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 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?"
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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."
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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 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."
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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.
