FOUNDER

Sensei Haydu began training in Isshin-ryu Karate in the 7th grade (1967/68) under Sensei Joseph Guzzo and Master Andrew Adamski (then a green belt) at St. Mary of Mt. Virginia Catholic School in New Brunswick, NJ. As a member of Grand Master Richard Mrofka’s Tigis Karate Society, he advanced to Green Belt in the 8th grade before the class disbanded. The remainder of the class members, all high school seniors, graduated. Sensei Haydu continued to practice Isshin-ryu individually until starting classes under Master Rick Edge at Edge’s Isshin-ryu Karate Dojo in Woodstock, VA. Sensei Haydu advanced to brown belt during this time. However, due to a change in jobs and locations, he again studied on his own for several years. In the late 2010s, he trained under Master Allen Wheeler of the Dragon Karate Society in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Master Wheeler promoted Sensei Haydu to Black Belt (1st Dan) in January 2017. Since returning to Woodstock in 2017, Sensei Haydu is again studying under Master Edge.

Sensei Haydu has not been an active participant in tournament karate in recent years. Previously, he has finished in the top 3 in most, if not all, of the tournaments he has entered. In international competition hosted by the World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes in Hawaii in the early 2000s, Sensei Haydu received first place in age group competition and second overall in sparing (as a Brown Belt).

Doing Karate with his special needs son gave rise to Sensei Haydu’s desire to work with the special needs community. In addition, being a senior citizen himself, he would also like to work with the senior community to promote health benefits such as flexibility, strength, balance, and mental acuity fostered by martial arts.

Sensei Haydu has a BS and MS in Biological Science from Standford University, a Doctor of Osteopathy from UMDJ-SOM, and is Board Certified in General and Vascular Surgery. Although he is now retired, he still has a keen interest in applying scientific and medical principles to karate training.

Sensei Haydu has the utmost gratitude, respect, and thanks for all those he has met during his Isshin-ryu journey, in particular Masters Guzzo, Adamski, Edge, and Wheeler.

God Bless!

Instructor

SiFu Tom Grant has spent over 50 years studying and researching the Chinese martial Arts in Asia and Chinatown NY. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he has studied with some very prominent masters including Master Norman Chin (Jook Lum Jee Praying Mantis System), Grandmaster Alan Lee (Northern Shaolin Style), Master Wan Chi Ming (Hung Ga Kuen Style), Shaolin Warrior Monk Shi Yan Jong (Shaolin Lo Han Chuan Style) and the legendary Chinatown, Grand Master Yee Chi Wai (Dang Fong Hung Ga Kuen Style and Dit Da Ke – Kung Fu “Hit” Medicine), with whom he spent 25 years of intense training. In addition to his years of “External” training, SiFu Grant also spent much of his time training in the “Internal Arts” of Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan), Qi Gong and Nei Gong from the Daoist (Taoist) Master Chen Wei Gwun.

SiFu Grant is a Senior Yup Sut (Inner Chamber) Disciple under Grand Master Yee as well as being one of his original Chinatown, New York students from the early 1980’s. He is among a very select few who are fully authorized to teach the complete Dang Fong Hung Ga Kuen Kung Fu System in its entirety.

Instructor

Elizabeth started her fitness journey in High School by swimming for the local USA Swim Club in Strasburg. She continued that passion into her college time by swimming for the Virginia Tech Club Team, starting a fitness and service fraternity (Alpha Epsilon Psi), and obtaining her personal training certificate. Over the years, she has continued to foster her passion for fitness and service by running in a half marathon, competing in body-building competitions, and becoming a paramedic.

Elizabeth is excited to bring her years of knowledge to the local special needs and senior communities. She has a deep understanding and has seen firsthand, the benefit of movement for these individuals and it is her pleasure to contribute.

Elizabeth continues her fitness journey daily by learning new methods and training for herself. She plans to participate in an Ironman Triathlon in early 2025.

Mrs. Travis holds the following relevant certifications:

• American Council of Exercise (ACE) certified Personal Trainer since 2014.

• ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist

• ACE Functional Training Specialist

• ACE Sports Performance Specialist

• Nationally Registered and Virginia State Registered Paramedic