Each Instructor Brings Their Best to YOU
Master Greg Garves - 6th Degree Black Belt, Chief Instructor
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"It is my great privilege to walk along side my students and to use my experience, skills and expertise to help people become confident, strong and self-assured individuals who have come to realize their potential and tap into their God-given talents and abilities. It brings me great joy to see the student who was once bullied now standing up for him/herself; the student who was acting out in the classroom demonstrate self-control and the bully who learns that he does not have to be mean to others for self-value. It also motivates me who seeks to better themselves both mentally and physically by adding martial arts to their training program. Finally, we are a family centered academy and it brings us great joy to see parents and children connecting on the mat, doing this activity together where they find common ground, shared enthusiasm, mutual desire to learn and laugh together.
It is my great passion to connect people to the martial arts where they can find:
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Mrs. Diane Garves - 2nd Degree Black Belt, Academy Administrator
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"My excitement and drive comes not just from my love of the martial arts, but from the opportunity to get to know each one of our students and their families. I am passionate about learning who you are, what your goals are and how our team might be a part of helping you reach your goals. Although my role is primarily in the background, the name of every single student who trains with us crosses my desk at some point. I get so excited when I get to meet you in person!
We are a kyuki-do family where everyone is valued for their individuality and unique spark. I am passionate about our mission to create strong leaders. I believe our communities, homes, schools and workplaces are in need of individuals who have invested the time and effort into refining their character and finding their voice. It’s our goal to help our students discover the leader within. Martial arts to me is a fantastic workout that does not feel like a workout! Engaging my mind as well as my body takes the “work” out of “workout”. I am particularly passionate about self-defense and the art of Kyuki-do forms (patterns that we memorize). If there is anything evident to me, it is that I am not the same person I was 22 years ago when I started my martial arts journey, largely because of the martial arts. I am stronger, more confident, more decisive, and more self-aware. My favorite thing about my work is helping people wake up to the potential and power within! Ironically, when I’m not working, you’ll often find me working! 😂 It’s not work when you love what you do! I also love deepening my Christian walk through praise, devotion, prayer and reading; doing puzzles; hiking; travel; playing any kind of game; reading; soaking up the sun (yay for summer in WI); floating on the water or being out in a boat; laughing; engaging in deep intellectual conversations and watching my kids grow into really interesting adults!" |
Mrs. Heather Hampton - Black Stripe, Program Director
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"I am so excited about Leadership Martial Arts commitment to providing not only excellent martial arts training but also the character development that is fostered through out each class and the culture. I love seeing members crush goals and make progress on the mat as well as in daily life.
I am a wife to Joel and mom to two children, Evan and Mia. Initially, Evan started his martial arts training by himself. After watching Evan for a few months I decided that I wanted to be on the mat learning and growing too! I have a background in fitness with a degree in Exercise Physiology and I am a certified group fitness instructor. I also have a degree in nutrition and I enjoy helping families live more vibrant lives with good nutrition. I started my martial arts training in March 2020. I love the task of learning new skills! I thrive on the challenge of learning a new form and I really enjoy the weapons training. I find that a 30 minute training session on the mat is a great stress reliever! When I am not working at the academy, I love to be outside. You can frequently find me mountain biking with my family, hiking, and camping. I love a quiet morning (kids still in bed) with a hot cup of coffee on the porch and my devotional! 'Don’t give up. Great things take time.” |
Mr. Ascher Carlson - 2nd Degree Black Belt, Assistant Instructor
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"It is my joy giving back to the academy that helped me grow into the person I now am today.
My martial arts journey started in 2012. At first it was just a hobby, just another activity that Mom and Dad wanted me to try. As time continued however, I learned more and more that martial arts isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Without Leadership Martial Arts in my life I would still be the mouse voiced, corner hider I was for so many years. My instructors helped push me out of my comfort zone and give me a place where I could develop not only my ability to do a roundhouse, but my ability to use my voice and be a strong leader. My unofficial jump into teaching began in 2015. I began assisting people and leading the class through small drills. It wasn’t until 2017 however that I began to really dive into the instruction aspect of martial arts. I began as one of the first members to the developing Delta Program. I began taking small classes and working with larger groups of people on a more regular basis. I find immense joy working with each and every student who walks through our doors! Every time I see somebody catch on to something and have their “I can do this” moment I crack a small smile. Throughout my years here, I have met hundreds of amazing people, all of whom I’m proud to call my martial arts family. I look forward to watching this family grow and evolve." |
Mrs. Julie Hillman - Black Stripe, Assistant Program Director
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"I love my role at the academy because I get to meet new people, make meaningful connections, and help to build a sense of community and belonging for others. I value each academy member, and I get super excited to celebrate their growth and achievement right along with them! At Leadership Martial Arts, I am blessed to be part of a strong team that strives for excellence and I get to support a mission that I believe in. My daughter Hannah and I were invited to the academy by a friend during Buddy Week in August 2020 and we haven’t left the mat since! I love sharing this experience with my daughter and growing together in our relationship and in our martial arts skills. But it’s also so much more than that – we’ve not only grown physically but also in character and confidence, and the 'Pil Sung!' mindset is pervading and transforming our lives at home, at school, and at work.
I am a wife to Pete, mom to Hannah, and step-mom to Justin. When I’m not on the mat, I love gardening, hiking, camping with my family, having meaningful and deep conversations with friends, finding cool new restaurants with great outdoor spaces, reading books I can’t put down, and putting together 1,000-piece puzzles." “God’s gift to me is to give me more talents and abilities than I could ever use. My gift to God is to develop as many as I can and use them to bless others.” |