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About USA Karate:
For over 50 years USA Karate has provided world class martial arts instruction in the Twin Cities. Its founders, Gordon Franks and Pat Worley, have helped thousands of students discover the benefits of martial arts training using a philosophy they call "The Powerful Alternative". Through it 10's of thousands of student have used the martial arts as a way to change their lives and improve themselves physically and mentally. Join us and find out how the martial arts can benefit you.
About USA Karate Shakopee:
Established in 2001, USA Karate Shakopee is the most experienced martial arts school in Shakopee. Our head instructor began his martial arts training in 1996 and became a full time instructor in 2002. Using this experience we provide training to students of all ages and ability levels through professional quality martial arts instruction.
We do this by:
Providing a positive, safe and supportive environment for learning.
Creating a structured system of instruction with clear expectations for behavior that help students develop self-discipline, self-control and respect for both their instructors and classmates.
Establishing an advancement system that rewards effort, achievement and promotes goal setting by creating small steps on the route to achieving a larger objective.
Regular success encourages the growth of self-confidence that will carry over into other aspects of life such as in academics..
Developing social and leadership skills, while fostering new friendships and camaraderie by having students work together. Our curriculum also provides many opportunities for students to perform in front of a group.
Building strong bodies by physically challenging students that will improve coordination, balance, flexibility, and core strength.
Developing self-defense skills that will give you automatic karate reflexes.
Head Instructor: Jacob Roell
Mr. Jacob Roell began his martial arts training in 1995 under Master Instructor Klint Klaas and achieved his Black Belt in 1998. Mr. Roell began instructing in 2002, is a successful NCKA circuit sparring competitor, including 1st place at the 1997 NCKA MN State Championships. He is trained in Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In addition to making martial arts training more accessible for all ages and ability levels, Mr. Roell added Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training to the USA Karate Shakopee curriculum and created age focused classes for students as young as 4 years old. He has also helped spread the benefits of martial arts training to the Shakopee community through the USA Karate "Share the Art" program, partnered with the Shakopee Police Department to offer self-defense lessons to the public, and provided personal development seminars for Seagate's "Women in Leadership" program.
Mr. Roell just celebrated his 25th anniversary and has four children aged 19 to 24 whose interests range from Psychology, to Art Director, to Life Guard, to Machinist's Mate on a nuclear Submarine.
Our Founders:
Pat Worley
Pat Worley is a 10th Degree Black Belt in Karate and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with nearly 60 years of experience in the martial arts, He began his martial arts training under Grand Master Pat Burleson in Ft. Worth, Tx in 1967. In 1969, he earned his Black Belt under the instruction of Master Chuck Loven, His Black Belt review panel included well known Martial Artists such as Grand Master Chuck Norris and the father of Texas Karate, Grand Master Allen Steen.
Worley was rated in the national top ten for fighting from 1970 through 1975 and he was a two time National Champion and the number one contender for the World Middleweight title from 1974 to 1977. As a firm believer in the Martial Arts, Pat started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2005 and is currently a 2nd degree black belt. He has competed and medaled in his age group in all the major tournaments.
Gordon Franks
Gordon Franks is a 10th Degree Black Belt with over 55 years of experience in the martial arts. He earned his Black Belt in 1972 under instructor Pat Worley. It took him just three years to win the PKA World Super-lightweight championship in full-contact karate.
Gordon Franks, with his instructor, Pat Worley, helped found the USA KARATE schools (formerly Mid-American Karate). The organization operates several schools in the Twin Cities serving over 3000 active members.
Gordon Franks has been featured in articles in Karate Illustrated Magazine, Professional Karate Magazine, Sport Karate Magazine, American Karate Magazine, Official Karate Magazine and the Minnesota Business Journal. He is listed in the History of Martial Arts, and Who’s Who in American Martial Arts. Franks was the chairman of the PKA Fighters Association and a deputy commissioner on the MN Boxing Commission. His fights have been televised on CBS and ESPN where he has also been the expert commentator for telecasts.
Why Choose USA Karate Shakopee?
Tailored Programs for Everyone No Matter Your Ability Level
Regardless of your age, skill level, or physical condition, we offer programs designed to suit your needs. Our classes cater to children, teens , & adults. Our curriculum adapts to your unique abilities and objectives, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.
Reach Your Goals with USA Karate Shakopee
USA Karate Shakopee specializes in helping you reach your goals through professional quality martial arts instruction. Our program is called the Powerful Alternative because it's specifically designed to improve discipline, respect, confidence, physical fitness and self-defense in a safe & friendly environment.
