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"
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Master Betty Amodeo has been studying Martial Arts for 20 years. She is
a Kukkiwon Certified 4th 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 Hanmudo. She also studies and teaches "Chi Stix," an ancient form of energy balancing exercises. One of
her favorite quotes is:
"Discipline goes beyond personal desire."
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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 4th 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."
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Master
Rasha came to the USA in 1996 as a pre-Olympic competitor. Master Rasha
has been outstanding in his contribution to the development and
promotion of the Martial Arts. His background includes a career as
Special Operations Commander and a
Captain in the Undercover
Narcotic Operation. He has been involved in 100’s of armed and unarmed
confrontations gaining vast experience in fighting. Master Rasha
believes in striving for excellence with his primary focus on students
between the age of 12 to 20, believing American Martial Arts Schools are
the best source for promotion of respect, integrity, discipline and
humility among that generation. He has devoted himself to achieve this
goal.
"Striving for Excellence."
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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."
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