Our Kenpo Students Are Instructors, Too!

When Ed Parker founded American Kenpo, he advertised not for students, but for "Instructors Wanted. No experience necessary." He trained his first students, and when they earned their first belts, they in turn taught the newer students, and so on.

We follow that tradition. Our students learn from each other as well as from our instructors.

OUR STAFF

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. (9th 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. 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 SUNY Oneonta, 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.

Mindy Haas, Instructor

Instructor Mindy Haas has been training in the art of American Kenpo since 1995 and has trained and taught Kickboxing since 2001. She remains an active student. Mrs. Haas is the Director of the East Coast School of Self Defense Tiny Tigers and Little Dragons programs. She holds a degree from SUNY Oneonta in Child and Family Studies and has over 20 years experience in the childcare industry. Mrs. Haas is an active mother and proud Grandmother. She is now the President of the Palm Beach County Council of PTA/PTSAs and works as an advocate for children and families.

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.