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Our staff features four full-time Black
Belt teachers, supplemented by a large staff of part-time, fully trained
teachers and assistants. All work together in a positive environment,
dedicated to bringing out the fullest potential in every man, woman and
child who participates in our program.
The Executive
Directors, Jim Clapp and Judy Anderson O'Neill,
have committed themselves to having
the finest Martial Arts school in the country.
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Jim Clapp,
an 8th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate and a 5th Degree Black Belt in
Modern Arnis (Filipino Stick Fighting), has been in the Martial Arts since
1967. He graduated from West Chester University (PA) in 1970, earning a
B.A. in Political Science. While at WCU he helped to found the WCU
Shotokan Karate Club in 1967...it is still in existence today. |
In 1970, he moved to Delaware and helped
to establish and manage American Karate Studios (formerly Tracy's Karate
Studio 1970-71). In September, 1973, Jim bought an American Karate
Studios franchise which Judy and Jim continue to build into one of the
largest and premier facilities in the world.
Jim's awards in the Martial Arts
industry are numerous, brought about through his many contributions to the
Arts world wide:
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In 1989, he was inducted into the National Federation of Martial Arts
Hall of Fame as "Kenpo
Instructor of the Year".
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In 1990, he was awarded the
"Outstanding
Martial Artist of the Decade: 1980-1990"
by the US Martial Arts
Association.
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In 1991, he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, in
Akron, Ohio as
"Promoter of
the Year".
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In 1992, he was appointed to the
Board of
Directors for the Educational Funding Company / US Martial Arts
Association.
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In 1992, he was inducted into the Eastern USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame,
in Pittsburgh, PA, as
"Man of the
Year".
- In 2008,
Jim was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, being
the first martial artist in the state and the only one in the
continental USA to be so honored (there are 2 in Hawaii).
- After
being inducted, Jim was given the honor of being placed on the Board of
Governors for the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame.
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In 2008, he was
inducted into the Martial Arts Preservation Hall of Fame.
Jim has also been recognized and featured in many
reference volumes that recognize distinguished individuals for their
accomplishments. These include:
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Who's Who in the
East,
1979-80 and 1981-2
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Men of Achievement,
1981
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Dictionary of
International Biography,
1982
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Community Leaders
of America,
1983
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Personalities of
America,
1983
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Who's Who in
Karate,
1982-3
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Who's Who in
American Martial Arts,
1984-5 and 1986-7
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Masters, Founders
and Leaders of American Martial Arts,
1985
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Who's Who in
Martial Arts Elite,
1992
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The National
Registry of Who's Who,
1998
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The Presidential Who's Who, 2008
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Judy Anderson O'Neill
has been in the Martial Arts since
1974, and currently holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate and a
2nd Degree Black Belt in Modern Arnis (Filipino Stick Fighting). She
earned her Master's of Science Degree in Physical Education / Biomechanics
from the University of Delaware in 1977, and has worked side by side with
Jim since 1979, developing the curriculums and programs at the American
Karate Studios. |
She was an active
tournament competitor from 1975 to 1984, competing in both sparring and
forms (kata) divisions. She earned 2nd place in 1978 and 1979 in the
Martial Arts Ratings Systems National Championships in the Women's Black
Belt Kata divisions.
She was instrumental in
developing the innovative Dyna-TotsTM Karate program,
which she has specially designed for the 3-6 year old child. This
program, now leading the way for others nationwide, is tailored to meet
the coordination needs, peer interaction challenges and social development
skills required of this age group.
Mrs. O'Neill has also
conducted a variety of self defense programs for women only, geared to
enhancing their awareness, building their self confidence and raising
their self esteem. This program has been a model for others across the
country and is credited for introducing hundreds of women to the benefits
of Martial Arts training.
She has received many
awards and recognition for her contributions to the martial arts
industry. These include:
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In 1979, Judy was
recognized by the National Organization for Women with their Wonder
Women of the Year award, presented for community service
contributions
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In 1983, she was
recognized in Who's Who in Karate
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In 1985 and 1987, she was
recognized in Who's Who in American Martial
Arts
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In 1991, she was inducted
into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, in Akron, Ohio, as
"Woman of the Year".
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In 1992, she was inducted
into the Eastern USA Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame in
Pittsburgh, PA, as "Woman of the Year".
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In 1995, she was awarded
the "Martial Artist of the Industry Award" by the Educational
Funding Company / US Martial Art Association.
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In 2002, she was awarded
the "Elite Athlete Award" presented by the Delaware Women's
Alliance for Sport & Fitness, Inc. This award honors a Delaware female
athlete who has excelled at the national or international level.
Together, as well as
individually, the two have established themselves as experts in their
field. They have been recognized and have accumulated many awards. These
include:
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Together they produced
and starred in a weekly Cable TV program called American Karate,
which aired on the public access channel for ten years, from 1985 to
1995.
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In 1980 and 1984, they
were recognized by the Delaware Association for Blind Athletes for their
efforts to raise funds for their organization.
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In 1991, Jim and Judy
were awarded the "Spirit of Delaware Award," given by the
Delaware Business Review.
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In 1992, they were
presented with the "Community Service Award", by the IABC/IMA
media organizations.
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In 1992, they were
presented the "Humanitarian Award" by the Educational Funding
Company / US Martial Arts Association.
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In 1997, they were
inducted into the International Martial Arts Association / Educational
Funding Company's prestigious "Hall of Fame", in recognition of
their achievements and contributions in the Martial Arts.
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In 1998 & 1999, they
received recognition as the International Martial Arts Association /
Educational Funding Company's "School of
the Year".
Their vision is to help
bring out the Champion and Inner Winner in each and everyone. They are
committed and dedicated to this purpose. The incredible staff which they
have developed over the years share these same goals.
Please allow us to
introduce them to you!
THE AMERICAN
KARATE STUDIOS STAFF
PROGRAM DIRECTORS:
 John
Sarmousakis, our Renewal Director, began studying Kenpo Karate
at American Karate Studios in 1971. He earned his 1st degree
Black Belt in 1976 and more recently achieved his 7th
degree Black Belt in 2005. Additionally, John holds the rank of
1st degree Black Belt in Modern Arnis. John lives in Newark with his wife
Andrea, a physical therapist, and his children Ana and Kaden. John has
been part of the AKS staff since 1973 and came on full time in 1981. He
was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School class of 1977 where he was a
drum major in their marching band. John continued as a drum major at the
University of Delaware. There he studied Business Administration and
graduated in 1981. John’s first priority is always his family; he is
also very active in his leisure time. John enjoys off-road cycling,
running, swimming, and competing in triathlons. He also enjoys cooking,
photography, and home improvement. John has many proud athletic
accomplishments, both in martial arts and otherwise:
1970s -
DE State, DE Valley, Mid-Atlantic AAU, National Olympic Lifting Champion
1978/79
– MARS National Kata Champion (1978 Grand Champion)
1978 –
PKA Black Belt Kata Champion
1979 –
1st Place Kenpo Kata Ed Parker’s Internationals
1984 –
Battle of Baltimore Grand Kata Champion
1984 –
Maryland Open Grand Kata Champion
1988
– Atlantic Pro Karate Tour Chinese Kata 1st Place
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Anthony
Parkinson is our Student Director at American Karate Studios.
Martial arts has been a part of his life since 1994. He earned his 1st
degree Black Belt in 1999 and reached 3rd degree
Black Belt in 2007. Anthony was a graduate of Saint Marks High
School class of 2005. He is very active and enjoys a wide variety of
physical activities including mountain biking, road biking, bodyboarding,
and running. He also enjoys learning about and working on cars, and loves
to spend time at the beach. Anthony tries to accomplish as much as
possible and lives by the quote “What would you attempt to do if you
knew you could not fail?” (Unknown.)
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KENPO KARATE TEACHERS:
 Nick
Allen began studying Kenpo Karate at American Karate Studios in
1993. Nick earned his 1st degree Black Belt in 1997, and recently achieved
the rank of 4th degree Black Belt in
2008. Nick is married to his wife, Elizabeth, and works as a physical
therapy assistant at Dynamic Physical Therapy in Bear, Delaware. Nick
graduated from Newark High School in 1995. He graduated from the
University of Delaware’s journalism program in 2000 and Del Tech in
2006. Nick loves to travel, and interned at Rolling Stone magazine in
Sydney, Australia. He always felt safe while traveling because of his
training at AKS. He is very active, and enjoys movies, music, and reading.
Nick is very interested in deepening his knowledge of all martial arts,
and attributes his ability to set a goal and follow-through to his time
spent at American Karate Studios.
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Bob
Barto has been a part of American Karate Studios since 1993. In
1997, he received his 1st degree Black Belt. In 2009, he achieved the rank
of 4th degree Black Belt. Bob
currently works as a customer service representative and store manager at
Fast Signs in Wilmington, Delaware. Bob graduated from Salesianum High
School in 1969 and DeSales in 1974. Bob is well known at AKS for his sense
of humor, and his musical talents. Bob enjoys playing the piano, guitar,
fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica. Other than music and martial arts, Bob
enjoys reading and gardening.
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Paul
Haraida started training at American Karate Studios in 1995 and
became a Black Belt in 1999 and received his 3rd
degree Black Belt in 2007. Paul graduated from Newark High
School in 2006. Currently, he works for UPS in preloading. Outside of
American Karate Studios, Paul enjoys building computers and working on
cars. He enjoys playing video games while additionally enjoying spending
time outdoors.
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Dan
Larocco first joined American Karate Studios in 1999. In 2006
he reached 1st degree Black Belt. In 2009
he earned 2nd degree Black Belt. In
2002, he graduated from St. Marks High School, where he was heavily active
in their theater program. In 2009, he graduated from the University of
Delaware. While in college, he studied Sociology and Philosophy. Outside
of martial arts and academics, Dan plays the drums, enjoys ballroom dance,
and likes art.
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William
Start began studying Kenpo Karate at American Karate Studios in
2002, and reached 1st degree Black Belt
in the spring of 2006. In 2009
he earned 2nd degree Black Belt. Bill graduated from John Dickinson High School in
1983 and Del Tech in 1990. He lives in Newark with his wife Maria, and
their children Ben and Jenna. Bill loves spending time with his family,
and enjoys many outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. His other
interests include classic cars and Siberian Huskies.
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Ashley
Nichole Connell
has been a part of the AKS family since 1997. She earned her 1st
degree Black belt in 2005. Ashley currently works as a lead
teacher at Tutor Time where she works with 2 ½ to 3 ½ year olds. She
graduated Newark High School in 2003, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from
Del Tech in 2007. Throughout her time at AKS, Ashley has competed in many
Karate tournaments. She also enjoys Revolutionary War Reenacting. Ashley
is a proud graduate of the American Karate Studios All Star Leadership
Program and is the Dyna-Mite team coach. |
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Jessica Schulte
began her time at American Karate Studios in 1999. She earned her 1st
degree Black Belt in 2005. Jessica is a huge part of the AKS
Dyna-Tot and Junior programs. In addition to her training in martial arts,
Jessica is an athlete and plays on her high school’s field hockey team.
Jessica is graduating McKean High School in the spring of 2009 and will
begin at the University of Delaware in the fall of ’09. We wish her the
best of luck in her studies! |
FITNESS
KICKBOXING TEACHERS:
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Judy
Anderson O'Neill, Director and Teacher
(see above.) |
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Jeanette Krause began at American Karate Studios in 1996, and reached
Black Belt in 1999. She attained her current rank of 4th degree Black Belt
in 2009. She and her husband Randy have two children, J.B. and Morgan. She
graduated John Dickinson High School in 1977. She currently works as a
Pharmacist at Happy Harry’s, having graduated from Massachusetts College
of Pharmacy in 1982.
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Katheryn Warren has been a part of American Karate Studios since
2004 when she began in our Te Geri Fitness Kickboxing
program. Additionally, she began studying Kenpo Karate in 2006 and is
currently training for her Black Belt. Kathryn is married to her husband
Peter, and has two children: Melissa and Sasha. She is a graduate of MIT
class of 1985 and Uconn Health Center class of 1989. She currently works
as a plastic surgeon in Delaware. (Teacher) |
OFFICE STAFF / SECRETARIES:
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Ericka
Thomas has been a part of American Karate Studios since 2001.
She works as our Office Manager here at AKS and is widely known as the
smiling face who greets you as you walk in the door. She graduated from
St. Marks High School in 1999, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in
Psychology from the University of Delaware in 2007. Ericka spends a great
deal of time with her family: her husband John, and her two children
Brandon and Kayla. She has an interest in crafts and photography, and
enjoys camping.
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Jean Buzzard
is part
of our office staff here at American Karate Studios. She lives with her
husband Pete and has one son, Josh. She currently works as a Preschool
teacher at Developing Minds Preschool. She is also a coordinator of
CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention
Deficit Disorder. Outside of her work and family, Jean enjoys
dancing, volunteering, reading, live music, and shopping.
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Jeanette
Krause, Office Staff and Kickboxing Instructor (see
above) |
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