About Our Instructors
Master Amanda Olson - 7th degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Taekwondo - Tai Chi - Leadership Training
Master Amanda Olson is a 3 time silver medalist in free sparring championships and has been training for over 30 years. Her philosophy is that everyone can become excellent in some aspect of martial arts and is dedicated to helping each student reach their goals. She is the instructor to the instructors and has written the adult instructor program used by all AMAI (American Martial Arts Institute theamai.com) sanctioned schools in the United States. She is a founding member of the AMAI and is in charge of leadership training and administration. She has trained in Tai Chi for over 9 years and has pioneered a program in her Johnson City school as well as trained other instructors across the country in teaching Tai Chi in their own schools. www.theamai.com
Master Glenn Olson - 7th degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Taekwondo - Safety NET Kids - Tai Chi - Weapons www.safetynetkids.com
Master Glenn Olson is the 2004 silver medalist in sparring and has been training for over 24 years. He is the founder of Safety N.E.T. Kids and has dedicated himself to keeping children safe in our community and across the nation. Hundreds of thousands of children have been reached by over 400 Safety N.E.T. Kids instructors. He has also written a Bully prevention program and teaches it to local school groups on a regular basis. He believes in positive reinforcement when teaching and believes every person can reach their goals with the right encouragement. His ability to relate important issues to children in a positive and fun way is truly a gift. He has also developed the children's Confidence and Fitness programs. He is a certified Tai Chi Instructor. He holds certification in nun chuck, bo staff, eskrima stick, women's assault prevention and is dedicated to passing on his knowledge to help others.
Keith Olson 5th degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Taekwondo - Demonstration Expert - Head Instructor
Keith Olson is the son of Glenn and Amanda Olson and shares their passion for teaching and martial arts. He teaches great private lessons with attention to detail and proper execution of technique. He enjoys demonstrating and has a special talent for weapons training such as the nun chuck and bo staff. He is serious about skill and perfection and inspires that in his students. He has been training for over 15 years and is currently seeking a degree in Exercise Science. He is also part of the AMAI team.
Ms. Rita Avento - 4th degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Taekwondo - ISSA Certified Personal Trainer - American Red Cross Instructor
Rita Avento has been training in Taekwondo for over 9 years and enjoys training and teaching. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse and is ISSA Certified as a personal fitness trainer. She has over 20 years experience in weight training, personal training and has experience in aerobic instruction, cardio kickboxing and competitive body building. She believes that any person at any age can exercise and get in better shape if they so desire. Her classes are upbeat and a great workout. See her to start a healthy nutrition plan with on-line nutrition management or begin personal training sessions. You can also sign up for one of her challenging boot camps and really get in shape! ravento@embarqmail.com
Nanci Vasilko - 3rd degree Black Tai Chi Sash & 2nd degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
AMAI Testing Manager
Mrs.Vasilko is in charge of the AMAI testing department here at headquarters. Her organizational skills are a true asset to the association. Mrs. Vasilko makes sure that everyone receives their certificates at graduation as well as many other helpful administrative tasks. She is great with people and is ready to help anyone who has questions at our school. She sets a high standard of training in class and always gives it her all.
Woody Holmes - 4th degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Mr. Holmes has over 8 years of experience in Taekwondo. He really enjoys training in class with weapons. He is a strong technician and enjoys assisting in the Jr. classes. He has recently begun training in Tai Chi and recently graduated from Science Hill High School. He is a positive addition to our team and will always take time to work with you on technique.
Steve Vasilko - 4th degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Mr. Vasilko has been training for over 8 years. His classes focus on technique and proper execution as well as fun and fitness. Mr. Vasilko enjoys teaching children, teens, and adults. His son, Josh, also participates in Taekwondo and as a parent of a student, Mr. Vasilko understands the importance of positive reinforcement when working with students. He is always ready to help students with their questions about training. He also trains in Jiu Jitsu.
Kristina Gatz - 4th degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Ms. Gatz has been training for over 8 years in Taekwondo. She enjoys working with students of all ages and has a lot to offer in her instruction. Ms. Gatz is dedicated in helping all of her students reach their martial arts goals. She has wonderful technique and is a good example to all. Her energy and friendliness are contagious. She is also an active student in the Tai Chi program, where she has earned her Black Sash, and in our Jiu Jitsu program.
Walker Hale - 3rd degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Mr. Hale has been training in Taekwondo for over 8 years. He loves martial arts, is a patient instructor, and is very good with the Junior class. He is a strong technician and knowledgeable with technique. He is always ready with a smile to help out anyone. He will graduate from Science Hill HS in May, 2011.
Katie Olson - 3rd degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Ms. Olson trained in Taekwondo for over 13 years. She currently works in the front office where she helps keep the school running smooth. She will always greet you with a smile as well as answer any questions you may have. If she doesn't know the answer, she will find it as quickly as possible. She is always willing to help us out in any situation. She is also a student at ETSU.
Katherine Henry - 4th degree Black Sash/Tai Chi & 2nd degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Ms. Henry is a certified Tai Chi instructor. She is very technique oriented and aspires to perfection. Her classes are full of fun and enjoyed by all. She brings attention to detail to her classes and enjoys building confidence in her students. She teaches seated Tai Chi at Broadmore Assisted Living. She also enjoys assisting in the Taekwondo classes and is working towards becoming an instructor.
Linda Zerby-Brobeck - 3rd degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Ms. Brobeck has been training for over five years in Taekwondo. Her son has been training with her as well, and is a third degree black belt in the Jr. Class. Ms. Brobeck enjoys working with the Jr. students and likes seeing them progress in each class. She brings high energy to class when she trains and is ready with accurate information and a smile when working with students or training with the adults. She also performs administrative duties for the school and is part of the AMAI team.
Adam Carty - 2nd degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Mr. Carty is the newest member of our staff. He started training with us over two years ago, and has just earned his 1st degree Black Belt. Once he started our leadership program, it was obvious that his talents could be used in training our junior students. His power and attention to details make him a valuable team member.
Eileen Benner Madden - 2nd degree Black Belt/Taekwondo
Mrs. Madden has been training in Taekwondo for over three years. both of her children inspired her to begin Taekwondo and have also earned their black belts at Olson's. Mrs. Madden loves the spontaneity and challenge of working with the Kubs program. She enjoys helping Jr. students with their forms. As a former elementary school teacher, Mrs. Madden finds teaching Taekwondo more fun than teaching grammar.
