News Archive
Recent Black Belt Promotions
Congratulations to:
- Sensei Diana West: January 26th, 2008
- Sensei Darrin Tollefson: February 23rd, 2008
- Guro Julian Aprile: January 28th, 2008
Change of Ownership
Dear GHKA Parents & Students,
I am writing to you to make the formal announcement of a GHKA change of ownership. As of October 1, 2006 I have purchased the Academy from Dylan Stanley (Old Town Bicycle, Inc.)! This sale is a dream-come-true for me as a lifelong student of the martial arts and a dedicated sensei.
I proceed into 2007 with an intense excitement in this venture and with the utmost appreciation for your support of my programs and pro-shop. The only changes taking place with the sale are behind the scenes: legal & financial. All other facets of the school will continue as before. I hope to do a better job at collecting feedback from you in 2007 so I can see where I need to make improvements.
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about myself as your owner. I grew up on the Key Peninsula, graduated Peninsula High School in 1995, and the University of Washington in 1999. I lived and worked Seattle until 2003 when I began teaching at GHKA. I now live in Gig Harbor and have 2 sons (Aidan – age 7 & Luca – age 4). Martial arts has been the greatest challenge and the greatest joy in my life (besides my boys). I have a black belt in Isshinryu Karate and Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu. I also run a part-time personal training business out of GHKA during the day.
The Academy is a healthy business and will continue to grow with your support. I do depend on your referrals for new students, so please keep telling your friends about GHKA. As the number of students increases it will allow me to implement new and improved services for you – such as: more guest instructors, front desk staff for better customer service, and dojo & curriculum improvements.
Thank you again for your support and attendance. Together we are working towards helping children and adults in our community become more disciplined, respectful, confident, self-aware, and physically fit.
Your Dedicated Sensei,
Julian Aprile
GHKA LLC Manager
Sifu Richard Bustillo JKD Seminar
On October 14th Gig Harbor Karate Academy was the proud host of Sifu Richard Bustillo. Sifu Bustillo is a first generation student of Bruce Lee and a training partner of Dan Inosanto.
He came to our school on Friday evening and did a private seminar in Jeet Kune Do (JKD) which is Bruce Lee's style. The Seminar was very informative and a great workout. All that came learned something that will benefit their own martial arts style.
We hope to have him back for a full two day seminar next year. If you are interested infinding out more about Sifu Bustillo, please visit his website at www.imbacademy.com. If you are interested in attending one of his seminars here please email us at: .