What are the instructor’s qualifications?
Sensei
Likens has impeccable qualifications to guide you down the path
of the warrior. Starting his Budo (warrior ways) in Scottsbluff Nebraska
in 1983 he has been training, learning, and teaching ever since.
He has most importantly had over 18 years working
with kids in the martial arts. He has worked in the past for one of
the biggest karate schools in Indiana; he understands what it is that
kids need to become good at karate. He has amazed Jamie Isaacs (a
3rd grade master teacher) by having the ability to make 20 kids stand
quietly with their hands behind their backs while he teaches. The
students give him 100% of their attention for the whole class. She
once said he should “bottle” that and sell it to the schools. All
kidding aside, he makes the kids feel good about themselves! This
is odd when you see how he teaches. In true Japanese form, there is
yelling, pushups, accountability, demands, but there is also praise,
jokes, care, success! It is a fine line Sensei Likens walks but it
is balanced and well maintained. The children are disciplined and
they want more! They love the class and respect their Sensei. He in
return cares for them and respects them for what they do. What looks
like games are well disguised drills that keep the children motivated
to improve and get better. This instills a sense of accomplishment
and self-esteem.
