo Federation in Little Rock.
Hudson won silver in the World Games in 1987 and was an Olympic National finalist in 1988. A seven-time National Fighting Champion, Hudson has seen the world and has trained with many of the most noted Grand Masters and Martial Arts Pioneers in the world. “Martial arts has blessed me as I have been able to travel to Russia, Scotland, Greece, Germany and all over the world as an international competitor,” said Hudson.
In 2004, Hudson reconnected with his junior high sweetheart, Pam. Together, they left Arkansas and moved to Park Cities where he began the Professional Black Belt Academy (PBBA), which he still operates. Four years ago, the Hudsons moved from Park Cities to Prosper.
Fast-forward to today. PBBA has three locations, Highland Park, West Plano, and Prosper at Prosper Trail and Preston Road. “When we moved to Prosper, opening an academy here wasn’t our intent, but after we were here a while we really wanted a home base and knew we wanted it to be Prosper,” said Hudson. Pam, herself a black belt, has received her National Instructors Certification and teaches women’s self-defense and other classes as well. The pair have two sons, Brandon and Jared, and two grandsons, Owen, 3 and Carter, 8 months. Brandon is a chef and Jared has found a passion with Hudson in the arena of martial arts and will be teaching at the Prosper location.
“Family is everything to us and I know everyone is proud of their kids, but we are just fortunate to be so close and be able to share this life with our kids and grandkids,” said Hudson.
Renee Marler | Renee@CedarbrookMedia.com
