At the age of seven, I was diagnosed with a bone disease that almost cost me my leg. I spent a year in the hospital, the next year in a wheelchair and a third year in a walking cast. Early in my life, I learned the value of health that most people take for granted. After the health scare, I went on to high school where I played four sports and earning eleven varsity letters then went to college to hone my skills in basketball. I attended my first karate class with a friend and immediately fell in love. Starting my sport karate competition career in the 1980s and continuing through the late 2010s, I have won gold medals, national and international titles and the Arnold Classic while being joined by my children starting in the early 1990s. I started my very first martial arts studio in 1990 with the goal of teaching quality martial arts to everyone that walked through my door. Teaching karate has always been a passion in my life and something I will always love.
-Jerry Roberts
“I stared when I was 8 years old. My dad put me in it because I was getting bullied in school. I competed in my child and adult life, eventually prioritizing teaching and working with people to learn the martial arts. Earning my Kenpo black belt then continuing my learning in Ryukyu Kobudo (Okinawan weapons), Shotokan and other styles. Realizing my passion for martial arts and teaching others, I wanted to teach others how to defend themselves.”
-Ryan Badorrek
“I started Karate in 1990 when martial arts was making its way into movies. As a young adult, I wanted to get in shape, learn to protect myself, and learn how to fight in tournaments like the Karate kid. Thirty-four years later, I’m a 6th degree Black Belt and I am in the best shape of my life. Through the years, Martial Arts has helped me grow as an individual. During challenging times in my life, it provided me an outlet and gave me something positive to focus on. In addition, it has helped me develop skills in my current job of Law Enforcement.”
-Brian Shok
“I had always wanted to learn karate. I started with Kickboxing for exercise in my early 40's. After about a year, I started taking lessons with my daughter. She quit and I continued eventually testing for my Blackbelt. I am currently a 4th Dan Blackbelt spending the last 23 years in martial arts. I have been inducted into the Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame. One of my main goals is to encourage kids and adults that karate can be enjoyed by all ages and all ability levels. I truly believe martial arts can be a fun lifestyle as well as a defensive skill. I will always be grateful for the friends I have meet thru New World Karate.”
-Sue Krueger
“I began my martial arts journey with my family over 20 years ago at New World Karate and Fitness (at my start, it was called Tracy’s Karate). We were interested in the aspects of exercise, discipline and self-defense. I have been very fortunate to have been an instructor and ever-continuing student of Kenpo Karate with my New Word Karate family and was honored to earn my Black Belt in February of 2021. After that, I entered our group proudly named “Over 60 Blackbelts!” Being a New World Karate and Fitness student and teacher has helped me over the years, in a positive way, to stay at the top of my abilities to stay in shape, as well as connect with others with the same interests. I am convinced this has kept me consistently working out with heart-healthy exercises. “
-Chuck Hawk
"I have always enjoyed coaching and inspiring people and after getting in some street fights when I was younger, I found that karate was my true calling. I started my martial arts career at the age of 20 where I joined Ninjutsu/Japanese jujutsu and achieved my 2nd degree black belt. By 23 joined Kenpo karate under Grand Master Mark Miller to better my knowledge of striking and expand my martial arts education. Training in several other disciplines including judo, goshin jutsu, Hapkido and Shootfighting. I soon became a certified police tactics instructor.”
-Gavin Rupert
“I started my martial arts journey in 2006 with my grandson. He stopped at green belt but I continued and achieved my black belt in 2022. But now I continue my martial arts career by helping the students. Teaching Kenpo almost 5 days per week, I have found a great facility that I belong to. Everyone in the studio is there to help and I am happy that I decided to continue my journey here.”
-Tom Bonham
-James Soroky
-Aaron Stone