My first experience in martial arts was in middle school. I had an instructor of Arnis come to our school and hold classes. My brother and I signed up and studied with this person for just a few months. I don't remember what his name was or what system of Arnis it was, but it did influence me greatly.
      I still practice and teach the 12-strike patter he taught us. Later I found out that Hanshi Bruce Juchnik created that 12-strike pattern.
      When I was at Aims Community College, a friend of mine and I decided to take a martial arts class that was offered. That's when we were introduced to Jim Sereff Hanshi. I have been studying with Sereff Hanshi now for more than 19 years.  
      I started teaching in January 1992. Hanshi Sereff asked me to take over the aims classes and at the time, it worked with my schedule. I had only been a black belt for a very short time, so it was truly a trial by fire.
      Renshi Janine and I have been consistently teaching students since 1992.
   Since then I have obtained Yondan, or 4th degree in Anshinkai-do and Nidan or 2nd degree in Kosho Ryu Kempo. Within the Anshinkai-do, I have the title of Renshi and in the Kosho Ryu Kempo I have the title of Shihan. Both of these are levels of instructors and are not truly associated with rank. I have studied Judo and Jujitsu, however I don't have a Dan ranking in either.
      Studying karate has a lot to offer. Each person has different needs and karate can be used to fulfill these needs. Whether a student wants to learn self defense or how to be more self-disciplined, it can also be a great way to relieve stress. For centuries, people have used the study to better understand their own body and how to make it stronger, more flexible and healthier, all around. Karate is the one spot that can benefit the mind, body and spirit. It also can be practiced well into the later years of life, unlike other sports. How many 50-year-olds are still playing football, basketball or hockey? For that matter, how many 40-year-olds? I know many martial artists who are still practicing and competing well into their 70s.
      My goal as an instructor is to train my students not only in how to do a bunch of techniques, but to understand why they are doing them and be able to explain (or teach) them to someone else. I see myself as an instructor's instructor, meaning I'm teaching the next generation of teachers. I want my students to surpass me in knowledge and understanding of the arts.