Mike & Maureen Rhoads   Mike and Maureen Rhoads have been in business in Gaston County owning and operating as Gaston Academy of Martial Arts since 1994. They became Mike Rhoads Karate over three years ago, placing emphasis on the name of the Master who developed a majority of what is taught now. Mike Rhoads has over 25 years experience in Martial Arts, studying with the best in the business: world renowned Rickson Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Grandmaster Wally Jay, Grandmaster Bobby Toboada and Soke Irwin Carmichael. He has studied Kempo, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Balintawak Arnis, Krav Maga, Boxing, and Wrestling. He has toured internationally and is 2004 recipient of the World Head of Family Sokeship Counsel Hall of Fame Award for his practice in the Balintawak Escrima style. He is a certified instructor of that style under the direction of Grandmaster Toboada. Master Rhoads is a 6th degree black belt in the Shorinji Tetsukendo Kempo style of martial arts, devoting his career to teaching the discipline and training the youth of our community. Maureen has over 15 years of experience in martial arts and is a 3rd degree black belt in Shorinji Kempo. She has over 20 years of business experience and currently manages Mike Rhoads Karate as well as instructs classes. Together, Mike and Maureen have four children. Their hobbies include travel, cooking, biking, camping, and hiking.     Dr. Randall Gehle   Dr. Randall Gehle has over 20 years Martial Arts experience in 3 different styles. He is a 3rd degree black belt in the Shorinji Kempo style. Dr. Gehle is a practicing family physician in McAdenville. He served in the Navy as a Medical Officer and with the Marines during the first Gulf War. After Navel service he and his wife Annette settled in Belmont and have been here over 12 years. Interests include karate, woodworking, travel, cooking, and college football (go Gators). He has been with Mike Rhoads Karate for 5 years and is currently a Lead Instructor at the main headquarter location.       Joseph Difini   Joseph Difini began his training with Mike Rhoads Karate at age 5. Now twelve years later he is a lead instructor at the main headquarter location. Joseph earned his Shodan Black belt in 2008. He was born in Miami, Florida and now attends Gaston Christian School. His hobbies include basketball, outdoor activities, and spending time with family.         Randy Gutierrez   Randy Gutierrez has been involved in martial arts since the age of 10. He has trained in Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Japanese GoJu, and Balintawak Arnis as well as Shorinji Kempo. He is a veteran of the 1st Gulf war. His focus is mainly competitive sparring and grappling. He is the Lead Instructor at the South Myrtle School Rd location and also teaches classes at the main headquarter school in Gastonia. Hobbies include mountain biking and snowboarding. Randy is married to wife Guilliana. They have one daughter, Stella.         Michael Rhyne, Jr.   Michael Rhyne was born and raised in Gaston County. He joined the Navy out of High School and spent more than two and a half years in the Seal Teams. After his Navy career, Michael continued to explore the martial arts. He earned his Black belt with Mike Rhoads Karate and is currently the Lead Instructor at the Kings Mountain location. His hobbies include archery, hunting, firearms, weapons training, and grappling. Michael is married and has three children.         Scott Hawkins   Scott Hawkins is a native of Kings Mountain, NC and a registered nurse in a local emergency room. He has over 17 years of Martial arts experience in various styles. Scott was the previous Lead Instructor at the Kings Mountain location. He stepped down due to family obligations and is now a substitute instructor for all locations. His hobbies include running, swimming, and spending time with family. Scott is married to wife Amy. They have one son Aidan.             Ely Rhoads   Ely Rhoads has been involved in martial arts since he was three years old. He earned his Academy Black belt with Mike Rhoads Karate at age seven. In addition to karate, Ely is also a member of boy’s team gymnastics under Coach Jason Woodnick at the First in Flight Gym in Gastonia, NC. Ely is eight years old and will attend third grade this upcoming year. He assists Instructors in classes when needed.         Matthew Hicks   Matthew Hicks has been training in the martial arts with Mike Rhoads Karate for over two years. Being part of the Leadership team since 2008 he has accelerated in many areas of his training. Matthew earned his Academy Black belt in April 2009. He is an assistant instructor at the main headquarter location and plans to become a fully qualified instructor in the near future. Matthew is currently in middle school.         Abigail Cross   Abigail Cross has been training at Mike Rhoads Karate for two years and earned her purple belt in June 2009. She has also been a member of the leadership team since early 2008. Abigail is twelve years old and a rising 7th grader at Cramerton Middle School. She is also a serious ballet student at Gaston Dance Theatre and hopes to one day dance professionally.