Karate has taken Jessie Thornton all over the world working with the best in the business.

He's even met Chuck Norris!

But it's his kicks in Ringgold that has people like Jessika Cantu sticking by his side.

"Because of the Thorntons, we were able to take our daughters and put them in an uncomfortable situation with other kids and they became comfortable. And now, they have a network outside of school," said Jessika Cantu who nominated Jessie Thornton for Pay it Forward.

Two of Jessika's daughters are working their way through the ranks. So far, they've earned their orange belts.

That's why she nominated Jessie Thornton to receive $500 from The McMahan Law Firm for Pay it Forward.

"They offer things sometime at a rate where they may not be making money, but they know that family needs that support system. And that is the reason for community," said Cantu.

Jessie and his wife Joy have helped countless students since they open United Karate Studio in 1980.

"For years and years, they come back. They bring their kids back. They bring their grandkids back. It's always a place where they are welcome back," said Joy Thornton.

Some students have been taking classes here with Jessie for30 years.

"I had an opportunity to leave and go overseas to teach in Italy, but I couldn't go, because his is home," said Jessie.

That sense of community is helping others, like the Cantus feel at home. They're a military family forming life-long bonds, thanks to Jessie's karate studio.

"We never, I guess, formed those bonds, because we're both military. Because we know in a year, two years, we're gone. And now that we have a home in Ringgold and we're starting to form these bonds, we're like 'wait, these are our people," said Cantu.

Jessie and his wife recently bought a van to take kids to karate tournaments. Many of those kids wouldn't be able to participate otherwise.

Do you know someone who deserves $500 cash for helping others in need? Nominate them by clicking the link here!