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Meet Our Instructors

Our instructors at PMA are top notch. Their vast experience brings you many methods and options for your training. Please click on an instructor's name to read a detailed biography.

Ruben West - Karate

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Ruben is currently a 6th degree Blackbelt instructor in the Dillman Karate International (DKI). He started his Karate training in the 1980's at Washburn University under the direction of Head Instructor Ronnie Moore. He trained in judo at the Topeka Judo Academy and studied judo/jujitsu from instructors Ron Vowel (Carbondale, KS) and Katsumasa Nohara (Japan). He trained under Sensei Moore for close to nine years. In 1995 he attended a World Matsubayashi-ryu Karate-do Association (WMKA) seminar. There he met Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine, founder of Matsuybayashi Ryu Karate and his son Takioshi Nagamine, current director the WMKA organization. It was then that he learned of the many opportunities to train with the Masters from Okinawa and deepen his understanding of the art. While in Canada testing for his San-dan rank, Ruben was shown a tape of Grand-master George A. Dillman and was amazed at what he discovered. Though the Masters from Okinawa often spoke of the pressure points and the advanced breakdown of kata application, they were reluctant to show it in such a large seminar setting.

Ruben started studying the books and tapes of Grandmaster Dillman. He attended a live seminar where Grandmaster Dillman demonstrated a touch chi knockout on him. He applied and was accepted into the DKI organization. Though Ruben has worked in surgery along side various surgeons for over 15 years, he attributes his pressure point knowledge to the DKI masters who have given him personal instruction.

Kevin Wilson - Karate

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Kevin is 4th degree Black Belt in Dillman Karate International, and has been studying the Martial Arts since 1993. The Martial Arts has positively influenced his life in so many ways. As an instructor and teacher, it is his goal to provide the same positive influence to students, so that they may appreciate the art of self-defense, physical fitness, and aspects of Eastern culture.

Kevin was first introduced to Karate at Washburn University under the instruction of Mr. Ronnie Moore. After initially training with Mr. Moore, he focused his studies under Mr. Ruben West. After years of training with Mr. West, they eventually opened a school together Professional Martial Arts. They have taught, and currently teach children, youth, and adults.

A large part of Martial Arts training is knowing how to defend yourself. However, there are so many other aspects of training. Understanding the principles of Respect, Self Control, and Concentration are aspects of training that Kevin tries to instill in every student. Through studying Martial Arts, these principles become second nature and help to provide confidence and maturity in everything that we do.

When walking into the dojo, a certain attitude is expected of each student (and teacher). Kevin has spoken about once reading a quote that spoke of this, and ended with "the world is the dojo". This positive outlook on the world and each other is probably the most important part of our training.

Training and Experience

WMKA (World Matsubayashi Karate-Do Association) New York / Japan Instructor Professional Martial Arts since 1997. Assisted in and taught Women's Self-Defense Courses. Studied and Ranked in Judo/Ju-Jitsu (Katsumasa / Japan, Ron Vowel / Carbondale, KS) Work with Training Experience International Citizens Against Crime DKI Member (Dillman Karate International Pressure Point Fighting Methods)

John Van Sickel - Taiji

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John began his martial arts training in grade school at Offut Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. He enrolled in Judo classes being taught by GI's who had learned the art when stationed in Japan. In Junior High & High School he took classes in Kung-fu from a KU student who had learned the art in New York's Chinatown. While attending Washburn in the 80's John began his study of Shorin Ryu Matsubayashi Karate-do under Michael Moore (Ronnie Moore's brother). It was under Sensei Moore that he earned his first black belt. After graduate school John continued to train in Shorin Ryu with Frank Miller and Garye Caleb. Sensei Caleb tested and awarded Sensei Van Sickel his nidan.

In the 70's John first read the Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere (a martial arts classic) but it wasn't until the early 90's before he was able trian in Aikido with senseis Gary Boaz and Marc Tolbert who then introduced him to Shihan Bill Sosa. Sensei Sosa tested and awarded John both his shodan and nidan in Aikido. It was during this time that Sensei Van Sickel met Taiji Master Chun Man Sit. Master Sit has studied and taught Wu style Taiji and Tai Hui (6 elbows Kung fu) for over 35 years. Master Sit continually challenges John to incorporate the principles of Taiji with those of Aikido.

The subtlety and power of a unified mind/body/spirit that is emphasized in Aikido and Taiji continue to inspire him. John has seen first hand the positive impact of the martial arts and strives to pass this on to his students.

Brian Gillaspie

Brian currently holds the rank of Shodan in Aikido. Brian was introduced to Aikido when he took his son to a children's Aikido class at Comprehensive Self Defense Systems (CSDS) under Sensei Gary Boaz. After the children's class was finished, Brian decided to participate in the Adult class and has been training ever since. A few months after he started training, CSDS closed and the Aikido program moved to Professional Martial Arts. Late in 2007 Sensei Boaz moved to Phoenix, AZ and selected Brian to replace his as Chief Instructor of Aikido.

In addition to Aikido, Brian also studies Kyusho Jitsu under Gary Boaz and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Marc Monaco. Although Aikido does include striking and ground defenses they are not the main focus of the art so the knowledge gained from the study of pressure points and ground work has allowed him to improve his overall ability as a martial artist.

Over the last few years Brian has been fortunate to attend several seminars where he has received training in Systema, Kung Fu, Judo, Karate, Taiji, Shaolin Kenpo, American Kenpo, and Shinkendo. Although he has found many similarities between the various styles of martial arts, he believes everyone can benefit by keeping your mind open and exploring what other arts have to offer.

Corey Fearing - Karate

Corey was honorably discharged in May of 95 after spending 5 years in the U.S. Army. While in the military he was taught basic self defense and some hand to hand combat. Looking to maintain a high level of physical fitness as well as sharpen his self defense skills; he came to Midwest Martial Arts in May of 97 and started his training under Sensei Ruben West. Through countless hours of class and numerous hours of private instruction he obtained his blackbelt in May of 2000. Though his Nidan rank is in the art of karate, Corey has also had grappling training and studied judo/jujitsu under Sensei Ron Vowel (Carbondale, KS).

Corey asserts that grappling will test the limits of your mental and physical toughness while making you a well rounded martial artist. Even though he has not reached his blackbelt rank in judo, he attests that the journey has been very helpful in his quest for overall martial arts excellence.

Corey is also an avid practitioner of the Kyusho Jitsu/Dillman Fighting Method. Corey feels that since the head instructor, Ruben West, has worked in surgery along side various surgeons for over 15 years, he has been able to rapidly advance in his study of pressure points. This advance study has given him a greater appreciation for martial arts training.

Anthony Martinez - Karate

Anthony began his martial arts training under Ronnie Moore in 1996 at Midwest Martial Arts. Anthony later redirected his training under Master Ruben West at Professional Martial Arts. He is currently a first-degree black belt under the Dillman Karate Method. He has been to the famous Muhammad Ali Training Camp several times to train with Grandmaster George Dillman and many other Master level instructors. He believes that Karate is more than a sequence of moves; he believes that there is a more complex interpretation to each move within any martial art.

In addition to Karate, he is actively involved in: Mayor's Youth Council, Hayden Service Club, International Club, SADD, National Honor Society, Youth Court, Future Business Leaders of America, and Student Council. Anthony will attend Benedictine College this Fall.

Kathy Lewis - Karate

Kathy is a 1st degree Black Belt in Professional Martial Arts, and has been studying Karate since 2000. She sees the Martial Arts as more than exercise, conditioning, or self-defense though all of these are a part. It is a way of life that maintains physical fitness while providing positive direction to social interactions with others and mental alertness. There is always more to learn and much to improve in ways that are quite different from day to day life, but improves all facets of life.

Kathy was first exposed to Karate while attending aerobic kick boxing classes at PMA. Both Mr. West and Mr. Wilson taught these classes which included many of the basic techniques of Karate. It was also an opportunity to talk to students of Karate and see their class activities.

She received her 1st degree rank in 2005 after 5 years of study at PMA as well as participation in a variety of seminars. These included George Dillman Summer Camps in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2008 where she learned from internationally recognized masters. Other activities include attending all Budo Camps, a Pressure point seminar with Jim Corn in 2001, a 2 day Modern Arnis Workshop with Remy Presas Jr, and several months of instruction in Gracie Barra ground fighting. She is currently a student of Taiji at PMA.

Kathy has participated in 16 tournaments to date including the Sunflower Games, Tornado Internationals, and a number of locally sponsored events. She sees competition as a way to see other styles and sharpen her own skills and has 12 first place, 11 second place, and 9 third place awards in Kata, weapons, and point sparring.

The Martial Arts are a satisfying life time endeavor that makes you a better person.

Roger Lewis - Karate

Roger is a 1st degree Black Belt in Professional Martial Arts, and has been studying Karate since 2000. His interest initially was for the conditioning and health aspects, and as a subject to learn that is dramatically different from working with computer systems. This evolved into curiosity for the history of the art and the similarities and differences between the various styles.

Roger was first exposed to Karate while attending aerobic kick boxing classes at PMA. Both Mr. West and Mr. Wilson taught these classes which included many of the basic techniques of Karate. It was also an opportunity to talk to students of Karate and see their class activities.

He received his 1st degree rank in 2005 after 5 years of study at PMA as well as participation in a variety of seminars. These included George Dillman Summer Camps in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2008 where he learned from internationally recognized masters. Other activities include attending all Budo Camps, a Pressure point seminar with Jim Corn in 2001, and a 2 day Modern Arnis Workshop with Remy Presas Jr. He is currently a student of Taiji at PMA.

Roger was encouraged to participate in tournaments as a way to learn about other styles, better learn the forms, and overall sharpen his Karate skills. He has participated in 13 tournaments as an under belt including the Sunflower Games, Tornado Internationals, and a number of locally sponsored events and has 4 first place, 3 second place, and 6 third place ratings in Kata, weapons, and point sparring.

Karate is a view into hundreds of years of Okinawa history, customs, and traditions. At the same time it is a modern, evolving martial art for self defense and a great way to keep in shape.