I started karate in 1991 and achieved black belt in 1995.  I am the Head Instructor at Family Karate and run the Lil’ Dragons and Junior Dragons programs.  I have been the principle instructor for Family Karate’s outreach program at Willoughby Montessori school for over two years.

I love to teach all ages, but the kids are my motivation.  My hobbies are painting, photography, and shopping.

I would like to thank Libby & Tom for making it possible for me to be a full-time instructor, Amy Rymers for introducing me to yoga, Diane Weber for making it possible for me to buy my home, and my students for keeping me inspired.
 

Matt is a 4^th degree black belt, certified as a 2^nd dan with Kukkiwon (Taekwondo world headquarters in Korea). He started TKD at age 5, and has attended seminars by Jaun Marino, the ’88 & ’92 Olympic Games silver medalist. Matt is also a certified AAU State & Nationals coach and a former USTA State champion. Matt has trained a student who won the AAU state champion & 2nd place national champion. He recently won the Lake Erie Taekwondo championship for Black Belts 14 – 17 years old and was 3rd in the Nationals held in Madison, WI July ‘08. He is a student at Mentor High School and aspires to be a fireman.

I started martial arts in 1998 and have been doing it ever since.  Currently I am teaching both kids and adult classes for all ranks at Family Karate.  When off the mat, I attend Lakeland Community College with the intention to transfer to Ohio State University to study pre-medicine.  Besides working at the dojo, I also work in construction with my dad.  In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching TV, playing guitar, and being on the computer.

I would like to thank my parents and my little sister for helping me get to where I am today in all aspects of my life including the martial arts.  I would also like to thank all of my previous instructors that taught me martial arts along the way. 

I’m 57 years old and have been studying and practicing Kajukenpo for 4 1/2 years.  I have been interested in martial arts since I was 22.

My son, Joey, earned his Jr. Black Belt last year.  I am very proud of him.  My wife, Lori, has been attending classes the past two months.  It has been a great experience having all of us taking classes together.

I want to say, “thank you” to my parents, Sal and Dolly for understanding us missing family activities in order to attend karate classes.

Yoga at Family Karate has helped me in all my activities tremendously.  I plan to continue my training in Kajukenpo and martial arts and become a certified instructor. 

Joe Weber has been training in karate for about 3 and 1/2 years.  Joe first became involved in martial arts training in college and was a student under the excellent leadership and friendship of Sensei Eb Molesch and Sensei Larry Feldman.  After many years of not participating in martial arts, Joe’s daughter Dani encouraged him to get back on the mat and attain his black belt.  Dani continues to provide Joe with love, support, and encouragement and is his favorite training partner.

This has been a wonderful year of change for Joe.  Earlier this year Joe left a 20-year career in computer science to pursue his life-long passion in medicine.  Joe has been accepted to Gannon University in their Masters Degree Physician Assistant program.  None of this could be possible without the loving support of his wonderful wife, Diane.  She is always there to support his dreams and help find his way in the world.

Joe would like to thank his extended family of Senseis Libby, Tom, Rita, Dimitri, Mike, Matt, and Rob for the many hours of training to help prepare him for today.  Joe also wants to thank his mom and dad and his in-laws for their loving support over the years.  Finally, Joe acknowledges that none of this would be possible without God’s blessing, the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Joe feels truly blessed and thanks God daily for his many blessings. 

I started karate about 3 years ago after my daughter , Patty, won a free lessons.  It looked like fun, so I asked if I could join too.  I have put in a lot of hard work and practice time since then, but I have had a blast doing it and have met some truly wonderful people along the way.  When I’m not on the mat or hanging around the dojo, I work as an x-ray tech for University Hospital System.  In my nonexistent spare time I like to draw and paint as well as participate in outdoor activities.  A big, warm hug and a thank you to all the people who helped me along the way.

· Joe & Larry - I wouldn’t have made it without you guys.

· Senseis Matt, Mike, Dimitri, & Laura - You kept me laughing till my cheeks hurt.

· My ukes: Lori, Amy, Steve & Rita - I’ll get into a bar fight with you guys any day

· Senseis Tom & Libby - For everything. (There isn’t a list long enough!)

· Patty - You got me into this and stayed with me to get our black belts together.  I love you!

· Sensei Rita - An extra big thank you!  Your friendship and endless patience and very wise advice of “don’t think” have finally turned me into a Black Belt.

I’m 16 years old and I’ve been taking karate for about 3 years and have had a lot of fun.  It has not been easy especially predan, but with all my friends here it really did not matter that it was hard.  I want to say a very big thank you to my girls, Dani Weber and Marina Barboza and my mother for allowing me to take karate.  I also would like to thank Senseis Matt, Mike, and Dimitri for making class interesting and to all the other senseis for helping me along.  Thank you to Shelby, Carly, and Lydia for being in my show.
 

I am 14 years old and have been studying Kajukenpo for about 4 years.  Over this time I have truly enjoyed all the parts to becoming a martial artist.  Karate has helped me to be stronger and more confident in many thing in my life.  Performing in front of people was a new challenge for me, but being a part of Team Ohana has been a great experience.  It has also opened up new friendships to me, people who are like brothers and sisters to me as we share time together at the dojo.  This past year my sister and father have also joined karate with me.  Outside the dojo I am a member of the National Junior Honor Society and participate in track and band.

I would like to thank all the senseis who have helped me work toward being the best I can be.  I would also like to give special thanks to Sensei Tom for showing much encouragement and patience when I was a novice belt and Senseis Mike and Matt for being positive role models that have inspired me in the advanced belts.  Someday I hope to be an instructor at the Family Karate dojo.  Last, but not least, I would like to thank my family for all their support through these years.