Father’s Day: Wilmington dad balances job, business, and family

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Kelvin Bass is a father of three, grandfather to one, and master teacher at Hammer Kick Boxing Academy at Anytime Fitness in Wilmington.  

At his studio, Bass trains kids young and old how to defend themselves, while teaching valuable life skills. Bass is mentor to many students, all of whom know him as “Coach K.”  

Like most of his students, Bass also started martial arts at an early age when he first met his own instructor. 

“I saw this guy spinning chucks like Bruce Lee, and I was like man, I want to do that,” Bass said. 

Bass noted after years of competing himself, he eventually wanted to give back in the same way his instructor once did.  

“Once you stop competing professionally, and, you know, your body is beat up with surgeries and broke bones, you kind of just want to give back. Give back to kids and the community,” Bass said. 

But Bass’ work doesn’t just stop there. He also works full-time at Wilmington International Airport to make enough to support his business and family.   

As Assistant and Community Engagement Coordinator Kiszy Johnson explains, despite all that Bass juggles, he always makes time for his kids, including his youngest—12-year-old Bam Bam—who plays football.  

“Bam, when he’s scoring a touchdown or a field goal, he’s just raying with excitement. You can hear him on the field and everybody is like ‘he is really like our cheerleader,” Johnson said.  

Bass added that this Father’s Day, he’s grateful to be the father figure that was once absent in his own life. 

“I make sure that, you know, I’m that father figure in their life growing up so that they understand that ‘I have a good dad. My dad did his part, raised him well.’ That’s the most important part today on Father’s Day,” Bass said. 

To learn more about Hammer Kickboxing Academy, visit their Facebook.