Each Instructor Brings Their Best to YOU
Master Greg Garves
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7th Degree Black Belt, Chief Instructor It is my great privilege to walk along side my students and families, using my my experience, skills and expertise to help people become better communicators, stronger in the areas of commitment and perseverance and overall more self-assured. It brings me great joy to see the student who was once bullied now standing up for themself or the student who was acting out in the classroom demonstrate self-control or the bully realize that he does not have to hurt others for value and belonging. As the founder of the academy, it is my goal to be family centered, giving parents and children a place to be active and connected with one another.
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It is my great passion to connect people to the martial arts where they can find:
*belonging and camaraderie *achievement and focus *self-esteem and self-confidence *a passion for learning *self-discipline and perseverance *respect and humility
I hold a Masters Degree in the field of Social Work and have expertise in the area of therapeutic recreation. I am husband to Diane and dad to three adult daughters. I love dogs and have a special fondness for our Golden Retriever, Gus. For me, none of my life or achievements would be possible without God and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am an outdoor pursuit enthusiast, collector of non-fiction books and a punster extraordinaire.
*belonging and camaraderie *achievement and focus *self-esteem and self-confidence *a passion for learning *self-discipline and perseverance *respect and humility
I hold a Masters Degree in the field of Social Work and have expertise in the area of therapeutic recreation. I am husband to Diane and dad to three adult daughters. I love dogs and have a special fondness for our Golden Retriever, Gus. For me, none of my life or achievements would be possible without God and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am an outdoor pursuit enthusiast, collector of non-fiction books and a punster extraordinaire.
Mrs. Diane Garves
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2nd Degree Black Belt, Academy Administrator
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. My role has morphed through the years, with the current need being "behind the scenes". Still, there is nothing like being "on the mat" to give life and energy to me! 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. |
If there is anything evident to me, it is that I am not the same person I was 26 years ago when I started my martial arts journey. I am stronger, more confident, more decisive, and more self-aware.
Ironically, when I’m not working, you’ll often find me working! 😂 "It’s not work when you love what you do!" l am equally passionate about deepening my Christian walk through study and talking with fellow believers.
When I'm not working, I enjoy puzzles, hiking, downhill skiing, travel, playing games, reading, soaking up the sun, being by water, laughing, engaging in deep conversations and watching my kids grow into really interesting adults!
"You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." ~ CS Lewis
Ironically, when I’m not working, you’ll often find me working! 😂 "It’s not work when you love what you do!" l am equally passionate about deepening my Christian walk through study and talking with fellow believers.
When I'm not working, I enjoy puzzles, hiking, downhill skiing, travel, playing games, reading, soaking up the sun, being by water, laughing, engaging in deep conversations and watching my kids grow into really interesting adults!
"You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." ~ CS Lewis
Mrs. Heather Hampton
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1st Degree Black Belt, Program Director 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 throughout each class and the culture. I love seeing members crush goals and make progress on the mat as well as in daily life. This strong community helps to develop life-long friendships on and off the mat. I am a wife to Joel and mom to two children, Evan and Mia. I have a background in fitness with a master's degree in Exercise Physiology. I have a bachelor's degree in Dietetics, 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! Through my journey on the mat, I have gained appreciation for sparring, board breaking, and memorizing forms. I enjoy a good sweat while sparring and the physical aspect of grappling. |
You will most likely find me teaching Dragons classes at our Hudson location or I may be the one facilitating your introductory lesson. The Dragon members (3–7-year-olds) keep class exciting with their stories and creativity while keeping me on my toes. I love teaching these young students fun drills and witnessing them increase their eye-hand coordination and problem-solving skills.
When I am not working at the academy, I love to be outside. You can frequently find me mountain biking with my family, hiking, paddleboarding, camping, or gardening. 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."
When I am not working at the academy, I love to be outside. You can frequently find me mountain biking with my family, hiking, paddleboarding, camping, or gardening. 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."
Mrs. Julie Hillman
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1st Degree Black Belt, Program Director At Leadership Martial Arts, I am blessed to be part of a strong leadership team that strives for excellence. 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 our academy members, I'm super excited to celebrate their growth and achievements right along with them! 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 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 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 conversations with friends, finding 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."
"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."