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Hidden Gems: Meet Courtney Thuston of Limitless Martial Arts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Thuston.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My martial arts journey began when I was 9 years old. Like many kids, I walked into my first class without realizing it would completely shape the course of my life. What started as an after-school activity quickly became a passion, and over the years I learned that martial arts is about so much more than punches and kicks. It teaches confidence, discipline, resilience, respect, and the ability to overcome challenges both on and off the mat.

As I continued training, I discovered that my true passion wasn’t just competing or earning the next belt—it was teaching. Watching students accomplish things they once thought were impossible became just as rewarding as any personal achievement I experienced.

Today, my husband Brent and I are the owners and chief instructors of Limitless Martial Arts. Together, we’ve built an academy focused on developing not only skilled martial artists, but confident leaders and strong, character-driven individuals. We have the privilege of working with students of all ages, helping each one grow in confidence, focus, discipline, and perseverance in a supportive environment.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to compete at the highest levels of our sport, earn national recognition, and most recently achieve the honor of becoming a Master Instructor after more than 20 years of dedication. While those milestones are incredibly meaningful, what I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made in our community and the relationships we’ve built with the families who trust us with their children.

Our motto at Limitless Martial Arts is “Where Growth Happens,” and I truly believe that’s the story of my life. Every challenge, every lesson, and every opportunity has helped shape who I am today. My mission is to help people discover that they’re capable of far more than they realize—and to give them the confidence and tools to succeed long after they leave the training floor.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have definitely faced challenges along the way weather it be physical, financial or mental/emotional.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Limitless Martial Arts is much more than a martial arts school—we’re a place where people of all ages come to grow. While we teach traditional Songahm Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, and self-defense, our true focus is on building confident, respectful, resilient individuals who are prepared for success in every area of life.

What sets us apart is that we don’t measure success solely by the color of a student’s belt or the number of trophies they win. Those accomplishments are exciting, but they’re not our ultimate goal. We believe martial arts is a vehicle for developing character, leadership, discipline, confidence, and perseverance. Every class is intentionally designed to help students grow both physically and mentally.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created. From the moment someone walks through our doors, they’re welcomed into a family. We know our students by name, celebrate their victories, help them through their challenges, and genuinely care about who they’re becoming—not just how well they kick or punch.

Our brand is built around our motto, “Where Growth Happens.” That isn’t just a slogan—it’s the standard we strive to live every day. Whether it’s a three-year-old learning to listen, a teenager finding confidence, an adult stepping onto the mat for the first time, or one of our athletes chasing a World Championship, every student has a place here and every journey matters.

Beyond our regular classes, we’re deeply involved in our community through partnerships with local schools, Kearney Parks & Recreation, self-defense workshops, summer camps, leadership development programs, and outreach events. We believe martial arts should make a positive impact far beyond the walls of our academy.

At the end of the day, we’re not in the business of creating black belts—we’re in the business of changing lives. If someone leaves Limitless Martial Arts more confident, more disciplined, more compassionate, and believing in themselves more than when they arrived, then we’ve done our job.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Being able to travel and see the United States. Realizing that our community is so much bigger than it really is.

Contact Info:

Two women, one in a white martial arts uniform holding a medal and a stick, and another in a dark blazer, smiling together in a gymnasium.

Martial artist practicing with a staff on red and black mats, surrounded by other practitioners in a large indoor gym.

Child wearing green sunglasses holding a sign with a lion and the word 'Limitless' in a parking lot.

Group of children and adults smiling indoors, some wearing green headbands and black jackets with green accents.

Two children in martial arts uniforms and protective gear sit on the floor, watching an event, with a group of people seated behind them.

Four young people in martial arts uniforms with medals, standing together indoors, smiling, with a black wall and motivational text behind them.

Group of children in martial arts uniforms standing in a circle, looking down at the camera, smiling.

Child with curly hair in martial arts uniform holding a blue foam stick, standing on a mat with people in background.

Two people in martial arts uniforms high-five in a gym with spectators seated around the mat.

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