Karen Fresh

A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Karen lived there until December of 1972 when she graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Elementary Education with a minor in mathematics. She married her husband Mark in December of 1973 and has three sons, eight daughters and two granddaughters. She taught outside the home as well as homeschooling her eleven children (plus a friend’s son and a nephew).

She spent some years in the Delaware and Pennsylvania area before moving to northeast Ohio and eventually to Lake Havasu City in June of 1985. Her parents had moved here in August of 1972 and treasuring family, she decided to join them.

Karen joined her sons at Taekwondo in January of 1995 at Spradlin’s Taekwondo. She was joined by her daughters and eventually by her husband. (She received her brown belt the day before her eleventh child was born.)

She began instructing in 1999 and received her Certified Instructor status in October of 2003. (She has since taken classes and recertified through September of 2011.) Besides teaching at Mr. Spradlin’s school, she has also taught Taekwondo (and art) for the Chemhuevi Tribe at Havasu Landing as well as with the Leisure Studies Department and College for Kids at MCC (fourteen years).

Karen is also proud to have attained her fourth degree black belt in July of 2003 having tested in Orlando at Fall Nationals, Las Vegas at Spring Nationals and in Phoenix in the course of attaining this belt level.

She has also enjoyed attending ATA Region 118 camp for eleven of its thirteen years and earning “Most Helpful” awards for two of those years and high rank student one of those years (almost 200 campers each year). This past year she taught Tai Chi at camp. She has also been nominated as Region 118 Student of the Year.

Karen enjoys learning new things and has taken Protech weapons classes with the ATA, including Ssahng Nat, Gum Do, Oh Sung Do, Double Ssahng Jeol Bahng, Windstaff, Jahng Bahng. And to keep herself challenged, she has branched out into Tai Chi for the past four years.

A personal Taekwondo goal is one day to be a “Master”.

Asked why she has stayed with Taekwondo, Karen answers, “Because it’s fun!”

Karen’s other activities include Havasu Christian Home Educators where she helped to start the group 22 years ago and has been a past president; Aglow International, a Charismatic Christian organization, where she is treasurer of both the local and area groups and has been involved for over 20 years; an active member of Our Lady of the Lake (past Religious Education instructor and lector).

Her interests include travel, food, healthy living, math/logic puzzles, arts and crafts

Bill Mitchell

A California native, Bill grew up in San Diego, where, at 17 began Kenpo Karate with Brian Adams & Parker Linekin. This began his journey into several different styles of martial arts: karate, Shito-ryu & Goju-ryu with Minobu Miki; Hsing I Chuan with Mike Patterson; and Rakkan Kenpo with Harley Regan.

Bill attended college in San Diego and has two master degrees: counseling psychology and educational psychology. In 1991 Bill married his wife Cherie, moved to Lake Arrowhead, CAand started their family of 5 children: Bethany, Breanna, Billy, Brynmary and Buck. In LakeArrowhead Bill’s children also became interested in Karate and were introduced to Kenpo Karate at Jeff Speakman’s studio with lessons from Gavin Majors.

Bill and his family moved to Lake Havasu in 2003 after Bill was asked to start a mental health clinic for the Apple Valley High Desert SELPA in the Needles School District. “I brought my family out to Lake Havasu to visit and see if they were willing to relocate. We all fell in love with the city.” In June of 2005 Bill and family began Taekwondo at the Lake Havasu Black Belt Academy from Anita and Scott Brown.

Bill became an instructor trainee in 2008 after Karen Fresh took over the academy following Anita Brown’s death. When asked what he likes most about Taekwondo Bill said, “I enjoy the sparring. It’s like a chess match where you have an opportunity to apply all the forms and techniques you’ve learned and to have your skills sharpened by each match. I also enjoy watching the students progress not only in their skills but also in their character.” I believe Karen Fresh has been a great contribution to the studio by integrating Christian character building into Taekwondo, which also emphasizes character building. As a Psychologist, I have spent my professional career helping people deal with the problems that result from a lack of character and I am proud to be a part of a school that honors Christ as the central key to that development. My goal for Taekwondo is to be part of an organization that through the discipline of the martial arts builds the character, emotional stability and the physical prowess to face the challenges of life and be unafraid and to have the strength to make a difference in this world because they know the Lord Jesus Christ and have the character to “fight the good fight.” Bill became a Certified Trainer in February 2010.

Bill and his family are also involved in Civil Air Patrol where he has served as the Cadet Commander. Enjoying the out doors, Bill has worked as a wilderness & ropes course instructor for outdoor transformational programs for both adults and youth. As a Christian, Bill has been a deacon, Sunday School Teacher and, with his wife Cherie, also helps direct an AWANA camp for youth each summer as a reward for learning Bible verses.

Mark Fresh

A native of Akron, Ohio, Mark lived there until September of 1970 when he transferred from the University of Akron to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Mark Graduated in June 1972 with a BA in Economics and a minor in German. In December of 1973 Mark married Karen with whom he has three sons, eight daughters and two granddaughters. Mark has mainly worked in the field of communications: advertising, sales, public relations and broadcasting.

Mark and Karen lived in the Wilmington, Delaware - Philadelphia, PA area before moving back to Northeast Ohio and eventually to Lake Havasu City in June of 1985, answering the pleas of maternal “grandparents.” (Karen’s parents had moved here in August, 1972.)

Usually the guy behind the video camera at TKD testing, awards and demonstrations, Mark realized that, unlike President’s who receive honorary “Black Belts,” he would have to “earn” his way so, in June 2003, joined classes for himself and to support Karen in her ambition of becoming a “Master” which meant her eventually becoming a school owner.

In August of 2005, Mark earned his First Degree Black Belt; in October 2006, his second degree. In December, 2008, he joined the Instructor Training Program. In February 2010, he advanced to certified trainer level.

“Taekwondo has improved my skills at memorizing sequences, improved my physical fitness and provided many satisfying moments on the floor for both forms and sparring.”

In addition to stints in Christian Radio and Television, Mark has taught public school for five years, Community College Courses for eight years, and publishing for 4 years. He continues his “hobby” of video production.

He is now doing phone sales for Core Logic which offers services to truckers.

Mark’s other activities have included Havasu Christian Home Educators, Ushering at Our Lady of the Lake, campaigns for city and county office and Havasu Girl’s Softball.

Other interests include filmography, chess, golf, playing the accordion and videography.

James Jeremiah

Jim started Taekwondo at the beginning of 2008.  He followed his daughter Natalee.  He enjoys staying physically fit by practicing his forms.  He will be testing for his black belt in August 2010 and for Second Degree Recommended in August 2011.  He is an excellent teacher who likes to teach by positive example.  His attitude and enthusiasm are contagious!  He has enjoyed attending tournaments and recommends that everyone go.  Last year he took third place in weapons for the state and this year he took third in sparring.  He became a certified trainer in February 2010.

Jim has a B.S. in Computer Science from Indiana Wesleyan University and is a teacher and musician.  He works in the computer department at MCC.

David Wright

David was born in Phoenix, AZ.  He is married to Corbi and they have a son, Tristan, and a daughter, Taylor.  Tristan began Taekwondo first and about a year ago David joined him.  David enjoys Taekwondo for the discipline it builds in him and in other members of his family that take Taekwondo. He really enjoys the competition and comraderie  he gets from going to tournaments. David became an instructor because he enjoys working with young people and teaching them new skills and watching their self-confidence build through their journey.  When asked what he likes best about Taekwondo, he says, “It has brought me closer to my family!” He received his First Degree Black Belt in August 2011.  He was Arizona State Champion in Forms for this past year in the Men’s 40 to 49 color belt category.

David works in marketing for a large private membership resort group.  Besides Taekwondo, he enjoys many sports and loves to travel with his family.

Rick Boucher

Rick was born at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland in 1970.  Along with his wife Dodie, he has two children.  He does baseball with Robbie and Taekwondo with Kelly.

He has been doing Taekwondo for almost three years and has rapidly progressed to a first degree black belt.  He likes Taekwondo for its discipline and exercise and also for spending quality family time with his daughter.  He works very hard at perfecting his form and became an instructor in June 2010 so he could help others learn forms.  He works extremely well with students by setting a positive example and encouraging them to do their best.  He enjoys training for and then going to tournaments. This year he took second in weapons and third in forms in the state.

Rick is a designer and a property manager with Londonderry Realty.  Besides Taekwondo, Rick enjoys racing bikes, baseball and camping.

Corbi Wright

Corbi was born in Cortez, CO and  grew up in the small town of Dolores, CO.  She works from home as a bookkeeper and also is a homeschool mom with a kindergartner and a preschooler.

Corbi has been studying Taekwondo for about two years.  She joined Taekwondo to get some exercise, but also for a fun activity for her whole family to enjoy.  She joined the Leadership program to set an example for her children.  She is hoping they will follow her lead and become leaders. Her oldest recently joined the instructor program.  This year she was third in forms and third in sparring in the state.

Corbi likes almost all sports including wakeboarding and scuba diving.  She also enjoys traveling, reading and crafts. An interesting fact about Corbi is that she served in the U.S. Navy.  She is always looking for ways to improve herself.  Asked if she would like to add anything, she replied, “I love my life!”

Alexandra Fresh

Alexandra is the 10th child and seventh daughter of Mark and Karen Fresh.  She was born here in Lake Havasu in April of 1994.  Alex has been blessed with beautiful dimples and thick wavy hair.  Her personality though is what is the most beautiful.  She shines as a wonderful friend and servant.  Alex has been homeschooled and will be a senior this coming year.  She thrives on organization so always keeps on task and is a joy as a student.  She also likes to keep the home organized and has a way of doing so without offending others.

Alex began her Taekwondo career at age 2 1/2.  She has always been quite coordinated and mature.  She was able to follow along from the sidelines and was so asked to join the class in September of 1996. She received her third degree black belt in February 2003.  She took a few years off and came back.  She became and Instructor Trainee in 2009.

Besides Taekwondo, Alex really enjoys playing softball and has been played league ball for many years and now has played on the Lake Havasu high school team for the past two years. She is also very involved in her church and was the president of the Youth Group this and also a member of the parish council. She was also president of the home school youth group. She has helped with Vacation Bible School, College for Kids and is a camp counselor.  She graduated high school this past May is now attending Mohave Community College.  Last semester at MCC she was outstanding Math student.

Will Mitchell

Will was born in Lake Arrowhead, California in April of 1996. He is homeschooled and in the ninth grade. He is the middle child with two older sisters and a younger sister and younger brother.

Will has been taking Taekwondo for six years at the Lake Havasu Black Belt Academy. He likes to come to Taekwondo because it is fun. He likes to learn new moves and to spar. He is now branching out into gymnastics to hopefully be able to offer XMA to our program. He joined the Junior Leadership program in March of 2008 and upgraded to Leadership in January 2010. Helping people and watching them improve are the reasons Will gives for training to be an instructor.

Will’s other interests include: hunting, bicycling, dirt biking, playing with airsoft guns and AWANA. Will is very talented at electronic things.

Nicholas Rolando

Nicholas was born in the small city of Lake Havasu in November of 1995.  Currently he is in the 10^th grade at Lake Havasu High School, where he is an Honor Roll student.  He looks forward to being part of the “Class of 2014.” Along with school, he is Director of Social Media for Mad Dog Wireless.

Nicholas joined Taekwondo in May of 2002.  Being the conscientious person he is, Nicholas took his time going through the belts, and received his 1^stDegree Black Belt in August of 2007.  Two years later, in December of 2009, he achieved his rank of 2^nd Degree Black Belt.

Taekwondo has been a great interest of Nicholas’ for a long time.  He enjoys the fun atmosphere of making new friends, as well as learning techniques that could benefit him in self defense and daily life.

As an instructor, Nicholas would like to share his beliefs and values of the martial arts. He would like his students to remember that the biggest room in the world is the “Room for Improvement”, basically meaning that he wishes for the student to practice hard on mastering their belts and techniques.

Besides Taekwondo, Nicholas enjoys his creative outlets. He likes to read books, and write stories. Nicholas has also performed in the “Havasu For Youth” Drama program for 2 ½ years. He and most of his friends really enjoy acting.

Nicholas is eager to help teach new people about the fun art of Taekwondo. He has been truly fortunate to be mentored by some great people. He thanks Mr. Spradlin, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Fresh for helping him accomplish all he has achieved thus far.

Kaden Lin

Kaden is ten years old. A snake in the Chinese zodiac. Kaden is in fifth grade at Telesis in the fall of 2011. Kaden is good at math and science. But his passion is Taekwondo. He started lessons the summer before he entered Kindergarten. It will be two years in August since his first class. He is now a second degree belt.

Taekwondo has taught Kaden patience and respect. It has helped him improving his memory and perseverence. It has also helped him in improving his physical abilities, both in his balance and self-control. Since Kaden has started Taekwondo, he has graduated to each belt as a mature student (rather than what is required as a Tiny Tiger). He has never passed to the next belt without earning it at an above age-appropriate average.

Since joining the Junior Leadership program, Kaden has become more self-confident and able to give direction to others. Kaden is a hard-working, persistent, well-behaved kid. He is loved by his mom and dad and little sisters immensely. He has made his family very proud in his Taekwondo achievements.

Natalee Jeremiah

Natalee began her Taekwondo career at age four.  Her enthusiasm for the martial arts is her best attribute.  It carries her to great accomplishments in Taekwondo.  She enjoys going to tournaments and winning those trophies and ribbons. She is now a first degree black belt.  Natalee joined the Junior Leadership program in June of 2009.  She is a great example in showing flexibility and XMA moves.  When asked why she does Taekwondo, she answers, “Because it is so FUN.”

Natalee is in fourth grade at Havasupai school.  Besides Taekwondo Natalee enjoys reading and being involved in Girl Scouts.

Kelly Boucher

Kelly was born in Hemet, California and is the lovely daughter of Rick and Dodie.  She is in the third grade at Jamaica Elementary School.  She has one older brother.

Kelly has been doing Taekwondo for three years and is at the rank of first degree black belt.  She likes Taekwondo so that she can learn to defend herself.  Her favorite part is breaking boards to show what awesome power she has.  We love having Kelly to demonstrate to others how to put power into their forms. She also likes coming to Taekwondo because of the friends she has made here.  She joined the Junior Leadership program in June 2010 so she can help new students.  She also thought it would make her better so that she could become an amazing black belt. She enjoys tournaments.

Besides Taekwondo, Kelly enjoys riding bikes, drawing and writing stories.  We love the pictures she gives to decorate our Academy.

Jeffrey Chapin

Jeffrey was born and raised here in Lake Havasu.  He is in the 8th grade this year at Thunderbolt.  Jeffrey joined Taekwondo the beginning of June 2010 and is enthusiastic about it!  In August 2010 he joined the Leadership program.  He had a friend in Taekwondo and now he has many.  What he likes best about Taekwondo is learning to defend himself with his friends – then they will all be safer.  Because Jeffrey was excelling with his form and things, he helped others at his rank and decided that he liked to lead and so joined Leadership.

Besides Taekwondo, Jeffrey likes reading, studying and other sports.  One thing interesting about Jeffrey is that he loves to write.  Jeffrey spent two weeks last summer with People to People visiting London and France.  It was a great experience and he came back with 800 pictures. It took much perseverance to raise the money for this trip.  He is hoping to go again this coming summer. Jeffrey would just like to add, “I love Taekwondo!”

Jacob Billings

Jacob was born in September 1999 in Palm Springs, CA, but moved to Hines, Oregon when he was three weeks old.  He is in sixth grade at Havasupai Elementary School.

He has been studying Taekwondo for two and a half years and is hoping to be a black belt in October. He likes Taekwondo because “it centers me, helps me focus and concentrate on what I am doing”.  He joined the Leadership team because other leaders recommended him and because he likes helping others become as centered as he is. “I hope to become a good instructor and eventually have my own school.”

Jacob has many other interests including basketball, football, games, video games, Legos, music and piano.  He likes people; he likes helping; he likes to talk.  He has great instructor characteristics.