Help us come together as a community to ask the City Council to name a street in Michigan City, Indiana after Neil E. Singleton III, a martial arts legend and community hero. He deserves to be remembered and honored for his legacy. He was a man who gave all he had to others.

Will you sign this petition? It will be provided to the City Council of Michigan City, IN when the signature goal is reached. Here is more information on Mr. Singleton.

Neil E. Singleton III was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and mentor to many. With 6 world kickboxing titles under his belt, he could have retired in glory but chose a different path. He devoted his life to sharing his martial arts skills and wisdom with anyone, even those who could not afford to pay. The love he gave to his family and students could be found in everything he did and given to everyone he encountered. One could see this even when he shared his musical abilities too. As a 9th Degree black belt in Taekwondo, Mr. Singleton inspired his students to set high goals, face their fears, and achieve greatness. He was more than a mentor. He was a hero.

Living the martial arts principles of humility, indomitable spirit, perseverance, loyalty, respect, and honor, this legend founded Singleton’s Martial Arts Academy (A.T.F. Fitness Center) in 1979. For 30 years, Mr. Singleton gave everything he had back to his community until he suffered a massive stroke. Forced to retire in 2005, a new opponent entered his ring - a series of health battles.

He fought through the aftermath of a stroke and other medical issues for 19 years. While subjected to countless medical treatments, he endured unimaginable pain and suffering but battled for his life like the world-renowned contender he was. With unimaginable strength and hope, he fought until his last moment. On January 28, 2024, he was finally defeated leaving an overall record of 105 wins, 19 losses, and 1 draw with 53 wins coming by way of KO or TKO, along with an everlasting legacy.

1979: U.S. Silver Medal, World Games in West Germany
1981: Indiana State Kickboxing Champion
1982: Indiana State Kickboxing Champion
1983: PKA Midwest Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion
1987: PAKA World Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion
1988: PAKA World Cruiserweight Kickboxing Champion
1990: MAKA World Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion
1991: AKF World Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion
1991: Kick North American Kickboxing Champion
1993: Kick World Cruiserweight Kickboxing Champion
1994: PPKA World Cruiserweight Kickboxing Champion

Eternal Grand Master Neil E. Singleton III has left behind his beautiful, devoted, and loving wife of 48 years, Charlotte, his 5 children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Through his kindness and endless generosity, he positively changed the lives of countless students and families in the community.

We need your signature! (Some housekeeping: this platform asks if you want to "chip in" - you do not have to. Just sign and share the link. There are directions at the bottom of the page. Make sure to scroll. Thank you!)

Please share this petition with your friends and family. Thank you for your kindness and a heart of gold just like Neil E. Singleton III, who is “God’s Champion Now.”

There will be a Viewing at 10 am with a Celebration of Life following at 11 am on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Life Temple COGIC 3707 W US HWY 20, LaPorte, Indiana 46350 with Ronald Gaston to do the Eulogy. Burial will follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens.

Feel free to leave a comment on this petition when you sign it. Thank you!

Additionally, we have started a GoFund. If you are in a position to offer your generosity to the family at this time... thank you! Here is the link for that: https://www.gofundme.com/f/neil-e-singleton-iii

If you want to learn more about this hero and his impact on the community, you can read this article from the La Porte Herald-Dispatch. https://www.lpheralddispatch.com/news/local/martial-arts-academy-reopens-as-tribute-to-man-who-founded-it/article_9c2b5635-2dc8-58c1-97e9-544663583386.html

For more about his accomplishments click here https://www.ikfkickboxing.com/NeilSingleton.htm

Thank you so much for coming together as a community to honor Mr. Singleton!