I am a 4th-degree black belt in Shotokan karate with over 15 years of training & 13 years as an instructor. In addition, I have 7 years of military service with experience as a fitness program administrator and circuit training leader. Lastly, I gained numerous hours of volunteer experience with non-profit groups, school districts, & local businesses; conducting clinics, demonstrations, and exhibitions.
Experience
Student
Keystone Martial Arts, Cranberry Township, PA (2/2023 – present)
- Re-started my martial arts journey as a student of Tang Soo Do and member of the World Tang Soo Do Association; learning basic hand and foot strikes, self-defense, forms, and sparring.
Karate & Self-Defense Instructor
No Excuses Fitness by Kelly, Zelienople, PA (3/2010 – 1/2013)
- Women’s Self-Defense Class instructor teaching basic street fighting techniques, focusing on a women’s strengths and an attacker’s weaknesses; with hand & foot strike drills and scenario-based fighting.
- Children’s Self-Defense Class instructor focusing on anti-bullying strategies, adult attackers, and basic street smarts to avoid confrontations; faster-paced, fun class aimed to keep younger attention spans.
- Private martial arts classes based primarily on the Shotokan karate system; expanding on a myriad of blocks, hand and foot strikes, self-defense, kata/forms, and sparring.
Self-Defense Instructor
Cranberry Parks & Recreation, Cranberry Township, PA (1/2011 – 3/2011)
- Women’s Self-Defense Class instructor teaching basic street fighting techniques, focusing on a women’s strengths and an attacker’s weaknesses; with hand & foot strike drills and scenario-based fighting.
- Children’s Self-Defense Class instructor focusing on anti-bullying strategies, adult attackers, and basic street smarts to avoid confrontations; faster-paced, fun class aimed to keep younger attention spans.
Fitness Leader & Field Training Instructor
US Air Force, Various Locations (8/2003 – 5/2007)
- Fitness Program Officer for a squadron of 150+ members; Oversaw training, progress & test administration; Lead workouts as Unit Fitness Leader; including jogging, circuit training, and group calisthenics.
- Served as Air Force ROTC equivalent of a drill instructor, including rigorous mental and physical conditioning, as well as classroom instruction, mentoring, and evaluation of leadership potential.
AFROTC Cadet & Martial Arts Club Co-Founder
Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA (1/1997 – 5/2000)
- Instructed Martial Arts Club members in basic techniques focusing on self-defense and traditional karate.
- Supplemented Air Force ROTC curriculum with self-defense drills; created documented curriculum.
Student & Instructor
Martin’s Karate Institute, Wilkes-Barre, PA (10/1984 – 07/2000)
- Accomplished tournament fighter with PA state championships and numerous other trophies & medals.
- Taught new and current students basic stretching techniques, stances, blocks, hand attacks, and kicks.
- Personally ran a fitness program for children based on military circuit training and protocols.
- Participated in numerous exhibitions and demonstrations at shopping malls, colleges, schools, movie premieres, and the Wilkes-Barre Area School district; strong pro-fitness and anti-drug message.
Awards
- Charles M. Morio Memorial Award (Most Improved Student), Martin Karate Institute, 1985
- Best Male Karate Athlete, Keystone State Games, 1999