The Team

Co-owner

My story begins in 1972, at the age of 12 struggling with anger issues that I didn't know how to control, feelings of explosive anger hitting walls and breaking doors. At the same time my brother Bobby was constantly being bullied at school.

My mom, Marilyn Killebrew contacted a man named Master Jung Ba Lee and asked him if Karate could teach her boys to control their tempers. I argued with my mom as I had no interest in learning Karate, but she insisted and gave me 2 choices. Either be grounded for 2 months or take Karate lessons. It was shortly thereafter I began to learn Sim Moo Hapkido and the direction of my life changed forever.

Owner & Director of Li’l Rangers
Assistant Instructor

My passion for teaching children started at the age of 10 yrs.  As a young adult, I pursued early childhood development.  I received training, certification and experience working for a preschool.  I also worked as a Nanny and as an Assistant Director in the children's ministry for my church.  

In 2017, I started taking classes at United Karate Centers.  Shortly thereafter,  Sensei Rick asked if I would be interested in attending the classes to become a Junior Instructor.  Assisting on the mat gave me lots of opportunities to practice what I learned and gain experience as an Instructor.

Junior Instructor

Character Traits a Black Belt Carries

Each Black Belt wearer is a different person with different backgrounds, resources, supports, motivations, and value systems.  Earning a black belt unites us in at least a few moral standards.  Possibly the most important being RESPECT. Respect for leaders or people in positions of power, our bosses and Sensei and people who uphold the law.  Even when we do not agree with a law or a bosses order or Sensei the situation has to be handled with respect in actions and words.  I believe respecting others goes hand in hand with respecting myself.  When I was young and crazy and did not care if I lived or died, I also did not respect my parents or the upholders of the law.  I would not even give a “sir” title to a judge while in their court. Now I say “yes sir” to the person bagging my groceries, because I respect their hard work, and I respect myself.  I will respect my black belt because I am in awe of the innovators who came before and developed Martial Arts, and were willing to teach others the treasure they had created.