QUALIFIED TEACHERS

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.

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: 

• In 1989, he was inducted into the National Federation of Martial Arts Hall of Fame as "Kenpo Instructor of the Year".
• In 1990, he was awarded the "Outstanding Martial Artist of the Decade: 1980-1990" by the US Martial Arts Association.                                                         
• In 1991, he was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, in Akron, Ohio as "Promoter of the Year".
• In 1992, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Educational Funding Company / US Martial Arts Association.
• 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 elected to the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, being the first martial artist in the state (and one of 2 in the nation) to be so honored.

Jim has also been recognized and featured in many reference volumes that recognize distinguished individuals for their accomplishments.  These include:

• Who's Who in the East, 1979-80 and 1981-2
• Men of Achievement, 1981
• Dictionary of International Biography, 1982
• Community Leaders of America, 1983
• Personalities of America, 1983
• Who's Who in Karate, 1982-3
• Who's Who in American Martial Arts, 1984-5 and 1986-7
• Masters, Founders and Leaders of American Martial Arts, 1985
• Who's Who in Martial Arts Elite, 1992
• The National Registry of Who's Who, 1998

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-Tots^TM 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:

• In 1979, Judy was recognized by the National Organization for Women with their Wonder Women of the Year award, presented for community service contributions

• In 1983, she was recognized in Who's Who in Karate

• In 1985 and 1987, she was recognized in Who's Who in American Martial Arts

• In 1991, she was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, in Akron, Ohio,  as "Woman of the Year".

• In 1992, she was inducted into the Eastern USA Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame in Pittsburgh, PA, as "Woman of the Year".

• In 1995, she was awarded the "Martial Artist of the Industry Award" by the Educational Funding Company /  US Martial Art Association.
  

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:

• 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.

• In 1980 and 1984, they were recognized by the Delaware Association for Blind Athletes for their efforts to raise funds for their organization.

• In 1991, Jim and Judy were awarded the "Spirit of Delaware Award," given by the Delaware Business Review.

• In 1992, they were presented with the "Community Service Award", by the IABC/IMA media organizations.

• In 1992, they were presented the "Humanitarian Award" by the Educational Funding Company / US Martial Arts Association.

• 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.

• 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!

TEACHERS:  

Nick Allen, 4th Degree Black Belt
Bob Barto, 3rd Degree Black Belt
Anthony Parkinson, 3rd Degree Black Belt
Paul Haraida, 3rd Degree Black Belt
Ashley Connell, 1st Degree Black Belt
Dan LaRocco; 1st Degree Black Belt
Jess Schulte:  1st Degree Black Belt
Bill Start;  1st Degree Black Belt

Te-Geri Aerobic Kickboxing Teachers: 
Judy Anderson O'Neill, (Director and Teacher)
 Jeanette Krause (Teacher); Katheryn Warren (Teacher); Angela Sianni (Teacher)