THE LEADERS THE ACADEMY FAMILY:  
  Chief Instructor:  Michael Black Instructor James Mckibben
  Chief Instructor  Jason Dodd Instructor  Sherrilene Classen
  Chief Instructor  Alex Heyman Instructor Sven Hanson
  Senior Instructor Larry Hartfield Instructor Travis Shaddox
  Senior Instructor Joni Dowst Instructor Mario Shaur
  Senior Instructor Marty Nemenyi Instructor Larry Balkin
     
 
  Sensei Black and Sensei Heyman at Renshinkan dojo in Kagoshima, Japan.
  Shihan Michael Black (5th degree Renshinkan) has been studying Shorinji-ryu karate-do since 1968 as a direct student of Master Tamotsu and now his son Nidaime Soke Iwao Tamotsu. He was the recipient of numerous state fighting and forms championships in Massachusetts and Connecticut.  He has served Gainesville as an accountant and tax specialist since 1992 and oversees the Inverness Renshinkan dojo. He holds a bachelors degree from Northeastern University in Boston.
  Sensei Alex Heyman (4th degree Karate-do, 2nd degree jiu-jitsu, 1st degree judo) began training jiu-jitsu in S. Florida in 1957.  He has been teaching and training in Gainesville for 28 years. He has competed in both junior national, national, and international martial arts events, winning or placing numerous times. He holds bachelor degrees in animal science and economics and a masters degree in economics. 
  Sensei Jason Dodd (2nd degree Renshinkan, 1st degree jiu-jitsu, 1st degree Tang soo do) began his martial arts training in 1987. He has trained under Sensei Alex Heyman for 10 years.  Sensei Dodd is the business owner and operator of the Renshinkan Martial Arts Academy.

Sensei Dodd is the principle instructor for the youth classes and also teaches adult karate and youth and adult jiu-jitsu classes.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Sensei Larry Hartfield (1st degree Renshinkan,  )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Sensei Marty Nemenyi (1st degree Shotokan, 1st degree Renshinkan) has over 30 years experience training in Shotokan and Renshankan Shoriji Ryu styles of karate and leads the executive training class.

 
 
 

 

 

Sensei Sven Hanson (1st degree Renshinkan) has also served the Gainesville and North Florida area since 1989 as a professional engineer and patent attorney.  His wife Carolyn and daughter Theresa also train at the Academy.

 

 
 
  Sensei Sherrilene Classen (1st Degree Renshinkan) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Florida.  She is also a certified Fitness Counselor, Pilates Instructor, and Exercise Teacher.
  Sensei Travis Shaddox has 14 year experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Purple belt).   He is also a principal in a commercial turf grass company and holds a Phd in turf grass science.
  Sensei Mario Shaur has 35 years experience in international rules kickboxing  and 10 years experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu  (Purple belt).  He is also a Certified Personal Trainer.
  Sensei Larry Balkin has 30 years experience in Judo (2nd degree Black Belt). He also has a bachelors degree in engineering.