Meet your team
Meet your coaches.
Richard E McDowell
GRANDMASTER
As an 8th-degree certified Grandmaster, GM McDowell is certified with USCDKA, World Chung do Kwan (Seoul Korea), World Taekwondo Federation, and Kukkiwon Seoul Korea. Inducted into the Martial arts Hall of fame.
GM McDowell wanted to create an opportunity for students everywhere to learn the values that martial arts bring to students. With over 55 years of experience, GM McDowell has made a difference in the lives of many students throughout the world by teaching them discipline, focus, and self-confidence.
In 1965 Grandmaster McDowell’s mother was walking home from her job as a nurse, when she was chased home by a would-be attacker, she convinced her husband Richard McDowell Sr. to sign her up for a self-defense class at a local Korean Karate school offering Jujitsu and Korean Karate where she trained and became a highly regarded jujitsu instructor one of the first women Black belts ranked in the United States.
Richard Sr. liked what he saw and joined the Korean Karate class at the same location under the instruction of Grand Master Hwa Chung. Richard Sr. brought his then 5 years old son along (ME). Now GM McDowell attended every class with his father, watching and mimicking what he saw. When GM McDowell was 6 years old Grand Master Hwa Chung pulled him into class, and his career in martial arts began. GM McDowell achieved his 1st degree Black Belt at the age of 9, At age 9, GM McDowell won his first of many National Championships in 1968 in Chicago, Illinois.
Grandmaster McDowell went on to win many more National Championships. And was featured in local and national publications Magazines and TV. GM McDowell has been recognized as an authority on Personal protection, a former Criminal Justice instructor, and an expert witness for the judicial court system. Besides his marriage and the birth of his children and grandchildren, one of GM McDowell greatest accomplishments was becoming a Grandmasters certified 8th degree Black Belt.
GM McDowell has had many accomplishments, from martial arts to business, A published Business author 2011 "Behind Your Boss's Door). GM McDowell has trained under Grandmasters, Hwa Chung, Grandmaster Chung So Lim, Sr Grandmaster Edward B Sell, and now under the guidance of Sr. Grandmaster Brenda J Sell.
Eric Sears
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
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Keira Ondrus
Head Instructor
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Kaeden Ondrus
Head Instructor
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Cari Godbehere
Head Instructor
Cari Godbehere has been practicing Taekwondo since September 2018. She began attending classes at the YMCA with Master McDowell while her son took classes. She figured it would be an excellent opportunity to try something new, get some exercise, and learn self-defense. However, once Cari got started, she didn’t want to stop! Cari’s son has moved on to other things, but Cari continues to attend classes and instruct students. Cari loves the discipline and precision involved in forms, the respectfulness taught through Taekwondo, and the practical uses of the art. She finds Taekwondo useful for building confidence, especially for young women and children. There is nothing more rewarding to Cari than seeing a student succeed at something they have been trying hard to learn. Cari believes in teaching through the five tenets of Taekwondo, particularly indomitable spirit. Even when something is hard, you have to try hard not to let it get you down! Outside of Taekwondo, Cari enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her friends and family, particularly her husband and son. She serves frequently through her church on the preaching team, through missions and events, in small group ministry, with technology, and wherever else help is needed. In 2021, Cari authored and published a book called Love God and Love People. Cari has worked for the State of Michigan since 2014 and plans to continue there for many years.
Matthew Shutes
Head Instructor
Matthew Shutes retired from law enforcement in November 2022 in the State of Michigan after 30 years of service. He spent 15 years as a Detective where he worked in specialty units including working in an undercover unit which targeted child predators on a state and federal level. Matthew spent nine years as the team leader for a sheriff’s department hostage negotiations team and nine years as union president presiding over 125 members. Matthew has a multitude of law enforcement certifications including but not limited to: Hostage Negotiations, Verbal Defense and Influence Instructor, Evidence Technician, Field Training Officer, and Pistol, Tactical Shotgun, and Patrol Rifle certifications. Educationally Matthew has a Master’s in Law from Cal Southern University, A Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University, and an Associate’s of Science in Pre Police Administration from Lansing Community College. He has attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois for: Staff and Command Class 322 & Supervision of Police Personnel, Michigan State University for Accident Investigation 1-9, and Delta College for Firefighter I & II training. Matthew started studying Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12 in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Matthew continued his love for Tae Kwon Do under Chief Master Richard McDowell in 1989. He became an assistant instructor for Master McDowell in 1991. Matthew was an avid tournament competitor under Chief Master McDowell in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Matthew studied ninjutsu for around 13 months at the Dexter Bujinkan in Dexter, Michigan. Matthew has trained in ground fighting and close quarters combat. Matthew has trained in gun and knife defense and the police baton. Matthew credits Tae Kwon Do for enriching his career and education as well as saving his life while working as a police officer. Matthew believes the tenets of Tae Kwon Do, especially learning to cultivate an indomitable spirit are the greatest attributes one can learn to become the best person they can be. Matthew is honored to be part of Martial Arts University and encourages everyone young and old to experience and train in TaeKwonDo
Natalie M
Jr. Instructor
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