OUR MASTERS ARE THE DIFFERENCE

Saiko Shihan Chuck Thornton is an acclaimed martial arts master, innovative fitness educator, and cinematic storyteller with multi-disciplinary expertise spanning instruction, curriculum development, and high-performance screen training. Highly regarded for his charismatic and engaging instructional approach, Shihan specializes in synthesizing authentic martial arts discipline with advanced physiological and psychological frameworks, making elite-level physical education universally accessible.

As an industry innovator, Shihan co-developed a groundbreaking Martial Arts Character Education Program in collaboration with experts in early childhood development and clinical kinesiology. His modern pedagogical framework has been delivered across premier preparatory institutions, including Collegiate, The Steward School, St. Christopher's, and St. Catherine’s. Beyond primary education, his specialized defense and fitness curricula—including his proprietary Budo Combatives program—have been commissioned by prestigious organizations such as the University of Richmond, the Girl Scouts of America, and major corporate entities like the Ethyl Corporation.

Within the entertainment sector, Shihan operates as a producer, screenwriter, and premier fight coordinator for television, film, commercials, and live-action productions. Trusted by actors, models, and directors, he meticulously prepares high-profile talent for demanding screen roles. In addition to his creative and instructional pursuits, Shihan acts as a strategic business consultant for martial arts and fitness enterprises and is an avid connoisseur and curator of fine Japanese antiques.

 Shihan Pamela Justice is a distinguished martial arts mastery expert, elite fitness educator, and independent filmmaker whose career spans the intersection of athletic excellence and cinematic storytelling. With a reputation for training top-tier actors, models, and directors, Shihan specializes in preparing high-profile talent for demanding physical roles and intricate fight choreography.

As a highly sought-after educator, she has designed and led martial arts and wellness programs for prestigious academic institutions, including  University of Richmond, Collegiate, The Steward School, St. Christopher's, and St. Catherine’s. Her deep industry expertise is reflected in her past invitation to the exclusive PowerBar Power Panel for elite athletes, where she contributed to product innovation and global marketing strategies. An influential voice in the wellness community, Shihan is a published writer for national and international martial arts and fitness publications and has served as a promoter, judge, and expeditor for leading organizations such as the USANKF, NPC, OCB, IFPA, and IHRSA.

Beyond the dojo, Shihan translates her mastery of movement into film, collaborating with acclaimed Hollywood talent including Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, James Lew, Ethan Hawke, and Ewan McGregor.

Her ultimate testament to the power of martial arts is her personal journey. Diagnosed as a Class D quadriplegic following a severe neck injury in 1993, Shihan defied medical odds through relentless discipline. Today, she utilizes her lifelong martial arts training for her continued rehabilitation, standing as a profound example of human resilience, dedication, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

Dr. McEvoy was a revered lifelong educator, counselor, and Master Karate Instructor whose 39-year career left an indelible mark on thousands of students, athletes, and families. A true man of integrity and knowledge, he uniquely combined advanced academic leadership with a profound dedication to mentorship, serving as the foundational glue for his communities. As a Master Instructor and the visionary Co-creator of the Discover Karate program, he seamlessly integrated martial arts discipline with character education, mentoring generations to live rightly and train with purpose. 

Dr. McEvoy’s extensive career in public and private education spanned both administrative excellence and hands-on instruction. He directed the Environmental Health and Safety office for Chesterfield County Public Schools and held pivotal roles within Henrico County Public Schools, Benedictine High School, and St. Benedict School—the very institutions from which he graduated. Academically distinguished, he earned a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton, teaching certifications and administrative credentials from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Virginia (UVA), and a Doctor of Education (D.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. 

A multi-disciplinary educator, Dr. McEvoy taught mathematics, physics, science, physical education, and religious studies, volunteering for years at St. Bridget Catholic Church and St. Mary Catholic Church. An extraordinary athlete himself—having played football, run marathons, and mastered mountain biking—he was a legendary coach who founded the soccer program at Benedictine High School. His athletic leadership earned him the prestigious title of Virginia Soccer League Coach of the Year (1979, 1980) and Colonial District Girls Soccer Coach of the Year (2003, 2005). Above all his vast accomplishments, Dr. McEvoy most cherished his roles as a devoted husband, father, grandfather ("Peepa"), teacher, and friend. His values, profound teachings, and enduring memory continue to be carried forward gratefully by his students, staff, and loved ones. 

STEVEN A. WOODWARD 

Martial Artist and Inventor 

Steven A. Woodward (born December 5, 1956) has been studying martial arts since 1971. The founder and style head of Hontai Ryu Karate holds black belt rank in Chi-Chi Kempo (8th), American Open Karate (3rd), Kyokushin Karate (3rd), and Modern Karate. In Filipino Martial Arts, he was granted the rank Lakan Tatlo Guro (3rd) in Mike Sayoc Kali from Master Mike Sayoc and rank Lakan Lima (5th) in Sayoc Kali from Grandmaster Baltizar Sayoc & Master Fred Ocampo.  Woodward also attained the level of Tactical Master Instructor (2yrs.) in CDT Defensive Tactics. Other studies included:

•Pi Lum Kung Fu 

•Filipino Weaponry 

•LAMECO Escrima 

•Shotokan Karate 

•Shoot Wrestling 

•Shoot Fighting 

•Okinawan Goju Ryu 

•Blade Defense Tactics 

•Tulisan Caballero Kali  

•Tae Kwon Do  

•Pentjak Silat  

•Jeet Kune Do 

•Wing Chun Kung Fu 

•Muay Thai Boxing 

•Okinawan Kobudo

He is most recognized for his expertise with weapons such as double nunchaku, rope kamas, and whip.  

Martial Arts Training 

Woodward received training from such martial artists as: 

Karate / Tae Kwon Do 

• Master Jimmy Horsley – PKA World Contender, Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate 

• Master Sam Justice – AAU National Champion, American Open Karate 

• Master Joe Lewis – PKA World Champion 

• Master Alan Miller – PKA World Contender, Founder of Modern Karate 

• Master Jeff Smith – PKA World Champion, Tae Kwon Do 

• Master John Chung – World Forms & Fighting Champion, Tae Kwon Do 

• Master Mike Stone – World Fighting Champion, Shorin-ryu Karate 

• Master Tony Wurtz – AAU National Champion, Kyokushin Kai Karate 

Kali / Escrima / Arnis / Shoot Fighting 

• Jaffrey Rhett – Kali, Muay Thai, Pentjak Silat, JKD Concepts, Wing Chun, Whip 

• Master Dan Inosanto – Certified by Bruce Lee, Kali, Escrima, Muay Thai, Pentjak Silat  

• Master Larry Hartsell – Certified by Bruce Lee, JKD Concepts, Muay Thai, Kali, Panyo   

• Grandmaster Edgar Sulite – Founder of LAMECO Escrima, Arnis, Kali, Panyo  

• Master Mike Inay – Certified Instructor by Grandmaster Angel Cabales, Serrada, Siniwali, Kali  

• Grandmaster Raffy Pambuen – Tulisan Caballero Kali, Horse Whip 

• Grandmaster Billy Bryant – Arnis, Chi-Chi Kempo 

• Master Max Coates – Certified Instructor by Master Bart Vale, Shoot Fighting, Grappling  

• Master Bart Vale – World Champion Shoot Fighter, Shoot Fighting 

Mike Sayoc Kali / Sayoc Kali 

• Master Mike Sayoc – Mike Sayoc Kali, Combat Whip 

• Grandmaster Baltizar Sayoc – Sayoc Kali, One Finger Touch, Defensive Tactics 

• Tuhon Christopher Sayoc – Sayoc Kali, Edged Weapon Dynamics 

Defensive Tactics / Knife Tactics / Shooting Tactics 

• Master Tom Patire – CDT Defensive Tactics, Weapons Disarms Tactics 

• Master Mike Morse – Defensive Tactics 

• Master Dwight McLemore – Bowie Knife Tactics 

• Master Michael Janich – Defensive Blade Tactics 

• Instructor Pat Patterson – Gun Safety, Pistol Shooting Tactics 

Achievements & Honors 

Woodward has been an accomplished competitor. He competed in National and Regional events all over the country  from 1978 through 1989. Some of his wins and achievements have included: 

• 2-time Virginia State Fighting Champion 

• 7-time Virginia State Weapons Champion 

• 3-time East Coast Weapons Champion 

• 1980 Battle of Atlanta Weapons Champion 

• 1982 Featured in Who’s Who in Karate in America 

• 1983-86 Ranked Top 5 National-Regional Karate Illustrated Ratings (Weapons) 

• 1987 Ranked Top 4 in the USA in AAU Weapons 

• 1987-89 Ranked #1 National-Regional Karate Illustrated Ratings (Weapons) 

• Featured in “Karate Helps Kick Diabetes” Videos 1995-1998 

• 1997 International Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee “Instructor of the Year” 

• Featured Martial Artist in “Mastering the Whip” Video 

• Featured Martial Artist in “Stick Disarms” Video for NAPMA School Instructors  

• 2015 U.S. Patent Granted for “Handgun Automatic Sighting System” No.: US 9,212,867   

• 2022 U.S. Patent Granted for “Specifically Adjusted Workings Nunchaku” No.: US 11,371,800    

Woodward has over 50 years of experience teaching martial arts. One of his favorite teaching activities is preparing children for weapons competitions. He always considers it an opportunity and a privilege to help a child reach their full potential in training. Results are achieved by using methods of progressional training with a strong focus on weapon forms and by providing a training weapon specifically made for each child. His teaching skills have produced over: 

• 34 - State Champions • 18 - National Champions • 10 - World Champions • 4 - Junior Olympic Champions 

Inventor Innovations 

Woodward currently devotes his time to teaching Filipino martial arts, as well as inventing new products and methods for training. His knowledge and experience in the martial arts, along with blessings from above, allow opportunities for making contributions to promote the progress of science and useful arts. The patented inventions below have a brief description from a reduced version of the abstract. More information is available by searching the patent title. 

Handgun Automatic Sighting System U.S. Patent Number: 9212867 Abstract: A handgun sighting system that automatically adjusts the intensity of a lighted front sight based on the ambient light conditions. This provides an optimal sighting presentation allowing rapid target acquisition and a faster response time for the shooter. Type: Grant Filed: February 4, 2015, Date of Patent: December 15, 2015, Inventors: William Q. Patterson, Steven Woodward 

Specifically Adjusted Workings Nunchaku Assembly Method U.S. Patent Number: 11371800 Abstract: A manner of manufacturing a modernized nunchaku using specifically adjusted workings or saw process construction methods, facilitating a better fit and functions for the nunchaku, while increasing levels of safety and precision operations for users. Type: Grant Filed: January 14, 2020, Date of Patent: June 28, 2022, Inventor: Steven Woodward 

 Deshi Lourdes is a sophomore at The Steward School and has been a dedicated Karate Jutsu student at The Budo Center for 3 years, two of which she has worked as a summer karate camp counselor. 

“I am also in the Leadership Program at Steward and on the JV volleyball team. I have a passion for STEM and have the privilege of being among a unique group of high school students that has designed experiments that have been launched into space on a NASA sounding rocket. I was also on teams that participated in the American Rocketry Challenge and the University of Arizona's Martian Greenhouse Challenge. This summer I was able to attend a program sponsored at the Virginia Space Consortium that focused on building leaders in technology. Currently, I also volunteer in gallery education at the Science Museum of Virginia."

"I am usually very busy, but whatever time I do get outside of school is spent outside in nature with my family or at the movies with friends. I enjoy helping others to be the best version of themselves and encourage respect and persistence in seeing something through even when it becomes difficult - what you find may surprise you!”