OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE THE DIFFERENCE

Shihan is an accomplished Martial Arts & Fitness Educator.  She has taught courses at Collegiate, The Steward School, St. Michael’s, St. Mary’s, Sabot, St. Benedicts, St. Christopher's & St. Catherine’s. She also trains actors, models and directors, whether it’s to get in shape for a role or prepare for extensive fight choreography. 

She was invited to be on the Power Bar Power Panel for elite athletes.  This panel offers athletes the chance to participate in new product and development surveys, provide valuable insight to their marketing team and ultimately help shape the future of Power Bar.

For many years, she has worked in several capacities in the industry including expeditor, judge and promoter for organizations such as the NPC, OCB, IFPA, IHRSA, USANKF. She is also a writer for National and International Martial Arts and Fitness Publications. 

Shihan is also an independent filmmaker https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7096860/fullcredits?ref_=nm_flmg_sort_text_view

Her greatest accomplishment was recovering from a broken neck in 1993 after being diagnosed as a quadriplegic. She is medically a class D quadriplegic & still uses her martial art training for her continued rehibilitation. 

Kancho developed our Martial Arts Character Education Program with experts in early childhood development and clinical kinesiologist. Kancho is an accomplished Martial Arts & Fitness Educator.  He has taught courses at Collegiate, The Steward School, St. Michael’s, St. Mary’s, Sabot, St. Benedicts, St. Christopher's & St. Catherine’s. 

His great charisma and animated teaching style helps create enthusiasm within the class to keep kids focused.  He developed a modern martial arts curriculum for kids so that every child can benefit from the positive teachings of the martial arts.  He brings excitement to his classes combining his personality with excellent martial arts skills. He developed our Budo Combatives program & has taught courses for the University of Richmond, Girl Scouts of America, Ethly Corporation and much more.    

Kancho is a Producer, Screenwriter and has been a Fight Coordinator for TV, Film, Commercial and Live Action Shows. He also trains actors, models and directors, to prepare for upcoming roles.

Something you may not know about Kancho: He is a Martial Arts and Fitness business consultant and a connoisseur of fine Japanese antiques.

 A beloved educator, Dr. McEvoy retired after 39 years, most currently having volunteered at St. Benedict School as Counselor. Before retirement, he headed the Environmental Health and Safety office for Chesterfield County Public Schools. Previously, he held positions at Henrico County Public Schools, Benedictine, and St. Benedict. Throughout the years, he volunteered as teacher of religious education at St. Bridget Catholic Church and St. Mary Catholic Church. Dr. McEvoy, a graduate of St. Benedict School and Benedictine High School, went on to earn his Bachelor of Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Dayton; Teaching Certification at VCU, his M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from UVA; Administration and Supervision Certification from VCU; and D.Ed in Educational Leadership from Nova U. 

Of all his life experiences, he most loved being husband, Peepa, Daddy, teacher, and coach. A man of integrity, he was kind, generous, hardworking, energetic, knowledgeable, and well organized. He was the glue that held everyone together.  As a teacher, he taught math, science, PE, physics, and religion. A Master Instructor in Karate and Co-creator of our Discover Karate program, he was a superb athlete himself, playing football, running marathons and mountain biking, he coached cross-country, track, and soccer; started the soccer program at Benedictine High School, was the Virginia Soccer League Coach of the Year 1979, 1980; and Colonial District Girls Soccer Coach of the Year, 2003, 2005. 

Dr. McEvoy changed our lives, encouraged us to live right, train hard and mentored us our whole lives.  There will never be another one like him. Such a fantastic teacher and friend. We were blessed to have him on our staff, in our lives and he will always be in our hearts. We will continue to carry on his values and teachings.

Master Justice & Master Thornton

Steven A. Woodward has been studying the martial arts since 1971.  The founder and style head of Hontai Ryu Karate Do holds black belt rank in Modern Karate, American Open Karate, Kyokushin Kai Karate, Chi-Chi Kempo, and the rank of Ama Guro (Master) in Sayoc Kali.  Woodward also attained the level of Tactical Master Instructor (2years) in CDT Defensive Tactics.  

His studies have included Pi Lum Kung Fu, Shotokan Karate, Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, Modern Karate, Tae Kwon Do, American Open Karate, Kyokushin Kai Karate, Judo, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Muay Thai Boxing, Aikido, Pentjak Silat, Kali Silat, Dumog, Chin Na, Shoot Wrestling, Defensive Tactics, Shoot Fighting, LAMECO Escrima, Sayoc Kali, Defensive Blade Tactics, Doce Peres Arnis, Tulisan Caballero Kali, Okinawan Weaponry, Filipino Weaponry and Chinese Weaponry.  He is most noted for his expertise in weaponry.

Woodward has been an accomplished competitor.  He competed in National and Regional events all over the country.