IMPACT MARTIAL ARTS
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
At 7 years old, Sarai Bayles stepped onto a mat for the first time.
What she may not have known at the time was that she wasn’t just beginning her own journey. She was stepping into a dream that had started years before.
When Sarai’s dad, Scott Bayles, was 13, he began training in martial arts. Life eventually grew busy. High school, college, raising a family. Martial arts moved to the backburner, but the idea of someday opening a school of his own never fully disappeared.
When Sarai was young, Scott enrolled her in karate. That decision reignited something in him. What started as supporting his daughter slowly became something shared.
Scott’s dream became Sarai’s dream, and they’ve been working toward it ever since.
Today, Sarai is the owner of Impact Martial Arts at 50 Carlinville Plaza. While this is her first year leading the school, martial arts has shaped more than half of her life. She holds a 4th degree black belt in karate and has trained at multiple schools over the past decade.
Together, she and her dad teach classes and run the business side by side.
More Than Kicks and Punches
Impact Martial Arts offers karate and jujutsu classes for students ages 6 and up. Each evening begins with preparation. The mats are cleaned. Curriculum reviewed. Intentionality sets the tone.
A high-energy kids class fills the room first. Later, adults step onto the mat for a focused, steady session.
But the heart of the school is confidence.
“Our goal is to empower our students with the tools and confidence they need to defend themselves physically and mentally. We strive to create an encouraging and positive environment where anyone can learn karate or jujitsu.”
The Real Wins
When asked about their biggest success, the answer isn’t trophies or belt levels.
It’s a moment.
One night, a young student who had been struggling with a move finally got it. She threw her hands in the air and yelled, “Coach Sarai, I did it!”
That’s the win.
Watching students grow. Watching confidence click. Watching someone realize they are capable of more than they thought.
Rooted in Carlinville
Sarai is originally from Carlinville, and opening a school here feels intentional.
She joined the Chamber because of how much she values the Carlinville community and the support system among local businesses. When asked what advice she would give someone considering joining, she kept it simple.
“Do it.”
There is something powerful about a hometown family building something that shapes the next generation of hometown kids.
Impact Martial Arts is more than a studio. It’s discipline, resilience, and encouragement passed down, and passed forward.
📍 50 Carlinville Plaza
🌐 impactcarlinville.com
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Welcome to the Chamber, Sarai. We’re proud to spotlight your first year of ownership and the legacy you and your dad are building right here in Carlinville.
Be sure to check out Impact Martial Art’s Spotlight Interview Video below!! You won’t want to miss it!