Russ Hughes

Senpai Russ began training with Shotokan Karate Academy in August 1995 along with his two children Chris and Kasey (who also attained the rank of Black Belt). Senpai Russ is the ultimate can-do practitioner attending class three weeks after a hip replacement.

He took a five year hiatus from training in 2005 – 2010 shortly after the birth of his son George and spent two years fighting in Iraq.

He resumed training in August 2010 along with his new son George.

Shodan (first-degree black belt): September 1999
Nidan (second-degree black belt): December 2003 Shotokan Karate Academy, Topsham, Maine

Ariel Miller

Ariel is a ninth grade student at Mt. Ararat Middle School in Topsham, Maine. She began training in 2003 at the age of six and earned her Shodan under Mr. Kanazawa of Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) June 2010. Ariel continues to train enthusiastically and is working on several advanced kata.

Nick Breed

Nick is an eighth grade student at Mt. Ararat Middle School in Topsham, Maine. He began training in 2003 at the age of five and earned his Shodan under Mr. Kanazawa of Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) June 2010. Nick continues to train enthusiastically and is working on several advanced kata.

Max Varela

Max is a fourth grade student at Woodside Elementary School in Topsham, Maine. He began training in 2005 at the age of four and earned his Shodan under Mr. Kanazawa of Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) July 2011. Max continues to train enthusiastically and has successfully competed in several internationally sanctioned tournaments.

Josh Thibeault

Josh is a fifth grade student at Woodside Elementary School in Topsham, Maine. He began training in 2005 at the age of five and earned his Shodan-ho (junior first-degree black belt) in May 2010 at Shotokan Karate Academy (SKA). Josh continues to train enthusiastically and is working on advanced kata.