About Laura Leclerc

Laura Leclerc began her martial arts journey in 1998 and is a 5th-degree black belt, bringing more than 25 years of training and competitive experience to the sport. With an athletic foundation rooted in competitive gymnastics and dance, followed by collegiate diving, Laura entered the martial arts later than many—beginning her training while in graduate school. What she lacked in early start, she more than made up for through discipline, artistry, and relentless dedication, quickly rising to the highest levels of competitive martial arts.

Laura is a 10-time World Champion and Overall Grand Champion on the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) World Circuit, earning titles in Traditional Forms, Musical Weapons, and Fighting at premier national and international events. Her excellence and lasting impact on the sport were recognized in 2023 with her induction into both the Amerikick Hall of Fame and the Diamond Nationals Hall of Fame.

Although Laura Leclerc was not an owner, employee nor officer of the Leclerc’s Martial Arts corporation, or any of the individual school locations, she dedicated countless volunteer hours. In 2019, Laura founded Team Leclerc’s Team Blitz and Glitz, serving as its head coach and visionary. Under her leadership, the all-female demonstration team rose to unexpected international prominence, redefining expectations for female martial artists on the world stage. 

Laura continues to coach elite competitors pursuing titles in sport karate, with particular expertise in tricking, nunchucks, and musical choreography. She has developed some of the world’s top youth sport karate competitors, recognized for their exceptional technique, creativity, and standout musical performances. Her philosophy emphasizes delivering a dynamic performance while allowing athletes’ passion and enjoyment to shine through.

Laura Leclerc’s influence extends well beyond competition. In October 2019, she was selected as one of only three individuals worldwide to represent the World Moo Duk Kwan Heritage Program during an invitation-only training experience in Korea. In recognition of her commitment to the empowerment of girls and women—both within and beyond martial arts—she was subsequently invited to co-lead the “Women in the Moo Duk Kwan” International Leadership and Training Initiative. This groundbreaking program was the first of its kind in the organization’s history. Laura facilitated the initiative for its entirety, connecting and mentoring women across the globe, including participants from the United States, France, Spain, Brazil, Korea, and beyond.

In 2018, she was selected to be a Bully Awareness Advocate as part of Hyper Martial Arts' Anti-bullying Initiative, educating and inspiring others on self-confidence and overcoming bullying. 

In addition to her martial arts leadership, Laura Leclerc is an accomplished writer with published work spanning both the martial arts industry and higher education. Her martial arts publications include:

Battle Burnout: Keep Yourself & Your Staff Productive, Healthy & Innovative (MA Success, January 2018)

Develop a Tournament Team to Increase Revenue, Improve Retention & Boost Loyalty (MA Success, November 2017)

Today’s Hovering Parents: Create the Culture You Desire by Training Your Staff to Communicate Effectively with Parents (MA Success, July 2017)

Behavior Management: 10 Ways to Redirect Students to Get the Results You Want (MA Success, December 2016)

Prior to her martial arts coaching career, Laura served for more than a decade as a coach and choreographer for competitive gymnasts, further shaping her expertise in performance, movement, and athlete development. She holds a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Human Services, from Springfield College.

Professionally, Laura Leclerc is the Senior Event Coordinator for a higher education publishing company, where she plans and executes online educational events for colleges and universities nationwide. She has been with the company for more than 20 years, blending her expertise in education, leadership, and program development with her lifelong commitment to empowering others.