​Josh Bobbitt, a resident of Rusk who has been involved in martial arts since he was a child, now teaches mixed martial arts for free. Some of his students fared well in competitions during the month of June.At an International Karate Federation PMT West Muay Thai competition June 7, Kevin Crane won his first match. Crane is a 12-year-old resident of Jacksonville.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJosh Bobitt’s MMA – Kevin Crane.jpgKevin Crane earned his first victory at a West Muay Thai competition June 7 and is pictured with trainer Josh Bobbitt.The following weekend, a few students competed in an event at Capri Theatre’s Fight Pit in Shreveport. Karter Meador who turns 17 years old July 24, won her boxing division, securing another win for Josh Bobbitt’s MMA.Bobbitt himself competed at the South Central USA Men’s Physique show at the West Cal Arena & Event Center in Sulphur, Louisiana.“It was a pretty big event. I’ve never done it before,” Bobbitt said. “I’m 46 years old, so I’m a little too old to be competing and fighting, so I just started trying to get in the best shape I could get in.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe placed third in the event.“It was unexpected, Bobbitt said. “I was expecting to get last because of the math. I’m 46, never done it before, so I was very surprised to get third.”Bobbitt currently trains his students at Elite Wheel & Tire, located at 1400 W. 6th St. in Rusk. He is in search of a building, in either in Rusk or Jacksonville, that could be utilized one night a week.Josh Bobbitt’s MMA – Karter Meador.jpgKarter Meador won her boxing division July 24 at an event in Shreveport.Josh Bobbitt’s MMA operates on donations, which are always welcome. Whether from a business, organization or individual, the group welcomes both one-time and recurring donations. Contributions made to Josh Bobbitt’s MMA assist in purchasing equipment and paying for travel costs.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSponsors to date include Tattoos By Pattie, in Longview; RC’s A/C, in Longview; East Texas Shop Builders, in Maydell; EJ’s Styles out of Rainbow’s End, in Jacksonville; Elite Wheel & Tire, in Rusk and Brandon Bryant Fitness.Bobbitt explained why he offers martial arts training for free.“My mom paid for my martial arts and there were a lot of athletic kids out there that could have gone really far with it, they just didn’t have the money to pursue classes,” Bobbitt said. “So, when I got my black belt, I started making it for free.”The free classes are currently offered at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Bobbitt said he also provides private lessons for a fee.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBecause the students receive training for free, he includes them in efforts – such as picking up trash on roadsides or cleaning up the yards of the elderly – to give back to the community.For more information about Josh Bobbitt’s MMA or to donate, call 430-288-0747 or send email to