Fullerton Martial Arts Instructors

Shihan Brad Wenneberg, Renshi

6th Degree Black Belt, Shihan, Founder, Owner, Master Instructor, Nationally-Published Author, Success Coach

Contact email: info@karateOC.com

Master Brad Wenneberg, Renshi, 6th degree Black belt Goju Shin-Ryu, has been studying Martial Arts since 1971. He has studied several martial art styles, earning Black belts in Aikido and Shotokan with a ranking of 4th Degree in Goju Ryu, the foundation for Goju Shin-Ryu. In 2005, Shihan Wenneberg received the high honor of being inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and becoming a State Representative for California.

Born and raised in Southern California, Master Wenneberg served as a police officer for five years where he began to conduct self-defense training seminars. Having enjoyed the community service and interaction with people, opening a karate studio later in his life proved a natural and smooth extension for a new career. Master Wenneberg's favorite aspect of teaching karate is helping students develop personally to become happier and secure, more physically fit and mentally confident. To have each student grow and thrive is his goal each day. Operating American Martial Arts Academy has also given him a wonderful opportunity to have the business be a family affair, with his wife, Bonnie, and children, Sheri and Jason, helping out side-by-side.

Shihan Wenneberg is also an accomplished author, his first book 'Unleash Your Inner Warrior' is being nationally-published and has been hailed as a tremendous book on how to live a better life and reach new heights. Check out details on this life-changing book at www.unleashyourinnerwarrior.com.

Sensei Jason Wenneberg

2nd Degree Black Belt, Sensei, Head Instructor

Contact email: MrWenneberg@karateOC.com

Jason is an honor role student, an accomplished violinist, and a 2nd degree Black Belt. He has studied Martial Arts since 1992. Being the son of Shihan Brad Wenneberg, Jason was put on a slow pace, to ensure no thoughts of favoritism and to make sure that he would fully comprehend and master the martial arts. Achieving the rank of Teen Black Belt in 1998, he continued training hard to achieve the senior rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt. He began helping in classes as a Brown Belt at age 10 and began teaching full-time at age 15. Jason has been an avid student of teaching principles and child development, and has effectively taught and trained other teachers for many years. He has a keen understanding and sensitivity towards his students and communicates well with parents. Priding himself on being able to effectively maximize each class, Jason's primary purpose is to help as many people as possible reach the rank of Black Belt, so that they could experience the positive development that it brings. He says, "All of the successes I am currently experiencing is almost entirely due to the training I experienced at AMAA. The message is simple, train here at AMAA and you can enjoy the benefits, too."

Mr. Nikhil Joshi

2nd Degree Black Belt, Program Director, Asst. Head Instructor

Contact email: MrJoshi@karateOC.com

Mr. Joshi, 2nd Degree Black Belt, has been studying under Shihan Wenneberg since 1993. Starting to assist in classes at the age of 9, he is now the Assistant Head Instructor for the children and adults. A graduate of AMAA's Instructors College, he has also attended the University of California: Irvine, and is also continuing his education with International Leadership Development. Mr. Joshi's chief goal as an Instructor is to help as many people as possible develop a Black Belt Attitude, which he defines as continually striving to become the best that one can be.

Dr. Jeffery Bodwin

Adult Instructor

Dr. Bodwin, 4th degree Black Belt, has studied Goju Shin-Ryu with Shihan Wenneberg for over 17 years. Dr. Bodwin is a staunch supporter of Shihan Wenneberg's vision and refers many of his patients to the studio. Dr. Bodwin has an excellent knack for challenging students and helping them to maximize their individual abilities. Mixing excitement and tradition, Dr. Bodwin's teaching is a favorite of many students. Dr. Bodwin and Shihan Wenneberg are a team second to none.

Ms. Sheri Wenneberg

Assistant Director of the After-School Martial Arts Program

Sheri Wenneberg began training in the martial arts at age 7, in 1990. Achieving the rank of Black Belt in 1998 as a young teenage student, and achieving the rank of Senior Black Belt at age 23, Sheri has experienced the martial arts at all ages. This has given her great ability to relate to children and parents, alike, making her a perfect fit for Orange County's premier After-school Program at AMAA. Sheri is an accomplished singer, dancer, and actress - from achievements in High School with dancing to appearing on shows like Charmed and JAG. Sheri continues her training in the martial arts along with her increasing her knowledge and skill with working with children of all ages. She is a favorite of parents and kids alike, helping all of them enjoy the benefits of American Martial Arts Academy's After-school Program.

Mrs. Bonnie Wenneberg

Director of the After-School Martial Arts Program

Mr. Zack Deere

Instructor

Zack Deere started training at AMAA at the age of 12 and has loved training at American Martial Arts Academy ever since. He started working towards being an instructor at the age of 14 when he realized that teaching was one of his true passions. As soon as Zack achieved the rank of Teen Black Belt, he became a full-time Assistant Instructor for the children’s classes. Now, as a 2^nd degree interim Black Belt, he is an experienced instructor and runs many of the children’s classes. Zack has a special knack at teaching the Little Ninja’s classes (3 – 6 year olds) and parents just love how he helps their kids develop while having lots of fun. One of Zack’s ultimate goals is to help people realize their own potential in martial arts and in all other areas of their lives.

Mr. Marcus Quigley

Instructor

Marcus Quigley began at American Martial Arts Academy at 8 years old. Making the decision to join AMAA has probably been the best decision Marcus could ever make. That decision has provided him the opportunity to have and continue to have some of the best experiences of his life. He has become an accomplished Black Belt at AMAA which has been the catalyst to many of his career and personal goals. Even at a young age, Marcus always had a special knack for connecting with other students and helping inspire others to be better. Marcus is an instructor who emphasizes qualities such as loyalty, respect, discipline, and confidence for his students, as well as himself. As a young accomplished instructor, Marcus has a very bright future ahead of him. Marcus' primary goal, though, is to help each of his students live a more fulfilling life.

Sensei Caleb Beller

Sensei, Outside Consultant

Contact email: info@karateOC.com

Sensei Caleb Beller, 4th Degree Black Belt Goju Shin-Ryu, has been training in the martial arts under Shihan Wenneberg since July 1992. Sensei Beller has been a fine example of the quality instructors at American Martial Arts Academy, as he has twice been awarded for Teaching Excellence by the Martial Arts Business Association and American Martial Arts Academy. His communication skills have been especially beneficial as he is able to impart his experience and knowledge of our art to all of his students in an enthusiastic and caring manner. Sensei Beller is able to bring out the best in every student and makes an exceptional teacher for all seeking to improve in the martial arts as well as in life.  In 2007, Sensei Beller's 3 year old daughter began lessons at AMAA. As proud parents, Caleb and his wife Kim are so pleased with the results so far - noticing rapid improvement in her coordination, focus, and confidence. Sensei Beller is currently overseas in Hungary, teaching full-time at an international Bible College. His wisdom and expertise in the martial arts is still resourced, though, to ensure that AMAA is the best school it can be.