Instructors

Themed Image2

current events



 
 
 

Instructors

 

 

 

 

Grandmaster J. Michael Amodeo

School Founder

 

 

 

 

 

    Grandmaster J. Michael Amodeo's dedication to Martial Arts for over 30 years has left a long trail of accomplishments. He started as an assistant instructor and worked his way up to a Kukkiwon Certified Sixth Dan Black Belt. He was voted Instructor of the Year in 1992 and was active in the betterment of Martial Arts throughout his career. He was respected by all that knew him, and devoted most of his life to teaching young and old alike about what he called "The Journey."

 

    Upon his death in 2006, he was awarded Eighth Dan Grandmaster by Grandmaster Young Seon Seo. His favorite quote was: "What we do for ourselves dies with us... what we do for others is immortal." Master Amodeo had a way about him that touched the lives of anyone who came to know him, young and old.

 

    His spirit is forever present in our school and in our students. Thank you Grandmaster Amodeo for our school motto:

 

"Actions Speak Louder than Words"

more

                                                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Master Betty Amodeo has been studying Martial Arts for over 20 years. She is a Kukkiwon Certified 5th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Master Amodeo is also a Registered Nurse and Certified Personal Trainer. She plays an important role as a Master Instructor and Office Manager.

    Master Amodeo has held Referee Certification with the USTU and presently with the AAU. Her martial arts journey has included the study of Wing Chung, and most recently she tested for her 1st Dan Black Belt in Hanmudo / Hapkido under Master Chaplin. She also studies and teaches “Chi Stix”, an ancient form of energy balancing exercises. These exercises based on  Chinese Wand Exercises are available on DVD. Please inquire via contact email to purchase “Chi Stix” DVD. Favorite Quotes:

 

"Discipline goes beyond personal desire." "If you don't take care of your body, where will you live?"          

more

Master Betty Amodeo, Master Instructor

BAmodeo@gateway-martialarts.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master Denis M. Ogle, Chief Master Instructor

MasterOgle@gateway-martialarts.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Master Damon Excell, Master Instructor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Master Damon Excell has been studying martial arts since 1983. He studied in Southern California under three 1st generation Ed Parker Kenpo Black Belts: Mr. Ed Booze, Mr. Yoshio Furuya and Mr. Chuck Sullivan. He was promoted to Black Belt with the IKKA in June of 1988 by Senior Grand Master Edmund Parker. He holds the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt with the IKCA under Senior Grand Master Chuck Sullivan, and has a Black Belt in Hanmudo under Master Chaplin. Master Excell has also studied Sambo with Master Tony Lopez.

 

"Everything boils down to 'Balance and Timing'"

 

 

    Master Henry Chaplin began his training at the age of 11 in Judo and Tae Kwon Do in the UK.  After serving in the British Army, he spent one month training at the Kukkiwon in Seoul, S Korea. He has traveled around the world conducting seminars and sharing his information. He also helped in the founding of the European Headquarters for Han Mu Do. Master Chaplin’s 35 years of training have earned him a number of diverse Martial Arts Black Belt Certifications. Master Chaplin’s high skill level has derived from his pursuit of balance in his study of Martial Arts. His teaching is colored with all the knowledge he has gathered over the many years of studying so many different styles.

 

"To be a good instructor, you need to be a good student. To be a good student, you need more training."

more

Master Henry Chaplin, International Master Instructor

HenryChaplin@gateway-martialarts.com

 

 

    Master Denis Ogle is Chief Master Instructor with over 30 years teaching experience. Starting his studies of martial arts in 1974, he achieved his first Dan in 1980, and is currently a 5th Dan Kukkiwon Certified Black belt. He placed first in the 1994 U.S. National Taekwondo Championships in Olympic style sparring. He has organized and performed numerous martial arts demonstrations including everything from a World's Fair to local boy scout troops. He currently heads up the Gateway Martial Arts Demonstration Team.

    Master Ogle's passion and talent for teaching are proven by the quality students that have trained with him. He has coached over 15 national champions along with one of the members of the Junior Olympic team. Master Ogle's true concern is that his students become effective martial artists.

 

"Timing is Everything."

more

                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catherine Smith, Instructor

 

 

    Catherine Smith earned her 1st Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo at the age of 16. In October 2005 she tested for her 1st Dan Black Belt in Hanmudo at the headquarters at Baton Rouge. In 2007 she earned her 2nd Dan Black Belt in Hanmudo/Hapkido with Master Chaplin. She is presently studying Kenpo with Master Excell.