Our Staff

Diana is a 6th degree black belt and teaches Shotokan Karate.  Diana  loves karate so much that she can remember she started on March 13,  1980, she was 9 years old.  She studied weapons, kata, self defense and  sparring.  Sparring and Nunchaku katas where her favorite!  She rose  through the ranks rather quickly since she attended every class available  to her.  She was very dedicated and loved teaching class, even at an  early age.  She always wore a red gi top because she admired her  Sensei.  It was an honor when she received her black belt.
 

Diana attributes karate to her success in other sports as a child.  It  gave her personal confidence and an opportunity for life-long  friendships, like one with Sensei Jim.  She enjoys watching the  accomplishments of the children she teaches and knowing her lessons have  a lasting impact on their lives. She believes there is always something  new to learn, new to teach and to be the best mentor you can be.  

 At nine years old, Sensei Even decided he was interested in studying the marital arts.  He  didn't think that his mother would go for it because he was getting  into a lot of trouble at school.  His mother realized that he was  searching not only for discipline, but a positive male role model.  They  looked in the phone book and picked a school.  Over the years of  determination to earn his black belt, he learned numerous skills.  He  learned self-control, discipline, perseverance, an indomitable spirit,  and compassion.
 

Before earning his black belt, Evan studied Aikido and ninjutsu.  In  2009, after having seen a posting for a martial arts instructor, he  finally decided to answer the calling that grew in his heart in his  youth.  Despite not officially having a black belt, Sensei Jim saw  something in him and took the risk of bringing him aboard the team.   After two years of intense study, Evan earned his black belt.  Now a  full time instructor, Evan is committed to passing along the discipline  and love that allowed him to rise up.  He views each student as a a  unique gift to the worked who deserves to be nurtured, challenged, held  responsible for their actions (age-appropriately), forgiven for  mistakes, and encouraged to find the diamond of beauty within  themselves.
 

 Jason is an experienced, world-class accomplished competitor and  successful trainer/Professor - holding a 1st degree black belt in BJJ  from Royler Gracie.
Jason had the opportunity to train at Royler Gracie Academy in Brazil prior to competing in the World Championships - Mundials in Rio De Janiero, where he took the Bronze medal in 2006.
 

Jason possesses an extensive knowledge base with a wide-range of  experience and advanced skills in instructing progressive levels and  belt ranking in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, fitness/exercise, and as a personal  trainer.  He has proven his abiity to interact with students and  creates a rewarding daily life in the BJJ academy.