About Us
In the Beginning:
Kevin Miller is a man on a mission. At the turn of the century Kevin weighed in excess of 650 pounds. In the next year with the help of bariatric surgery combined with very strict diet and exercise regimen, Kevin lost 430+ pounds. After trying several different ways to help keep the weight off, he stumbled into a karate class and discovered abilities he didn't even know he possesed. With the help and support of his wife Nancy and four years of hard work, Kevin and Nancy earned a black belt in Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan Karate, something he would have never dared to dream possible a few short years ago.
Shortly after receiving their black belts, Kevin casually mentioned in the Sunday School class he teaches at Clendenin Advent Christian Church that he would "Someday like to open a karate school where kids and adults could have the same chance to learn martial arts." Literally a day later, the late Mrs. Helen Gandee graciously offered to rent them space at the Gandee-owned Truss America Building. And so Dueling Dragon was born!
The Growing Years:
At first we met on concrete floors without mats (or heat!) In the past five years with the dojo has grown into the facility you see now with plenty of equipment and a large comfortable space, largely due to continued support from Mr. Gene Gandee and Mr. J.D. Gandee as well as our dear friends and instructors. Friends like Lewis Prouse, Joe Hansen, Herb Kiser, Mark Hunter, Judy Carr, John and Martha Vance, Frank Young and too many more to mention have contributed to the success of our little dojo in so many ways. We are thankful to our friends for their support but we are most grateful to God for our chance to share what we have learned with our students and our community.
Where we're going:
Kevin and Nancy were both bullied rather badly as children and because of this are strongly committed to teaching children and adults how to handle bullying situations. That is why we offer free basic self-defense and anti-bullying classes to community organizations such as the Boy and Girl scouts, church groups and businesses.
All of our instructors have a strong committment to teaching our students all they need to know to grow and succeed in such using the martial arts. They are firmly committed to building character in the young and helping those with disabilities both physical and other to achieve their goals.
The only way we can truly achieve as people is to serve...
Team Bio:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Sensei Mark Hunter is the newest instructor to join us here at Dueling Dragon. Mark holds a second-degree black belt Seibukan Karate as well as a first-degree black belt in Seiei Kan Iaido. A minister by profession, Mark has unique abilities to teach and encourage students at all levels and his technical ability is impressive. We are indeed fortunate he is willing to assist us in our dojo. |
