Black Belts

Master Rick Rando
Master Rick Rando is President and Owner of Kick Masters Karate, LLC in Frostburg, Maryland. A traditional taekwondo practitioner for the past 24 years, Rando owns one of the largest, open-space martial arts schools in the country. Master Rando began his karate training in 1988 and started instructing at the age of 14. In 1998, he earned “disciple” status, and became the system’s “head instructor” under founder Mr. Ronald W. Burner. In September of 2000, Master Rando became Co-Owner of Kick Masters and became one of the youngest, martial arts studio executives in the United States. In January of 2005, Master Rando became the sole owner and President of Kick Masters Karate, and three months later, was awarded the title of “State Director” through the I.T.A (Independent Taekwondo Association). He is currently a fifth degree black belt endorsed by martial arts legend, Grandmaster Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and just recently was awarded “Master Instructor” status. During his martial arts career, Rando has stayed quite active. He’s graduated from Karate College in Radford, VA and from the Danny Lane’s Superstars Karate Camp in Ripley, WV. Master Rando has trained at various martial arts seminars hosted by world martial arts champions such as Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, 5-time Olympic Judo Champion Mike Swain, Grandmaster John Pellegrini, Grandmaster Joe Lewis, Master Tom Callos, Master Dave Kovar, Grandmaster Femio Demura, UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes, Grandmaster Ernie Reyes, Olympic Gold Medalist Herb Perez, and Jiu-jitsu Master Royce Gracie to name a few. A former member of the Stars and Stripes Demo Team, Master Rando himself has conducted thousands of demonstrations and martial arts programs in the local school system, and in the business and surrounding local communities. He’s been a featured speaker at hundreds of events, including the “Living Self Directed Lives through the Principles of Self Determination” Seminar, Frostburg State University’s Distinguished Scholar Dinner, the Positive Guidance Seminar for the Allegany County Childcare Professionals Association, the Western Maryland Guidance Conference, the Belt Leadership Summit, the Annual Safety Summit for the Columbia Gas Corporation, the 63rd Annual Dapper Dan Sports Awards Dinner, at FSU’s “Leadership Conference”, and at the 10th Annual MASupershow in Las Vegas. More specifically, he has created and implemented several curriculums throughout the martial arts community including the “Bully Busters Program” for victims in elementary school, the “Little Dragons Program” for pre-schoolers, “Leadership Training” for children with low levels of confidence, the “Stranger Danger” Program, Corporate TEAM Building for business professionals, the “Children’s Summer Karate Camp”, a martial arts unit through the Adventure Sports Program at Allegany High School, and has created a special Self-defense Curriculum for students with physical challenges. Featured in Black Belt Magazine (January 2011), Master Rando is currently a member of MAIA (the Martial Arts Industry Association) and a member of the Allegany County Schools “Character Counts” Program. He recently graduated from the Disney Institute: Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence program, and has earned the “Gold and Platinum Level Mark of Excellence Awards” by Century Martial Arts for the past four consecutive years. An accomplished author, Master Rando has penned two cover articles featured in MASuccess Magazine and has appeared on the cover of both Allegany Magazine (May/June 2009) and MASuccess Magazine (December 2010). Earlier in his career, Rando was asked to represent the United States as a member of the National Junior Karate Team performing in Cuba. In 2004 and 2006 he was awarded the Dream Catcher Award through the Arc of Frederick for working with persons with disabilities, and in 2007, conducted two Tae Kwon Do Seminars/Demonstrations in the country of Thailand as part of a cultural enrichment program. He’s a previous member of the Speakers Bureau with the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, is a current member of the Allegany County Student Business Advisory Committee, and is a part time personal trainer.
Mrs. Julie O'Connor
Mrs. Julie O’Connor, 1st Degree Black Belt, has been training at Kick Masters Karate since 1992. She is currently our "Senior Black Belt" assisting with instruction of the traditional Tae Kwon Do classes under owner/proprietor 5th Dan Master Rick Rando. Mrs. O’Connor developed and instructs the system’s Women’s Self-defense Classes, and is the founder of the cardio kick boxing program. Mrs. O'Connor was selected as Kick Masters Black Belt of the Year in 2005, the system highest honor to be bestowed upon an Instructor. Since earning the rank of Black Belt, Mrs. O'Connor has extolled the virtues of martial arts in demonstration/presentations at several “D.A.R.E.” (Student Drug Awareness) graduations as well as many self-defense demonstrations. She has also created and taught several after-school programs with a karate/fitness theme. Mrs. O'Connor has also attended the Martial Arts Supershow in both 2009 and 2011 respectfully. She enjoys working with the kids’ classes especially. “It’s fantastic to watch the kids improve in character and strength through our system. It is tremendously satisfying work.” Mrs. O’Connor is currently employed as a Chemist/Water Quality Analyst with the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Mr. Jared D. Lancaster
Mr. Jared D. Lancaster is a 3rd Dan in the Kick Masters Karate System. At the age of four, Mr. Lancaster attended the “Pee Wee” Classes, under then titled, Western Masters Karate System, instructed by Mr. Ronald Burner. At the age of seven, he entered the Mainstream Program. In 1998, Mr. Lancaster successfully passed the karate system’s first ever Black Belt Board of Review, and in May of the same year, achieved the rank of Junior Black Belt. While a Junior Black Belt, Mr. Lancaster assisted with the instruction of the Teenage/Adult Classes, the Black and Brown Belt Classes, and the Sparring Classes. In 2003, he earned the rank of Adult Black Belt, in 2006 earned the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt, and in 2009 earned the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt. Mr. Lancaster has training with many top martial artists outside of Kick Masters. In 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2009 he attended the MAIA Martial Arts Supershow in Las Vegas, Nevada. There, he trained with martial arts legends such as Grand Master Bill Wallace and Xtreme Martial Arts creator Mr. Mike Chat, as well as Mixed Martial Arts greats Master Royce Gracie, Matt Hughes, and Chuck Liddell. In October of 2007, Mr. Lancaster traveled to Thailand with Master Rando and conducted two Tae Kwon Do seminars in the city of Khon Khen. Mr. Lancaster was awarded the Kick Masters Karate Black Belt of the year award in 2007. One of Kick Masters’ best instructors, Mr. Lancaster currently assists with the Black/Brown Belt class, Teen/Adult and Sparring Classes. He also assists with extra activities within the system such as the Overnight Campout, Karate Boot Kamp, and the Black Belt Charity Auction.
Ms. Jessica Paolucci
Ms. Jessica Paolucci is the youngest and first ever female to achieve the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt at Kick Masters Karate. One of our most dynamic Adult Black Belts, Ms. Paolucci certainly leads by example. Earning the rank of Junior Black Belt in May of 2005 and Second Degree Junior Black Belt in June of 2006, she has been a part of the Kick Masters family for the past nine years and has loved every minute. Extremely dedicated to the art and the dojo, she helps out wherever she is needed and does an outstanding job. The Black/Brown Belt, Sparring, and Teen/Adult Classes are where she can be found instructing, however she also teaches regular private lessons to various students, both inside and outside the dojo. She was also selected as KMK's Black Belt of the Year for 2006, an honor highly regarded among the Black Belt Instructors! Some awards that Jessica has received are several top honor trophies in karate, UCA All Star in cheerleading, being a member in James E. Spitznas National Honor Society, Beall High School's ambassador for the Hugh O'Brian Seminar, placing in Word Processing and making it to Nationals for FBLA, and best of all, achieving her Black Belt at Kick Masters Karate. Other leadership positions that she has held were captain of the JV cheerleading squad and being an officer of her class. More recently, she was just nominated Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad in April of 2006. Ms. Paolucci believes that Kick Masters is full of great opportunities and has allowed her to be the person she is today. She can't wait to keep working and eventually achieve her Third Degree Adult Black Belt.
Ms. Megan Shaffer
Ms. Megan Shaffer began her Tae Kwon Do career at Kick Masters Karate at the early age of four. She started mimicking her brother, Adult Black Belt Mr. Matt Shaffer, on the side of the mat as he began in the program in 2000. Starting the INTRO class in 2001, Ms. Megan Shaffer earned her Junior Black Belt in November of 2005 at the age of nine, which currently makes her the youngest student in the history of Kick Masters to earn her Junior Black Belt at the age of nine. In 2008, Megan advanced in rank to 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt. When the DEMO team was launched at KMK in 2009, Megan tried out, eventually becoming the Captain of the DEMO team. In the summer of 2012, Ms. Megan Shaffer advanced yet again to Adult Black Belt level. Actively participating in Kick Masters classes and the DEMO team, Ms. Megan Shaffer is an excellent example of maturity, perseverance and discipline.
Mr. Kirk McTaggart
Mr. McTaggart is a 1st Degree Black Belt. He achieved the rank of Blue Belt in 1984 under the instruction of Mr. Dane Harden and Mr. Ronald Burner at Western Masters Karate Systems. During his high school years Mr. McTaggart pursued other interests such as soccer, football and basketball. Throughout the next 20 years he continued to be involved with other martial arts styles and systems but never attained the rank of Black Belt. In the Spring of 2005, Mr. McTaggart became a student of Kick Masters Karate and began training at the rank of Purple Belt. He attained the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt in August 2008. Since then, he has been involved in assisting and instructing various classes, conducting private lessons, and he is the instructor of the Adult Self Defense Class. The combination of his career in law enforcement and the martial arts has made Mr. McTaggart passionate about helping others learn to effectively defend themselves and teaching them the skills to prevent becoming a victim of violence. Since becoming a Black Belt, Mr. McTaggart has continued to train and learn. In 2009 and 2011, he attended the MAIA Martial Arts Supershow in Las Vegas, Nevada. There, he trained with Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell, John Hackleman, Dave Kovar, Dana Abbott, Renzo Gracie, Ricardo Liborio, Stephen K. Hayes, Herb Perez, and Ernie Kirk from Krav Maga Universal in the area of Home Invasion Prevention and Preparation. He has also trained with Bill “Superfoot” Wallace at Kick Masters during “Superfoot Seminars”. In August 2011 he received his certification as a Personal Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). He is available for personalized fitness, conditioning and weight loss instruction in addition to private martial arts instruction. His trainer website is located at https://www.issacertifiedtrainer.com/kirkmctaggart. Mr. McTaggart enjoys being a part of Kick Masters Karate and believes it is a "give and take relationship" that enables him to become better as he also helps others do the same.
Mr. Ethan DeVore
Mr. Ethan DeVore joined Kick Masters Karate in 1995. He trained diligently for over four years and earned the rank of Junior Black Belt in September of 1999. A private student of Master Rick Rando, Ethan took a short leave of absence during high school to pursue other endeavors, earning several awards and accolades in varsity football, basketball, and track. Mr. DeVore returned to KMK in June of 2005, where he humbled himself and worked back through the ranks to again reach the rank of Junior Black Belt. On June 14, 2006, Mr. DeVore moved up the Black Belt ranks to achieve his Adult Black Belt. In 2008 Mr. DeVore was chosen as the Kick Masters “Black Belt of the Year” the highest honor to be bestowed upon an instructor. The following year, on August 29, 2009, he earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt and received “Disciple” status at KMK, a long awaited step in his martial arts training. Mr. DeVore currently instructs the Black/Brown Belt class as well as Teen/Adult classes. He has also been a “favored” self-defense partner among students testing for black belt level, supervising and participating in over 22 black belt level self defense demonstrations. From 2006 through 2010 he assisted with the Summer Karate Kamps as well as the Overnight Kampout and TEAM Building Seminars. In addition, Mr. DeVore has headed the annual Black Friday Fun-Day and directed the fun at several Karate Birthday Parties. Mr. DeVore earned numerous scholarships and awards including the Ralph Race Memorial Scholarship, Maryland House of Delegates Scholarship, and HOPE Scholarship while attending Frostburg State University. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006 and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision at FSU. “I enjoy training at Kick Masters as a way to relax and relieve stress, while simultaneously improving my physical and mental condition. I believe my involvement with Kick Masters has improved my overall quality of life and I would not be where I am today without it.” Mr. DeVore is currently a Social Studies teacher, assistant track coach, Debate Team Coordinator/Supervisor, and Chess Club Coordinator/Supervisor at Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, MD.
Ms. Aleks Knepper
Aleksandra Knepper has been a Kick Masters student for the past eleven years. She achieved her Junior Black Belt after nearly 5 years of hard work and dedication to the program on July 23, 2008 at 13 years old. She earned her 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt in 2011 and become only 1 of two advanced female 2nd Degree Junior Black Belts. Now an Adult Black Belt and junior at Mountain Ridge High School, Ms. Knepper still enjoys working out and teaching classes. She has worked with almost every age group including Little Dragons, adults, and even enjoys helping out with Karate Kamps (Little Dragons and Mainstream), private lessons, the Overnight Campout, Back Friday Fun Day, and Birthday Parties. Ms. Knepper competed in the Maryland State Karate Championship tournament at Allegany High School several years and won numerous first place trophies in Kata, Weaponry, and Open Divisions. Being a positive role model at Kick Masters has lead Ms. Knepper into other great opportunities in the community as well. As the current Miss University City Outstanding Teen 2010, and the Miss Allegany County Outstanding Teen 2009, Ms. Knepper adopted “Bully Busters” as her platform. Knepper is very involved with her school as a member of the Concert Choir, Women’s Ensemble, Drama Club, French Club, Track team, and the Mountain Ridge ‘Diamonds’ Dance Team. She also maintains a 4.0GPA while enrolled in all honors classes.
Mr. Zak Kerns
Mr. Zak Kerns joined Kick Masters Karate as a Little Dragon at the age of four, moving into mainstream classes at the age of six. Zak passed his board of review in November 2008 and achieved his First Degree Junior Black Belt in December of 2008, his 2nd Degree Junior black Belt in May of 2010, and his 3rd Degree Junior Black Belt in August of 2011, being the youngest to do so at the age of thirteen. He is the first Little Dragon, in the Kick Masters system, to reach Junior Black Belt status. Mr. Kerns is an Assistant Instructor for the green and purple belt classes and the Little Dragons Saturday class. He assists with the Overnight Dojo Campouts, Little Dragon and Mainstream Karate Camps, birthday parties, teaches several private students, and is a three year member of the DEMO team. Mr. Kerns’ “Karate Goals” include obtaining his First Degree Adult Black Belt and to mentor his private students to Black Belt Level. Zak graduated from Keyser Middle School in June of 2012 with a 4.0 grade point average. He placed first at the West Virginia Regional Science Fair, first in the Mineral County Math Field Day competition, and won three Excellence Awards for the highest grade point average in math, science, and computer applications. He also won the Potomac State College Partnership in Excellence Scholarship and was nominated for the Keyser Middle School Principals award and the VFW Boyce Houser award. Zak was a three year member of his middle school basketball team. Zak will be a freshman at Keyser High School during the 2012-2013 school years and is currently on the JV football team for Keyser High School.
Mr. Grant Hoover
Mr. Grant Hoover started karate classes at Kick Masters in May 2005 when he was just seven years old. He earned his Junior Black Belt on March 11, 2009, his 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt on April 16, 2010, and his 3rd Degree Junior Black Belt on May 26, 2011. Mr. Hoover was the second ever to achieve the rank of 3rd Degree Junior Black Belt at KMK. On July 28, 2012, he earned his Adult Black Belt. Upon promotion, Mr. Hoover became the youngest student at Kick Masters to earn his Adult Black Belt. Mr. Hoover has been a member of the DEMO team since its inception in 2009 and currently serves as co-captain. He instructs numerous private lesson students, attends the black/brown belt class and the sparring class regularly, instructs mainstream classes and assists with numerous KMK activities. Mr. Hoover has also been a self-defense partner in four Junior Black Belt level self-defense demonstrations. Mr. Hoover is a straight “A” student in the tenth grade at Allegany High School. He currently has a 4.4 GPA being enrolled in Honors and AP classes. He plays alto saxophone in the Allegany High School Marching Band and Jazz Band. He is a member of the Mock Trial Team and Ski Club. Other academic achievements include the Braddock Middle School sixth, seventh, and eighth grade Academic Achievement Awards, which he earned for having the highest grade point average each year as well as numerous Math Counts and Mathematics League awards. Mr. Hoover is currently working toward testing for his 2nd Dan Adult Black Belt.
Mr. Jacob Jastrzembski
Jacob Jastrzembski is a 1st Degree Adult Black Belt, who began training at Kick Masters is 2005. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Mr. Jastrzembski is a member of the Kick Masters Karate demo team, an active member of his church’s youth group, and a home-schooled high school student. Mr. Jastrzembski enjoys teaching a variety of mainstream classes, private lessons and sparring. He proudly states that karate has helped him learn how to think on his feet and to be physically and mentally disciplined. He is grateful for all the Kick Masters staff members who encourage him to complete his goals within the program and in his life.
Mr. Alex Burton
Mr. Alex Burton started taking classes at Kick Masters Karate in 2001 when he was just seven years old. Despite failing his first INTRO class, he came back and passed the second time through. He worked hard and earned his Junior Black Belt six years later on July 26, 2007. He became a member of TEAM Kick Masters in the summer of 2009. Mr. Burton leads by example in the black and brown belt class, the advanced brown belt class, the sparring class, and the adult self-defense class. He teaches several private lessons and helps with the summer Karate Kamps. In the martial arts and the rest of life, Mr. Burton's motto is: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." He is currently a freshman at Perdue University.
Ms. Jenna Koval
Ms. Jenna Koval started training at Kick Masters Karate in 2007. She worked and trained hard for three and a half years to earn the rank of Adult Black Belt in May 2010. Koval currently assists with the instruction of the Teen/Adult class as well as Sparring, and Weapons classes. She assisted with the Stranger Danger Seminar in 2010, birthday parties, and the Overnight Kampout. In May 2011 she attended the Martial Arts Super Show in Las Vegas where she participated in seminars held by Grand Master Ernie Reyes Sr, Stephen Hayes, Matt Huges, Paul Vunak, and many other prolific martial artists. She also received certification in Dave Kovar’s instructor college. She trained with Bill “Superfoot” Wallace in 2009 and 2011 during his visits to Kick Masters. She currently teaches private lessons and attends a wide variety of other Kick Masters functions. She is also a current member of the Independent Tae Kwon Do Association and has been for the past three years. Koval graduated from Frostburg State University in 2006 with a B.S in Wildlife. “Kick Masters has shown me how to have discipline to achieve my goals. It has also helped me become a more well rounded individual and how to interact with people of all ages. Kick Masters allows me to forget everyday stresses and have a chance to relax while working out and having fun.” Koval is currently an analytical chemist at Geo Chemical Testing in Somerset, Pa.
Mr. Tyler Dolchan
Mr. Tyler Dolchan is sophomore at Northern Garrett High School. He is a 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt and has been doing martial arts at Kick Masters Karate for nine years and counting. He instructs the weapons program as well as assisting with several other classes throughout the studio. He teaches Little Dragons, mainstream classes, sparring, private lessons, karate kamps, and several of the other structured events that are exclusive to KMK. He has been a member of Kick Masters’ DEMO team for three years and has performed at everything from after-school programs to baseball games; this year, he serves as co-captain of the DEMO team. Mr. Dolchan is a straight “A” student with a 4.0 grade average and is involved in student council and band. He plays baritone sax in concert, marching, and jazz band at Northern. He has volunteered at blood drives, church camps, camps for special needs children and several other activities. Mr. Dolchan was offered a scholarship to attend a space and engineering camp last year by a teacher and has been nominated several times to participate in the People to People program for talented youth. He is also hoping to make the advancement to Adult Black Belt in the coming months, and to broaden his knowledge by enrolling in different branches of martial arts.
Ms. Andrea Beechie
Ms. Andrea Beechie began her career at Kick Masters Karate as a Little Dragon at the age of four. She started the mainstream INTRO class on April 5, 2005. Ms. Beechie earned her Junior Black Belt on December 11, 2010, and is currently working toward her 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt. Andrea joined the DEMO team in January 2012. During her career at Kick Masters, Andrea overcame the obstacles of two hip surgeries. She would attend class on the sidelines in her wheelchair or with her walker. She continues to train hard and push through the pain. Andrea assists Mrs. O’Connor with several classes including Tuesday and Thursday classes and the cardio kickboxing class on Saturday mornings. Andrea also has several private lesson students. Ms. Beechie is an excellent student and is enrolled in all honors classes and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Andrea is a great example of persistence and perseverance.
Ms. Janae Jastrembski
Janae Jastrzembski fell in love with karate at an early age while watching her big brother train. She couldn't wait to begin karate herself. After 3 years of hard work, Miss Jastrzembski earned her 1st Degree Junior Black Belt at the age of 10, on April 8, 2011. After a year of hard work, Ms. "J" earned the rank of 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt. Miss Jastrzembski enjoys the opportunities she has as a black belt to work with other students. She loves to help teach the Little Dragon's classes and mainstream classes. Miss Jastrzembski, a homeschooled middle school student, continues to train to advance in rank within the Kick Masters Karate Program.
Ms. Claire Romaine
Ms. Claire Romaine has been training at Kick Masters for almost ten years. She began in the Little Dragons program at the age of 5, and worked diligently through the ranks to achieve her 1st Degree Junior Black Belt on March 10, 2011. After a year of hard work, Ms. Romaine earned her 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt in June of 2012. She teaches multiple mainstream and Little Dragons classes as well as private lessons, birthday parties, Karate Kamps, and other fun events. She’s also a member of the DEMO team. Ms. Romaine is a junior honors student at Mountain Ridge High School. She keeps very busy as a member of the Marching Band, Drama Club, French Club, Science Bowl Team, Choir, Concert Choir, ECO, Envirothon Team, and cantor at St. Michael’s Church. Ms. Romaine plans to work up through the Black Belt ranks at Kick Masters while maintaining her 4.2 GPA.
Mr. Jonathan Dayton
Mr. Jonathan Dayton has been training at Kick Masters since the age of five, where he inrolled in the Little Dragons Program. Mr. Dayton is currently a 2nd Degree Jr. Black Belt at is training for his 1st Degree Adult. He is inrolled in all honors classes at Mountain Ridge High School. He also plays baseball and is active in his church youth group. Dayton last year won the American History Award from the Woodmen of the World and Third place in an Patriots pen essay contest. Dayton also is part of the 2013 KMK Demo Team and enjoys teaching private lessons and sparring classes!
Ms. Kathleen Callan
Ms. Kathleen Callan is a 1st Degree Black Belt at Kick Masters. She holds the distinction of being the oldest student to achieve black belt status earned at the age of 49. Ms. Callan began attending classes as a parent in 2001, watching, learning, and encouraging her two children who began their training at ages 8 and 6. Her daughter achieved the rank of 2nd kyu brown belt and decided to pursue other sports in 2003. That is when Ms. Callan decided to give tae kwon do a try. She and her son, a 1st kyu brown belt, trained for several years together. The black belt proved elusive to her son, but Ms. Callan continued to train diligently. Her perseverance, determination, and hard work paid off in March 2011 when she ascended to black belt status. Ms. Callan challenges any parent or adult watching from the sidelines to give karate a try. A healthy lifestyle is an achievable goal if you put your mind to it. In 2011, she attended the MAIA Martial Arts Supershow in Las Vegas, Nevada. There she trained with martial arts legends such as Stephen K. Hayes and Grand Master Ernie Reyes, Sr. She has also trained with Bill “Superfoot” Wallace at the Superfoot Seminars." Ms. Callan is a student instructor in the Teen/Adult and Sparring classes.
Mr. Kirk Eberly
Mr. Kirk Eberly began his career in karate when he was only 5-years old in the Little Dragons program. He continued with Little Dragons until he was 7 and then moved into the mainstream program. Kirk earned his Junior Black Belt in June 2010 at age 10. At age 11, he advanced in rank to 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt. He is currently a private student of Master Rando and is working toward earning his 3rd Degree Junior Black Belt. Kirk is currently learning weaponry and acquiring the skills he needs to teach classes. Mr. Eberly is an active participant of the TEAM Kick Masters and enjoys performing for any crowd of any size. While he participates in other sports and extra curricular activities, Kirk remains a straight “A” student entering the sixth grade at Meyersdale Elementary School.
Mr. Clay Hoover
Mr. Clay Hoover started karate classes at Kick Masters in March 2008 when he was just seven years old. He earned his Junior Black Belt on June 30, 2011 and his 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt on July 28, 2012. He currently instructs various classes and private lesson students, attends the black/brown belt class regularly, and assists with numerous KMK activities. Mr. Hoover is a straight “A” student in the seventh grade at Braddock Middle School. Mr. Hoover plays alto saxophone in the Braddock Blue Band. He is a member of the Braddock Math Counts team and Braddock Ski Club. Mr. Hoover plays JCP soccer for the Braddock Braves, Little League baseball for THK, and indoor soccer at the YMCA. Mr. Hoover recently placed 2nd in the Maryland State Mathematics League competition in which 22 schools participated. Mr. Hoover is currently working toward testing for his 3rd Degree Junior Black Belt.
Mr. Connor McClay
Mr. McClay began karate as a Little Dragon at the age of six. When he was seven, he saw the Kick Masters demonstration at the Country Club Mall and realized that he wanted to be in the mainstream program. He achieved his Junior Black Belt in June 2011. Since the day after his Black Belt exam, he has been teaching Little Dragon classes, the teen/adult class, weaponry class, and helping with the INTRO classes. Conner has been taking private lessons with Master Rando for the past two and a half years. In 2009 Connor attended the Maryland State Karate Tournament as a Red Belt a earned 1st place in Bo Staff. In 2011 as a 1st Kyu Brown, he took 1st place in Bo Kata and Grand Champion in Forms. Currently, Connor is working on his 2nd Degree Black Belt and Bo Staff Advanced Level. Connor is a sixth grade student at Braddock Middle School. He enjoys playing trumpet in the Braddock Band. He is also a member of the 2012 DEMO Team and enjoys teaching private lessons.
Mr. Jacob Wilson
Bio Coming Soon
Ms. Allison Martz
Bio Coming Soon!
Ms. Ella Reinhard
Bio Coming Soon!
Ms. Alyssa Rice
Bio Coming Soon!
Ms. Rebecca Wilkes
Bio Coming Soon!
Mr. Brian Blocher
Mr. Brian Blocher joined Kick Masters Karate in 1993. In 1996 He tested for an received the rank of 1st Degree Adult Black Belt. He continued to train and assist at KMK for the next 2 yrs. He assisted in developing the women's self defense course with Mrs Julie O'Conner. Mr Blocher then left the area to purse his career choice. During that time he trained for a period with ISKA ranked Kick Boxer Mike Bolding at All Star Kickboxing in Hagerstown MD. In 2006 His career was cut short due to a line of duty accident which left him with 3 broken cervical vertebrae and a massive head injury. His injuries have since healed to the point he felt it was time to "stop living life on the sidelines" His son Brayden, showed a genuine interest to start training in martial arts. That along with a chance meeting with Mrs. O'Connor in 2011 gave Mr. Blocher the support group he needed to start the long road back. He trained hard for the next yr and a half and in 2012 re tested for his Adult level black belt. Regaining this part of his life and become part of the Kick Masters family again has been a tremendous accomplishment for Mr. Blocher. He enjoys teaching alongside his friend and mentor Mrs. O'Connor. He is also involved in the sparring class as well as assisting Mr. Kirk McTaggart in the Krav Maga and Self-defense programs. Mr. Blocher is on track to obtain his personal trainer certification. He looks forward to helping others in their journey back to health and fitness and after being on the other end of the fence for so long, he truly has a unique and personal experience to help to inspire and motivate
Mr. Sean Fiscus
Bio Coming Soon!
Mr. Stephen Jenkins
Mr. Stephen Jenkins began his career in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 6, when he started taking Little Dragons classes. Since then he has been a faithful and dedicated student at Kick Masters Karate, participating in both regular classes and special events such as Karate Kamp and Black Friday Fun Day. Stephen’s hard work progressed him through mainstream belt levels until, on October 26, 2012, he achieved the rank of Junior Black Belt. Since that time he has enjoyed assisting with Little Dragons classes and special events. He has also had the opportunity of working with Grandmaster Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. His next goal is to achieve the rank of 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt. Stephen is a homeschooled 8th grader who is continuing his karate training with regular classes and private lessons from Master Rando.
Mr. Jeremy O'Baker
Bio Coming Soon!
Mr. Dylan Rice
Mr. Dylan Rice began his training at Kick Masters in October of 2008. He passed his board of review in May of 2012 and earned his Junior Black Belt on June 2, 2012. Rice enjoys instructing mainstream classes, private lessons, self defense, and sparring. He has been taking private lessons with Master Rando for almost two years and is currently working towards acquiring his Second Degree Junior Black Belt. Dylan is a student at Fort Hill High School where he maintains a 4.2 GPA. He is a member of his church's youth group, involved in the National Art Honor Society, selected as a Fort Hill "Shining Star", and was nominated into the United States Achievement Academy.
Mr. Bruce Tarburton
Mr. Bruce Tarburton began karate as a Little Dragon at the age of four and earned his Little Dragons Black Belt at the age of six. Mr. Tarburton started mainstream in the fall of 2008 and earned his Junior Black Belt on July 28, 2012, at the age of 10. Mr. Tarburton enjoys assisting in all classes, especially sparring. In 2011, Mr. Tarburton attended the Maryland State Karate Tournament as a 2nd Kyu Brown and earned a 1st place in Forms. In 2012, Mr. Tarburton attended the Maryland State Karate Tournament as a 1st Kyu Brown and was the Tournament Grand Champion in Forms. Mr. Tarburton is fifth grade student at Cash Valley Elementary. He is a straight A student in AEP. Mr. Tarburton also plays baseball and basketball. Mr. Tarburton is a member of the 2013 KMK Demo team and is currently training for his 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt.
Ms. Sam Adams
Bio Coming Soon!
Ms. Shannon Miller
Bio Coming Soon!
Ms. Ellie Ness
Bio Coming Soon!