Russ Haas, Head Instructor
Head Instructor Russ Haas has been a dedicated student of the martial arts since 1983 training in traditional Japanese karate. In 1995 he began training with Manny Reyes Sr. (10th degree black belt) at the Hialeah School of Self Defense. He earned his 3rd degree black belt in the art of Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate in 2004. As a student of the Counterpoint Tactical System Founder Zach Whitson, Mr. Haas has enhanced his skills to new levels. With great pride he was one of the first to achieve black belt in Master Whitson's system in September 2010. In June 2008 Mr. Haas received his Black Belt in Cacoy Doce Pares from world reknowned Filipino Grandmaster “Cacoy” Canete and is now ranked as a 2nd degree Black Belt. Mr. Haas has always shown an interest in expanding his understanding of the martial arts and has trained and earned rank Jeet Kune Do, Pekiti Tirsia Kali, and the French Martial Arts of Savate / La Boxe Francaise.
As a graduate of Oneonta State in New York, Mr. Haas holds degrees in Business/ Economics, Geography and Educational Psychology. He continues his journey through the arts as a student of Master Instructor Zach Whitson (CTS and Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima) and Master Manny Reyes Sr. in Kenpo and as a full time instructor.
Gary Rosenberg, Instructor
Gary Rosenberg, has been practicing karate since 1994. He trained and competed in traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate for more than eight years, earning the rank of Shodan (1st-degree black belt), as well as numerous local and national medals.
A Florida resident since 2003, Gary has continued his martial arts training in American Kenpo, where he became the first 1st-degree black belt in 2009 under the tutelage of Russell Haas at East Coast School of Self Defense. Mr. Rosenberg also holds rank in Cacoy Doce Pares as well as the Counterpoint Tactical System (CTS).
An AFAA-certified group fitness instructor, Gary participates in Yoga, kickboxing, aerobics, and strength training regularly to supplement his martial arts practice.
Skylar Haas, Junior Instructor
Junior Instructor Skylar Haas is the ultimate success story in youth martial arts training. She started Karate when she was just three years old and systematically went through the ranks to earn her Junior Black Belt in the year 2000. Now at age 16 she is a role model for the junior program, by continuing to train, teach and Captain the Demo team she sets a great example for all. Aside from her schoolwork, training, and work at the karate school, Skylar is a member of the West Boca High Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, B’nai Brith Youth Organization and stays busy babysitting on the weekends.