Osu! I'm Frank Thomas, Chief Instructor of the Muskegon Karate
Association. I have 30+ years in Shotokan Karate~Do. What makes
me special is that I teach out of a wheel chair. It is my motto
that "One can do anything if,they put their mind to it" Are our
classes laid back because of my disability? "I don't think so, Tim"
I am a very demanding instructor.I have produced four dan students
since I have been in my chair! Two were sent to Mr. Randell G. Hassell
(ASKA - National Headquarters) and two went to Mr. Nick Palise (AJKA-New Hudson,MI)
Sensei and Gakkusei/Seito go hand in hand. As they learn from me I too learn from them.
I am very very proud of every one of them who shared my love of Karate - Do.
Without them I would not be a Sensei.
Listed below are pictures of our student body.
This is Bill Shoup III. Having the rank of Nidan with 15+ years
of experience. Bill is my very 1st Dan student to be promoted to
Dan level many years ago. Bill also has experience in other martial arts.
Bill and his family have since moved to Colorado.
Guy Hinton is a Shodan with 11+ years of experience. He was promoted
by Mr. Randell G. Hassell(ASKA - National Headquarters).Guy has been
a regular member of our testing board. Guy is a very strong karateka
and a valuable member of the M.K.A.
We finally have a picture of him. "Way to GO....Guy!"
David Martinez is a Shodan with 11+ years of experience.Dave received Sho Dan back in 1992.
He was promoted by Mr. Randell G. Hassell (ASKA - National Headquarters).
David is a very strong karateka and a valuable member of the M.K.A.
Matt Butler is the first Shodan the Muskegon Karate Association produced since we moved
to our new location in North Muskegon. He was promoted by
Mr. Randell G. Hassell(ASKA - National Headquarters).
Matt has studied very hard to attain his rank.
Rick was promoted to Sho Dan at a AJKA dan examination held by
Mr. Edmond Otis and Mr. Nick Palise (who are "Primo" Instructors of the AJKA).
Kim was promoted to Sho Dan at a AJKA dan examination held by
Mr. Edmond Otis and Mr. Nick Palise of the AJKA. She has since been married & retired.
Chris Hollowell was promoted to the rank of Sho Dan
by the testing board held at ASKA - National Headquarters in St. Louis, Mo.
Mr. Randell G. Hassell, 8th Dan presided over the examination. Chris is activly participatating with the ASKA Instructor
Training Program and is doing a GREAT job!
Our 5th kyu Purple rank holders are Tina Lei and Andy Fogg.
Tina Lei has really earned her 5th kyu Purple. GREAT JOB, Tina!
Tina has all so improved her English with Thomas Sensei....Poor Tina!
Andy's testing was very STRONG! All were impressed.
Our 6th kyu Green belt student is Carl Turner
Carl comes all the way from England! When Carl heard
what a wonderfull instructor I am, Carl just had to come to America to train.
(Boy! am I full of it today!)
Our 7th kyu Yellow belt student is Melody Hollowell. Yep, she went and married Steve Hollowell
in March of 2004! Congrats!
Melody travels all the way from Grand Rapids,Mi to train! What dedication! WELCOME!
Melody to the M.K.A. DOJO, it's a pleasure to have you for a student!
This is Pat & Steve in one of their happier moments!
Without them, our paper work would be piled high! In the year of 2003
Pat Baid retired from her M.K.A. position. Pat, you will be missed :O(
Cyndi Buquet took over Pat's position! Pesonal Thanks to Cyndi!
To them all,I say "Thanks!"
I would like to say "Thank-You" to Mei Ling for correctinxdfg my typoos