Introduction: I am a 5th degree black belt in Uechi Ryu Karate-Do. I have earned each of my black belt ranks at the youngest possible age and am currently the highest rank I can achieve. I have experience with several other martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Shorin Ryu, Judo, and Aikido. I have traveled to Japan and trained with several Japanese 10th Degree black belts and competed internationally.
I am a Shihan (or master instructor) under Senior Grandmaster James Thompson, 10th degree black belt. I currently teach at the Okinawan Karate Academy in Kalamazoo, MI and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC).
I have been teaching at KVCC for over 5 years and repeatedly received the highest possible evaluation scores from my students. I also have experience as a professor, where at WMU I created and taught different courses at the graduate and undergraduate level.
I completed my graduate students and received a PhD in Industrial Organizational Behavior Management. I bring a very scientific and pragmatic approach to learning and self defense.
I love helping people discover all that karate has to offer their mind, body, and spirit!