MANCHESTER, GA, April 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Michelle R. Ratliff has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Ratliff has established a distinguished career as the owner and instructor at Tang Soo Do Karate for Christ, a role she has held since 2006. Her journey in martial arts began 24 years ago teaching as an orange belt, and she has since become a respected leader in her field. After founding her first school in Douglas, she relocated to Middle Georgia to expand her impact further. At Tang Soo Do Karate for Christ, Dr. Ratliff integrates her expertise in counseling and human behavior into her martial arts instruction, creating a unique therapeutic approach that emphasizes both physical self-defense and character development.

Her curriculum encompasses traditional techniques such as kicks, blocks, punches and situational awareness, but Dr. Ratliff's teaching extends beyond physical skills. She developed a therapeutic martial arts style that focuses on character value training and symptomatic reduction. Through this method, students learn respect, focus and discipline while also acquiring coping strategies to address anxiety, depression and anger management. Dr. Ratliff incorporates engaging games and drills to reinforce these lessons, ensuring students are equipped with positive coping mechanisms for life's challenges. She places particular emphasis on respectful communication and eye contact, connecting these values to relevant Bible passages within the school's faith-based framework.

In addition to running classes at her school from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Dr. Ratliff conducts after-school programs at two private schools in town and is actively involved in promotional advertising. She is exploring opportunities to serve as a guest physical education teacher or motivational speaker within local school systems. As a member of Karate for Christ International, she remains committed to professional growth and community engagement.

Dr. Ratliff's dedication to her students is widely recognized. She serves not only as an instructor but also as a counselor and supportive figure for individuals facing diverse challenges. Drawing on her own experiences overcoming adversity as a child, she provides guidance rooted in empathy and resilience. Her commitment to helping others is reflected in her students' achievements and their participation in community initiatives such as kick-a-thons to support nonprofit organizations.

Her accomplishments have earned significant recognition within the martial arts community. In 2007, Dr. Ratliff was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the Tang Soo Do Female of the Year for her excellence in competition and teaching. That same year, she ranked fifth in the world in the Women's Weapons at the U.S. Open. In 2023, she received a second Hall of Fame induction for her outstanding community service and positive influence on students.

Dr. Ratliff's academic background underpins her innovative approach to martial arts instruction. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in counseling with a specialization in advanced studies of human behavior from Capella University in Minneapolis in 2016. This advanced training enables her to effectively integrate therapeutic principles into her teaching methods. She also holds a master's degree in non-profit management with a focus on human services from Capella University (2010), a bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology from Valdosta State University (2006) and an associate's degree in sociology from South Georgia State College (2004). Dr. Ratliff attributes her success to hard work, determination, time management skills and faith.

Born in Douglas, Dr. Ratliff enjoys spending time with her family, including her spouse Joe Ratliff and their two sons. She is deeply committed to making a difference beyond the dojo by developing a program aimed at combating sex trafficking, a cause close to her heart. Collaborating with law enforcement and practitioners across various martial arts disciplines, she seeks to empower women and children with self-defense skills, situational awareness and strategies for escaping dangerous situations. Dr. Ratliff aspires to have this initiative implemented nationwide through martial arts schools in every state.

Her legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to guiding students toward positive paths, fostering resilience and inspiring future generations of leaders within martial arts and beyond.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #