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HJR 319

Memorials, Sports - Mark Burns, five-time martial arts world champion -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Ceremonial resolution honors Mark Burns for his fifth ATA world title in creative forms, celebrates his faith-based leadership and Honor Martial Arts, with no fiscal impact.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #sports
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Bill Summary · HJR 319

Summary of House Joint Resolution 319 (HJR 319)

Overview

HJR 319 is a joint resolution from the Tennessee General Assembly that memorializes and congratulates Mark Burns for winning his fifth ATA Martial Arts world title in creative forms. The measure is ceremonial in nature and recognizes Burns’ achievements, character, and community work. The bill was introduced on March 7, 2025, and was subsequently signed by the Governor on March 26, 2025.

What the bill does

  • Honors and congratulates Mark Burns on securing his fifth ATA Martial Arts world title in creative forms.
  • Documents Burns’ martial arts journey, including:
    • Previous four ATA world titles (last won in 2010) and retirement from competition.
    • Return to competition in 2024, coinciding with ATA’s 55th anniversary.
    • Overcoming hip replacements to win the 2024 title.
  • Highlights Burns’ and his wife Ariana’s 2023 establishment of Honor Martial Arts, a faith-centered school intended to develop leaders, strengthen families, and serve the community through martial arts.
  • Emphasizes Honor Martial Arts’ focus on faith-based values, personal growth, and service, using martial arts to build confidence, discipline, and resilience.
  • Outlines Burns’ personal background, including his start in taekwondo as a child in Elkhart, Indiana (1989), his multiple school ventures, and his conversion to Christianity in 2016, along with key life events (marriage in 2020, birth of son in 2021).
  • Requests the preparation of an appropriate copy of the resolution with specific formatting as provided.

Who is affected

  • Mark Burns and his immediate family (wife Ariana, son Micah) as the subject of the memorial.
  • Honor Martial Arts and its students, staff, and the broader community that benefits from Burns’ leadership and community engagement.
  • The measure serves as a ceremonial recognition by the state on behalf of constituents and supporters.

Key procedural/timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 7, 2025.
  • Sponsor: Reeves.
  • House action: Adopted March 13, 2025 (Ayes 90, Nays 0); concurred on March 20, 2025 (Ayes 29, Nays 0).
  • Senate action: Placed on Senate Consent Calendar March 18, 2025; signed by Senate Speaker March 24, 2025.
  • Enrolled and transmitted for signature: March 21–25, 2025.
  • Governor’s action: Signed March 26, 2025.

Impact and implications

  • No fiscal impact or policy change; purely ceremonial.
  • Serves to publicly recognize and celebrate a community figure who embodies faith-based values, leadership, and athletic achievement.
  • May positively influence community pride and inspiration for students at Honor Martial Arts and similar programs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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