A new community challenge is encouraging strength and perseverance in honor of one of the Quad Cities’ most influential figures. The “100 Days of Morrow” challenge pays tribute to the late John Morrow—a renowned martial artist, Guinness World Record Holder and a beloved community leader—who recently passed away from cancer at 73.
The initiative was launched by Evin Ersan, one of Morrow’s longtime students and a Pleasant Valley graduate. “I was a student of John Morrow at Morrow’s Academy of Martial Arts for many years,” said Ersan. “He was my mentor and was a huge part of our community.”
Ersan said he wanted to find a meaningful way to honor Morrow’s legacy and share his impact. “My goal is to get the word out to anyone who wishes to honor John and/or improve their physical health,” he said. “It would be cool if PV students, sports teams, clubs, etc., got involved with the challenge.”
The challenge itself is simple but symbolic. “In this challenge, I, along with others, will be doing 100 pushups, John’s favorite exercise, every day for 100 days,” Ersan said. Participation is flexible, and Ersan emphasizes that the purpose mirrors Morrow’s philosophy; the goal isn’t perfection but consistency and self-improvement.
John Morrow began teaching martial arts in the Quad Cities more than four decades ago, founding Morrow’s Academy of Martial Arts in Davenport, Iowa. Over the years, he trained countless students, sponsored tournaments, and welcomed practitioners of all styles, creating a uniquely inclusive environment.
Fellow instructor and longtime friend Ken Gullette remembers Morrow as a unifying force. “I met John Morrow in 1990 at a tournament in Omaha,” Gullette said. “In a world of competition and sometimes jealousy between schools, John was a unifying and joyful force in the martial arts community.”
“ ” “John never criticized other martial artists or tried to compete with them,” Gullette said. “He looked at everyone as brothers and sisters who shared his passion. He really brought joy to the martial arts community in the Quad Cities and the region.”
Gullette also recalled Morrow’s charisma and energy. “He was one of the toughest people I knew, but also one of the funniest,” he said.
Beyond the dojo, Morrow devoted himself to charitable work. He regularly organized fitness challenges to support local children’s charities, including Make-A-Wish, Kids Against Hunger and the Children’s Therapy Center. Even after being diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer, he continued planning new feats of endurance. His final idea was to complete 880 pushups, sit-ups and leg lifts in one hour to mark his 880th month of life—an extraordinary example of the determination that defined him.
Ersan hopes the “100 Days of Morrow” challenge will continue that spirit. “He believed in making no excuses and always finding a way to better yourself,” he said. “If people can take part in this challenge and feel inspired to keep improving, that’s the best way we can honor him.”
Participation is open to anyone—students, athletes or community members. “Those who wish to participate can start any time,” Ersan said. “Any number, no matter how large or small, counts.”
Through every pushup and act of effort, the “100 Days of Morrow” challenge keeps John Morrow’s message alive—a reminder of strength, discipline and the impact of one individual’s lifelong commitment to bettering others.
