Mrs. DeMaster
Chief Instructor/Owner
I started my martial arts training in 1993. I was a mother of a small child living in an unfamiliar city. I decided to sign up for a self-defense program. Little did I know at the time that I received much more than self-defense. I gained confidence, had an outlet to challenge myself and developed focus and concentration skills. It was awesome to be part of a group of adults who were interested in growing themselves physically and mentally. I was part of a team and that was really important to me. After over 30 years of Training, I am a 5th Degree Black Belt and I still love everything about Martial Arts America!
Over the years as my children have grown up, I have witnessed in them and other children the importance of life skills and values. It has been important to me as a Mom, an instructor and as a Business Owner to make our organization a place that helps people be who they want to be. Help them to be confident and believe in themselves. I always say “Martial Arts America will help you grow and get stronger from the inside out”.
I feel privileged to be part of such a great Martial Arts Organization, and I am always looking for ways to improve our program and make it even better. We truly believe in our vision of
“Building Focus, Confidence, and Better Behavior through Martial Arts Classes for Families!"
Mr. Schaalma
Chief Instructor/Owner
I started martial arts in 1986 after watching the Karate Kid. Of course, I wanted to be just like Ralph Macchio like all of the other 9 year olds of the day! Little did I know how much martial arts would impact my life! Martial arts helped me develop inner confidence and self-discipline...you would never believe me if I told you that I was once very shy and passive. My instructors while I was growing up were excellent male role models in my life. I needed that more than I realized at the time. I ended up earning my first Black Belt in 1993 and have been teaching classes ever since!
The reason that I do what I do is to help other children and teens get the same kinds of benefits out of martial arts classes that I did. I love helping students become more focused, confident, respectful, and disciplined. I do my best to inspire students to be great role models...like real Black Belts!
I am very thankful for the team of instructors that teach at Martial Arts America. They help us to carry out our vision of"Building Focus, Confidence, and Better Behavior through Martial Arts Classes for Families!"
Mr. Abler
Mr. Abler has been teaching at Martial Arts America for over 10 years. He is a 4th Degree Black Belt. Mr. Abler started Martial Arts as a child. His parents brought him in looking for focus and listening and he ended up LOVING it so much that he basically grew up at Martial Arts America! He loved it so much that his Dad decided to join too!
Mr. Abler is known for his LOUD voice and FUN personality. He brings joy to the karate school and makes everyone smile! He is known for his infectious smile and laughter! Mr. Abler blends the fun of doing martial arts, with the discipline of learning martial arts.
Martial Arts America is so happy to have him on our team!
Mr. Abler
My name is Tom Abler. I have had the good fortune of being allowed to help out at the Fond du Lac location. I am not even sure how long I have done this, around thirteen years or so. In that time I have been lucky enough to work beside some wonderful people. Their commitment to the students is truly amazing.
I guess there are two big things that I enjoy the most about helping out. First, is seeing the growth in the students as they progress through the program. To see them come to understand the values that will help them become successful is so rewarding. Second, and most important to me personally, is being able to do this with my son Bennett. To have an activity like this to share with Ben has easily been the most rewarding part of this experience. To see him grow in this program has far exceeded any expectations I had when we first joined.
I don't have any stories that I can tell in this space. Let’s just say I do enjoy messing with Mr. Schaalma, and if I can mess with his concentration when he is leading class and make him laugh, well that is all the better. It is all in fun and hopefully everyone sees that having fun that is important too. If it is not fun, what is the point?
Mrs. Arkin
I have been an instructor at MAA since 2015 and am currently a 3rd Degree Black Belt.
My son and husband started at MAA a year before I did. We were looking for new opportunities for our son who was in middle school at the time. After about a year of watching from the sidelines and seeing how much they enjoyed it, I decided that it was
time for my daughter and I to start. Both of my children gained so much confidence from martial arts. Watching my son grow from a reserved middle-schooler to an adult who likes to try new things and take on new challenges is priceless and training with my
daughter gives me so much reassurance as a mom. I know that she can defend herself and I think that’s what every parent wants.
When I started at MAA, I had no idea what to expect. I was an adult in my 40s with zero coordination. It had never even occurred to me to try it before our son started. What was I thinking? Well, it looked like fun and a good way to get some exercise—and I thought it
was cool! Little did I know then all the great things that I would learn along this journey. MAA has become my family. I think there are a lot of people that start here not knowing what this will hold for them and watching them grow in strength and coordination and
confidence is one of the best parts of teaching here.
Self-defense skills are important, but all of the other life skills that we teach are just as important and I am grateful that I get to be a part of the instructor team. Life isn’t always easy but learning to face every day with a positive attitude, self-control, honesty,
respect, and a never quit outlook is so important. It’s a choice we make every single day.
Ms. Bigalk
I was asked to join the Martial Arts America Instructing team in 2022. I found it interesting that they would want a single person with no children like me to be part of a Family-Oriented team, yet, that was exactly why they wanted me! I was looking for something to be active and the gym was just not my scene. I started looking into options in the area and Martial Arts America was not very far from my home. I started with the two-week trial and felt a major sense of accomplishment achieving my white belt while overcoming my own nerves of being the only adult in my class initially. It is said that the white belt is the most difficult to earn. You must start somewhere and finding the courage to even begin a new adventure can be challenging. Long story short, I am on the brink of testing for my brown-black belt and will be on my way to testing for my black belt shortly after.
Martial Arts America has become another family to me. Watching my own skillsets advance, along with fellow students around me, has been very rewarding. We all grow together and having that level of support from the Instructing team, fellow students, and even their family members make it worth every drop of sweat and achievement. I look forward to learning and overcoming my own obstacles, while helping other students do the same.
Mrs. Bohn
I was invited to be an Assistant Instructor earlier in 2023 and felt extremely honored and blessed to become part of the Instructor Team. What we teach is much more than physical skill sets like proper kicks & punches. We also teach confidence, structure, focus and sometimes even stepping outside of your comfort zone. It brings me great joy when I see the smiles with each fist bump or stripe earned. What has been most rewarding to me is seeing students’ confidence grow with each new belt and advancement.
Martial Arts America has become an important part of my routine and life’s journey. My family joined Martial Arts America in 2018. My daughter & I achieved our 1st degree Black Belts in November 2021 (right before she turned 16). I could see so much personal growth in my daughter during this period – from building confidence in herself to learning proper self-defense. As a Mom, this really reassured me as she started driving and working outside the home. My youngest son benefited from the structure and focus. I am currently preparing for 2nd degree Black Belt testing this fall. I already know I will be setting my goal for 3rd degree Black Belt.
Each and every time I put on my uniform, I am reminded of my own personal growth through the years.
My wish as an instructor is that each student can feel proud, confident and strong.
Mr. Deacy
I have been an instructor for about 23 years. My current rank is 5th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and a 5th Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo (Weapons). I have started my journey toward my 6th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. I was first introduced to Martial Arts America when my late wife Denise and I enrolled our two children Beth and Ryan when they around 7 or 8 years old. I had no plans or desire to join. I thought, I was too old, I had bad knees and I just did not see me doing this. For 6 months or so, Denise and I watched our children participate and during those six months, the instructors would encourage parent to come on the floor to assist. We assisted so often; we even received a Martial Arts America Coaching Team T-Shirt. Denise and I decided to join because we were kind of already doing the class with Beth and Ryan.
That was the start of it and it such a joy going to class as a family and working together toward our black belts. The journey to Black Belt as a family is one of my favorite memories. Practicing together, being able to demonstrate as a family in an event called Extravaganzas. Beth and Ryan both earned their 1st Degree Black Belts and then decided to try other activities. Now, both kids are in their 30s and they often talk about it. Denise trained with up to our 2nd Degree test when she decided to take time off. However, she encouraged me to continue to earn my belt.
A couple of years later, I lost Denise to cancer, which was a difficult time in my life, however being part of Martial Arts America during her illness and afterwards provided me an outlet, allowed me to embrace the family of Martial Arts America. Martial Arts America was the stabilizing aspect of my life.
I couple of years later, I was lucky enough to find another love, Anne and her two children Nicholas and Andrew as they became part of my family. This is where I was able to introduce Nicholas to Martial Arts America. It was a lot of fun introducing Nicholas to Tae Kwon Do and Martial Arts America. I was so neat watching him learn and grow in the martial arts. He was an incredibly talented teenager and we able to train up to earning his 2nd Degree Black Belt.
After Nicholas earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt, Anne decided to join Martial Arts of America. That was one of the coolest things ever. I have genuinely enjoyed training, practicing, and going to class with Anne over the last several years. She has such amazing talent and technique; I love working with her. Going to class every week with Anne is such a part of our lives now, it feels weird when we cannot go. I love training with her. I am so proud of her as she continues her journey to 3rd Degree Black Belt. I will do everything and anything to assist her in achieving her goal.
There are so many values/life skills to glean from the Martial Arts training and especially Martial Arts America. MAA teaches us that we all have the ability to choose how we react to a situation. We have the choice to have a negative reaction or a positive reaction. We have the choice to have a good attitude or a bad attitude. MAA teaches us to choose the good, the positive things of life.
Perseverance is another life skill that is taught in the school. We are taught we cannot give up on our goals, it takes a lot of work to achieve those goals. The journey to Black Belt is not an easy, it takes a lot of perseverance to earn a black belt, going to class, practicing at home, taking instructor feedback to get better. We can take this life skill into our personal life. As we know, life is not easy, there are a lot of things that happen to us and our family that challenges our perseverance. The life skills that Martial Arts America teaches and emphasizes in class are vital finding the beauty in our lives.
I am so proud to be part of this outstanding family of Martial Artists, instructors, and amazing people who I call friends and family. I look forward to many additional years with wonderful team.
Mr. DeMaster
I feel like I have grown up at Martial Arts America. I started taking classes when I was 4 years old. Being at Martial Arts America was simply part of my childhood. Being part of the karate program since I was 4 gives me a different perspective than many other people. I’ve always been around people talking about life skills and values like Respect, Perseverance, Honesty, Hard work and discipline. So those ideas were infused into my belief system. This is why being an instructor at Martial Arts America is so important to me. I want to be able to give to other students what I was given so many years ago.
One of my favorite parts of being an instructor is helping youth students see some fun and flashy martial arts skills. I like showing them a fun jump kick and then watching them all try and learn it and perfect it. It’s rewarding because in that moment I realize that my example is having an effect on them. Therefore, I continue to push the ideas of their self worth, their confidence and their value. If they can copy my karate skills, I want them to copy the values they can have for themselves.
I’ve been around MAA for over 25 years… teaching karate is hard work, but its fun and it's rewarding!
Mr. DeMaster
I’ve been doing Martial Arts with MAA for over 25 years and am currently a 5th Degree Black Belt. While most people think that because I am married to Mrs. DeMaster it was a foregone conclusion that I would be involved in Martial Arts as well, but that is far from the truth. I legitimately had no intention whatsoever of becoming involved with karate or instructing so many years ago and my wife never pushed me (other than to say it was fun) at any time. My story is similar to so many other adults and instructors you may have heard before – I saw my son and wife taking part and “as long as I’m here, I might as well give it a try.” The rest as they say is…history.
There are so few things that any of us are able to do as a family and I am so proud to be part of an organization that encourages family values, quality life skills and principles that encourage the growth of leaders in the future. Over my time here, I feel like I’ve seen it all: my family members getting black belts, so many friends (and their kids) getting black belts and positive life change in people as they go through the process. The perseverance required to achieve a black belt is real – anyone who has made it to that finish line would agree with me.
It’s been my pleasure to instruct at Martial Arts America for over 20 years and I can’t say enough about the students I’ve worked with as well as the other instructors that I’ve worked side-by-side with during that time. While I don’t teach as much as I used to, you will be hard pressed to pull me away from Black Belt Testing team ever! My favorite part of instructing is seeing the change people go thru from around Red or Brown belt to Black Belt Testing. It is incredible to see people give their best as they try to achieve their goal – my hope is always to challenge them the best I can and then absolutely praise them for conquering the Black Belt Mountain! Believe me when I say, anyone can do it if they push themselves to accomplish their goal. It’s impossible to imagine my life without MAA at this point – I’m a lifer!
Mrs. Dugenske
I'm a 4th degree black belt. Being a karate instructor is important to me because karate was something that my mom, dad, sister and I all did together for years. I associate it with my Family and my childhood. My parents got my sister and I into karate when I was 6 years old because I needed something to help control my ADHD. It's something I struggle with daily, but being in karate I was taught self control and focus. I learned a lot of skills to help me stay on task. I now feel like I am able to deal with the challenges that life gives us, like energetic daughters and determined husbands.
The students I teach know I get distracted once in a while, but karate gives me the confidence and strength to say 'yeah, I get distracted. That's how my brain works.' That's not something I was able to say when I was younger. But now I'm able to laugh it off and keep going with my class! These are some of the most valuable life skills I feel I have acquired since I started training over twenty years ago. We all learn differently. Finding solutions for each student is what gives me such satisfaction. I went through it as a child, so I can understand what others are going through. Finding a strategy for a student to be able to learn is like solving a puzzle.
I've been teaching for a few years now and it's been amazing. I love the feeling I get when a student gets better. I never get tired of it. I still have A LOT to learn, but I feel I'm bringing something to karate just like all the other instructors are. We're a great team with the friendliest and most positive energy. I'm glad to say that I'm an MAA instructor.
Mr Grahl
It’s my 10th year at Martial Arts America as a student, and 8th year as an assistant instructor. My current rank is 3rd Degree Black Belt.
Story began when my son Mason, was invited for friends’ night back in 2013. After taking his first class, he was excited to join. Since I was driving him to class anyway, it seemed like it would be fun to take class with him.
Together, he and I earned our black belts. We enjoyed taking class together and especially sparring against each other!
The desire to try new things drew him away from karate after that but he will carry what he learned throughout his life. He still says “Yes Sir” to me
I continued taking class and eventually was invited to attend Instructor University which prepared me for the role of assistant instructing. The instructor training classes offered to us once per cycle are more than I imagined they would
be. One might think that training to be a martial arts instructor would be full of extreme physical contact and endurance. However, the motivational talks, physical instruction, and fun time spent with all the other instructors has taught me things you do not learn in other schools. MAA has
given me the confidence to tackle things I used to be uncomfortable doing. I like the workout and end class with the feeling of having accomplished something worthwhile, and always with the thought, “I’m glad I came.” Teaching and speaking in front of a group of people was once out
of my comfort zone, but as years go by and always with the help of other instructors I have learned to feel more at ease with this job and my day job as well. I have learned to relax and not
worry about making a mistake.
I am active with a lot of energy, and prefer to be moving and doing something physical rather than just sitting still. Just love getting in horse stance and doing punches in front of class. My goal is to show the students how to demonstrate to their highest level, “Like A Black Belt.”
Reaching the age on the upper end of our “over 20” age group, I’m motivated to take class for the exercise, coordination, memory, and self-confidence.
Mrs. Hendryx
My husband started at Martial Arts America before I did. I had no intention of ever doing karate. And I mean never, ever, ever. It was not “my thing.” As a dutiful wife, I went to watch my husband at his yellow belt graduation to support his new hobby.
I saw a few adult women in the class and while that had an impact on my decision to start taking karate it was actually a youth student that got me to join. She likely has no idea of her impact on me. At a belt graduation she demonstrated a form by herself in front of the class and others who had come to support their students. At the time I thought, “there is no way you would catch me out there demonstrating something BY MYSELF.” Over the next week or two I kept coming back to this youth student and the confidence she showed while demonstrating her form. I decided, “if she could do it, I could do it.” I ended up joining karate the following cycle and moved through the Basic program one cycle behind my husband. In reality, it was not my family member that got me to join it was a youth student I had never met before.
My husband and I have grown to love doing karate together. This has become more than just a hobby to us. It is an extension of our lives together. We have worked side-by-side since 2007 on this amazing journey of reaching multiple degrees of blackbelts. For most of this journey we have also had the honored of being teachers and leaders at Martial Arts America.
MAA has empowered me to be a strong, bold, and confident woman and leader by challenging me mentally and physically to push beyond my self-defined boundaries. I appreciate the many opportunities I am given to move out of my comfort zone, allowing me to constantly learn, grow, and become the best me I can be. For this I will be forever grateful.
While I love how empowered MAA has made me, one of my favorite things about being an instructor is the impact I see MAA making in the lives of others. A reoccurring Facebook memory from March 2013 continues to pop up on my wall that said, “Why do I continue to be part of Martial Arts America? Because I have the pleasure of seeing how it changes peoples lives.” That reason is as true today as it was in 2013
Mr. Hendryx
I love being part of MAA because everyone is welcome. There is no mold you have to fit into and no ability you have to have. People are truly respected and appreciated for who they are as individuals. There is never a fear of being compared to others. We are simply encouraged to “do our very best.”
Teaching others to do their very best has been extremely rewarding. Seeing the joy on their faces when they finally learn that hard move they were struggling with, get praised for working hard, earn new belts, and earn trophies is what keeps me wanting to come back. It has become more about seeing the growth in others than doing karate for myself. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy learning new material and continuing my personal journey with my wife, but there is something special about impacting the lives of others.
Two of the most impactful karate tenants that I have worked on while studying martial arts at MAA have been focus and self-control. Having control over my actions, reactions, and words have positively impacted my life and how I respond to others. In addition, MAA has provided a way to “escape” reality if only for an hour a couple of times a week. It is an opportunity for me to stop thinking about anything other than what we are doing in class that night.
Since 2007, my wife and I have taken karate together. We have pushed each other to do our very best and have reached multiple degree of blackbelts. For the majority of our time at MAA we have been teachers and leaders within the organization. We also enjoy working with the brown/black candidates and black belts candidates as they prepare to test for these belts. Seeing their growth from brown belt to brown/black belt and then to black belt is one of the highlights of being an instructor at MAA. Martial Arts America has been a godsend to us.
Mrs. Hill
I am a new instructor to Martial Arts America, but a long-time student. I started with my family in the fall of 2012 initially as a great way to do something together that we could all excel at individually. Two of my kids went on to black belts before other passions captured their attention, and I continued on to Fourth Degree Black Belt.
Martial Arts America has provided me with a level of confidence greater than I had before. I've gained a sense of self-accomplishment, while making great friendships along the way with fellow students. I've become more balanced and graceful, and haven't stubbed my toes on furniture in years! (This used to be a semi-annual occurrence.)
I believe strongly in the MAA model of increasing confidence and self control with kids, and would encourage any parent or adult to step right on into the mix. Do it for yourself and your family!
Mr. Holt
I have ben an instructor with Martial Arts America for over 9 years. I am a 3rd degree Black Belt. I started coming to MAA to support my grandson who was had just started taking lessons at Martial Arts America. I could see how this was helping him meet the challenges he was facing in his life. It took me back to my teen years when I was blessed to experience how karate could change a person’s attitude and outlook on life . It rekindled my desire to fulfill my dream to earn a Black Belt.
So, at the age of 60 I joined MAA along with my grandson, granddaughter and son in law. The 4 of us all set the same goal of earning our Black Belts. It was a fun and exciting time as each of us grew if different areas of our lives. That was more than 10 years ago. I am now 70+ years young and working on my 4th degree Black Belt.
I enjoy being an instructor at MAA. We are a family. I enjoy watching as I see the changes MAA makes in so many lives. Helping kids who are experiencing challenges in their lives overcome their obstacles. I love seeing adults grow in confidence when they reach the goals that they thought were impossible.
For Me, the most important life skills that I feel are important to teach are Perseverance and Attitude. They two go hand in hand. These two values have helped me overcome many challenges I have encountered in my life. I have been diagnosed with 3 different types of cancer and with the support and right attitude I have been able to persevere thru these challenges. When times were hard MAA was there to help support me and to help me keep a positive.
Mrs. Kedzierski
Serving in the role of MAA Instructor for the past four years is important to my life, as I continue to learn and grow in the skills of martial arts. Being an instructor provides me an opportunity to support the mission of the karate school by sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and encouraging new and younger students to gain confidence and reach their full potential.
It also gives me the opportunity to push myself out of my own comfort zone all the while being supported by the instructing team. I have been involved in MAA since 2011 with my husband and daughter. We have spent the last 10 years building relationships with the instructors and other MAA families, which has provided us a sense of extended family and support.
As a 4th degree black belt student and instructor, it is important for me to extend to other students and families support and guidance for their path to encompass the values of MAA into their lives. The most important MAA value for me is the value of perseverance because it keeps me striving for excellence and never giving up.
The most rewarding part of my time instructing has been when I connect with a student that I initially think I won’t be able to get to follow any instruction at all and they end up working their hardest to do their best.
Mr. Kedzierski
I have been teaching at Martial Arts America for approximately 6 years. My Current Black Belt Rank is 4th Degree Black Belt.
The most enjoyable experiences to date are the friendships made in class and the satisfaction of continuing toward advanced degrees. My wife and daughter are also involved in MAA. My wife is also a teacher and that's important to me. My Daughter is in pursuit of a second degree Black Belt. The importance of that is understanding that she has the ability to defend herself, understand the importance of respect and maintain self confidence through perseverance to achieve personal goals. What I realized is how important that was to me as a Dad, which made me realize it’s what all Dads want! I like being part of the training that helps students know how to defend themselves! It's pretty awesome that I’ve been able to train with my wife and my daughter!
Character skills such as honesty, respect, focus/concentration and self confidence are all taught at Martial Arts America and is an important reason why I teach. Martial Arts is more than just kicking and punching it is a way of life and the pursuit of a strong Character. It’s one of the reasons why I like to teach students.
Mr. Kennedy
Hi, my name is Michael Kennedy. Strangely enough some of the students call me Mr. Kennedy. It’s still very weird for me to be called mister, after all I’m barely 8 years removed from High School. I joined Martial Arts of America just over a year ago alongside my wife. She and I both agreed that we needed an activity for us to do together. I suggested Salsa dancing to work on some super awesome dance moves but it was actually Martial Arts that was more of an attraction as we saw the potential for our soon to be 4 year old son to join us.
If I’m really being transparent, the main reason I joined Martial Arts of America was to gain self confidence. As a kid one of the main principles my father instilled in me, was that a man should be a good husband to his wife. It was my job to encourage the best out of my wife and for her to know that one day if I’m not living on this earth she could be confident and independent.
Furthermore, I made the decision to teach because when I was a kid in high school, I had a guy grab me by the collars of my shirt to try and instill fear in me. He was bigger and stronger than me so in that moment I felt defense-less but I always had friends that had my back. In that moment I thought what if my friends weren’t here? MAA gives me confidence to know I have the ability to defend myself. I share this because one of the most valuable experiences I’ve learned at Martial Arts of America is to believe in yourself. Never underestimate how far you may come if you commit to getting better. There’s no expectation to break through boards with your head in less than a week. At Martial Arts America, they are committed to meeting you where you are and pushing you to a confidence you never thought you would have. I want that for my wife, I want that for my kids and I want that for other people. I want them to feel the confidence that Martial Arts of America has helped me feel. This is why I became an instructor.
Ms. Krautkramer
Hi there! I’m Ms. Krautkramer, but you can call me Ms. Violet. I am sixteen years old and a second degree black belt. I discovered MAA when I was five at the kid’s stranger protection program. I fell in love with karate and begged my parents for over a year to let me sign up. Finally, I started karate at the age of six. I was ecstatic! My Dad joined me shortly after and we’ve been going together since.
Throughout my ten years at Martial Arts America, I’ve learned the importance of self control, respect, and honesty. I’ve also been tested in my perseverance through multiple broken bones, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a concussion. I absolutely love what MAA stands for.
Ever since I was little, I’ve always looked up to my instructors. The fact that they care so much about every student that walks through the door is so admirable. Every instructor makes sure they take time to get to know each and every student, creating a strong and healthy relationship. As I continued my training, I tried to follow in their footsteps, hoping that one day I could join them. When I was fifteen, I was asked if I would accept a summer apprenticeship program. This would allow me to start teaching with flying dragons and later become an instructor after completing instructor university. I said yes without any hesitation! Now, a year later, I’m an official instructor and have reached my goal.
I’ve made so many friends I hold near to my heart (whether students, instructors, or classmates) and memories that will last forever. I hope to continue teaching and improving my skills even through college. Whatever the future holds, I don’t think they could get rid of me any time soon!
Mr. Lemke
I have been teaching at Martial Arts America for over 20 years. I enjoy watching people grow and learn. I never thought that I would be a teacher of any kind. I myself enjoy learning and love to figure out how to do anything / everything that comes my way. But teaching was a different thing. I realized that my love for learning and being challenged could also help other people. During my time teaching, I feel that I have learned so much about myself, and other people. It has been a great experience for me to “learn” to teach.
I have always been someone who has rooted for the Underdog. Sometimes while I’m teaching, I’ll see a student who may see themselves as an Underdog. For me, that moment becomes a teaching challenge. I want that particular student to see themself as an achiever, or a person capable of anything. I pour myself into teaching them! I want to make a difference in their life!
I am currently a 5th Degree Black Belt and a 5th degree Okinawan Black Belt. I don’t plan to stop training or teaching anytime soon. Being part of MAA is something I enjoy and am grateful for the opportunity to do it!
Mrs. Miller
I have been involved in Martial Arts America for the past 6 years. First, as a parent, then a student, and now an instructor. It all started when my husband and I were looking for a way to help our second born with his focus. From our initial meeting, I knew that this would be a great fit. The way Mrs. D directed the conversation to our son(s), allowing them to talk and ask questions. We immediately enrolled 3 out of our 5 children, the boys in Basic and our youngest girl in the Flying Dragons program. Not long after, our oldest daughter joined, because she would rather be out on the floor than observing from the sidelines.
Watching our 3 oldest kids grow in their confidence, focus, and determination was amazing! They earned their Junior Black Belts, First Degree, and soon to be Second Degree belts together. We could not be more proud! My husband and I decided we wanted our youngest two children to have the opportunity to go through the program with family too. We decided that I would go through with our daughter, who was then moving up to basic, and in a couple years he would go through with our youngest son. What a great experience to have with my daughter!
There is an old saying that it takes a village- Martial Arts America is our village. I took every opportunity to help: friends’ nights, Children’s Stranger Protection Program, and even stuffed animal class. When I was asked to join the instructor team, I jumped at the opportunity. The kids, families, and teachers are amazing. Everyone is welcome, and encouraged to do THEIR best! I love the work! We I instill the confidence, respect, and other life skills in every student, that they will need to be successful. I am so lucky to be part of the team in all three of my roles!
Mr. Munson
I have been teaching for a little over two years and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I love watching the confidence of the kids and young adults grow throughout their training. I help teach the Basic Class, which is the class that everyone starts out in. It’s amazing checking in with my students after I get to send them off to the Intermediate Class, and see how far they’ve come, and how much they’ve grown!
I’m in the process of testing for my Second degree black belt. I finish my testing and earn my new belt on Saturday, April 10!
Back when my family started at MAA, we were looking for a high energy place for our high energy son. It was soon after that we all were on the floor learning elbow strikes and side kicks!
One of my favorite things is taking class with my wife. She’s a great training partner, and class has become our "unofficial date night". Twice a week we get to focus on nothing else but helping each other get stronger and more proficient in our skills. And did I mention it’s FUN?!
As a family, we’ve made the best of friends at MAA, and look forward to continuing to our next rank!
Mrs. Munson
I start off every Wednesday evening with the Flying Dragons in Fond du Lac. Their enthusiasm and zest for learning the martial arts is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. Nothing is better after a long day outside of MAA than coming to work with the Flying Dragons!
Being a teacher is something that comes to me naturally. As a parent, it's the role I play most often. Our family joined the karate school as students for an outlet for energy and an opportunity to apply that energy to focus, perseverance, and self control, as well as building up self-confidence. I would say we have definitely gained that, but most importantly we have gained a community of friends that share those values.
Mrs. Peterson
I have been teaching at MAA for four years and I absolutely love watching others grow in confidence! It is an honor to teach with my instructors who taught me way more than karate.
I started MAA Over 8 years ago with my husband and daughter. Our first class at MAA was during a family night. It was friendly, fun and a work out in disguise (that's all my check marks right there!) From that night I have been hooked ever since.
What I appreciate about being an instructor at MAA is that no matter what personal or career goals I establish I am able to use the confidence I have built as a MAA instructor to say "I got this!" Working with families and the MAA team has created a very supportive and positive 2nd home for me. Everything from a child telling me about their good grades to them talking about how excited they are to get their next belt- it's very inspiring. These connections keep me rooted in my community and being an instructor at MAA has helped me contribute to these important connections.
Mrs. Reynolds
I'm Mrs. Reynolds. I'm a 2nd degree black belt and teach at the Fond du Lac school. Being an instructor is important to me because I have seen what a difference MAA has made in my life and my whole family's. The Martial Arts America team is like extended family to me.
I enjoy helping children and adults learn all of the things that I have learned at MAA over the last 15 years. My husband and all five of our children have been students (two of them still are). Our oldest three have received their first degree black belts. Our middle daughter will be testing for her 2nd degree black belt in fall of 2023. And our youngest is working towards her junior black belt in the intermediate class.
I have been teaching for over 12 years!!! I enjoy teaching all different ages. I also look forward to taking class for myself. It is great for exercise, strengthening your body and releasing stress. But, I also love that we teach things that build and strengthen character like self control, confidence and perseverance. We encourage students to try their best to have a positive attitude, make good choices and strive to do their best at whatever they are doing. These are great life skills that benefit everyone.
Ms. Reynolds
I started attending classes at Martial Arts America when I was 4 years old. My entire family has been part of the Martial Arts America program. My dad, older brother and older sister have earned 1st Degree Black Belts. My two younger sisters are currently Brown Belts. My mom and I are both currently 2nd Degree Black Belts working toward earning our 3rd Degrees!
The Martial Arts America program has given me so much confidence, perseverance, focus and respect. Overall, the program has shaped my life for the better. I started teaching in fall 2023…and that has helped me grow as a person even more. Coming from someone who is quiet and not very overly social, teaching at Martial Arts America challenged me to interact with people in ways that I never thought that I could. I’ve always been more of a listener, however, to be an effective Instructor I’ve stretched myself to take initiative and reach out to kids like me who usually need someone to reach out to them first. My main inspiration for joining the Instructor Team is to inspire other kids to set their goal for Black Belt.
I love the genuine connections that I have with the students that I work with. MAA has been such a great environment to be part of.
Mrs. Schaalma
I started martial arts training in May of 1997 while I was still in college. I was invited by Mr. Schaalma, who at the time was my fiancé (we were married later that year). I enjoyed taking class with other adults while learning something new! I got all the way to the Red/Brown Belt before having our older daughter, Hannah. Then I returned to class to finish up and earn my 1st Degree Black Belt back in 2001. Shortly after we had our younger daughter, Rebekah. Both of our girls have earned 3rd Degree Black Belts, and Rebekah still attends class in Oshkosh. As you can see, Martial Arts America has been a huge part of our family since the beginning!
Currently I am the Program Director in Oshkosh. I enjoy meeting with the new families and helping them get started at MAA. My favorite part is sharing with the parents all the benefits that their children will be getting out of the program like focus, confidence, respect, and self-control. As a parent myself, I realize how awesome it is to have other adults working hard as a team to help your own children succeed and thrive. It takes a village! I am thankful to be part of MAA and make a positive impact on the families and children in our community.
Mr. Schouton
I have been teaching for about 20 years. My current rank is 4th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and 5th degree in Okinawan weapons. I started with Martial Arts America by enrolling my son who had some difficulties early on in life.. I witnessed such a change in him over the years of taking martial arts from not being able to focus for more than a few seconds to being able to take a whole class with great focus. Two of my three sons did martial arts as well as myself. It was really neat being able to take class together with my boys!
My greatest joy when I teach is seeing students come in as a beginners, showing shyness, little confidence, and then seeing their confidence grow to become a much more confident person!
I love the positive atmosphere here at Martial Arts America. It has helped me through many stressful days of work and life. Many times after a stressful day I walk in and another Instructor will say “ looks like you need to hit some bags”. He is right! Just walking into the building is such a stress reliever. One of the neatest things about being an instructor is being out and about the community and having people come up to me and remembering me as an instructor when they were a student. Of course, when some are married and have kids that makes you feel you are getting older.
Mr. Sims
Karate is important to me because it teaches respect, self-control, perseverance, and excellence. Karate has changed my life for the better.
I love to see the students grow, to apply these values in their lives. I have seen these students out in the community passing on these values to others.
One thing that I never thought I would gain from doing Karate and teaching is a sense of family. I feel like every time I come into the doors, energy is shared, I learn patience and I am less stressed afterwards. Martial Arts America is like no other in that I learned values first, gained a family, and then learned how to do Karate in a fun, safe, and caring environment!
Mrs. Simonson
23 years ago I started my martial arts journey and the time has flown by. I am currently a 5th degree black belt with a 1st degree in Okinawan Weapons.
I started karate because my parents wanted to find a fun and constructive outlet for all my brother and I's energy! Since my brother loved the Power Rangers, MAA seemed like a great fit to teach the cool karate moves but also the respect and confidence that you need to go with them. I was supposed to go and try gymnastics but sitting in a chair and watching all the cool moves that Mr. Schaalma was teaching looked like way more fun - and I have never looked back.
I have been teaching for over 8 years and my family is always laughing when I say I get to go to my fun job. I had the privilege of working with all three classes: Flying Dragons, Basic, and Intermediate - and I love my job. Each class and each student is unique and different. It is amazing to see the growth of each student from the first time they step out onto the floor to earning their white belt, to seeing the giant smiles as they reach their goal of earning their Black Belt.
I have been so lucky to grow up in the MAA family - I can honestly say I don't know where I would be without all the great instructors and fellow students who helped me on my journey. Learning is a life long activity and MAA is a great place for both the body and mind to continue to do that.
Mr. Swanson
My family started with Martial Arts America in March, 2014. After watching my son in Flying Dragons, I mustered the courage and confidence to join him on the floor as he graduated to the basic class with his camouflage belt, and I earned my first colored belt in the summer of 2015. Today, I am a Second Degree Black Belt, a journey I was fortunate to follow with my wife and son. My daughter is currently working towards her first black belt, too.
Our pursuit of our black belts has been a family-building experience and has helped strengthen our bonds together. I’ve enjoyed sharing the experience with my family. The privilege to watch my son grow and mature from a 5-year old boy to a young man and being by his side through it all has been more rewarding than I ever expected.
In addition to the physical skills, flexibility, and exercise we work on through martial arts training, it also helps with mental focus and determination. I have autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, which can make physical activity difficult and painful. MAA’s curriculum has helped me overcome the physical components, and has helped me learn to continue to set my sights on a milestone and accomplish that goal. In many ways, the mental focus has been just as impactful as the physical training.
MAA offers so much more than just punches and kicks. It has welcomed us into a community that I never expected. My favorite part about MAA is the people – the instructors, students and families are amazing people dedicated to growing and empowering students – children and adults alike. I’m humbled to be a part of the team that gets to help do that.
Mr. Weddle
Life before MAA seems forever ago. I started assisting as a blue/red belt and am currently a 3rd degree black belt. I love watching students gain confidence from Week number one through week number 9, and from white belt to black belt. It's exciting to see what we are teaching click in a student’s head and watch them excel and grow as a student and a person.
I love that Martial Arts America is based on Respect for others and for themselves. What an amazing thing for people to understand, that their best is good enough. That their physical ability doesn't define them, and their willingness to try and persevere when things get tough is a trait that will serve them in all aspects of life.
Being a student is exercise for my body and my mind. It is an outlet for stressful days, being able to channel frustrations and personal challenges into a Karate form or a Punching bag. It has been awesome to develop relationships with other students, especially those that I test for my Black Belt with.
I have 3 children who are black belts at Martial Arts America as well. My oldest actually out-ranks me, a fact that is not lost on him. I appreciate the structure Martial Arts America has given my kids. The reminders in every class to better themselves and to believe in themselves is priceless. Having relocated to Fond du Lac from out of state, MAA is where we found our tribe. Many of our closest friends are also students or MAA parents.
Miss Zimmel
I started teaching for Martial Arts America at the Oshkosh location spring of 2023. I am very excited to work with all the instructors and students.
I started martial arts in the fall of 2004 while I was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. I continued martial arts training for 12 years and achieved a 3rd degree Black Belt with a school in Green Bay. I also started to teach and taught classes for 6 years. That school closed and I took a break from Martial Arts. In the fall of 2020, I was fortunate to start taking classes at Martial Arts America in Oshkosh. I will be achieving my 1st degree Black Belt this fall and look forward to continuing my Martial Arts training well into the future.
My favorite part about teaching is watching the students grow and achieve their goals. I also love building lasting friendships with the other students and instructors.
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