Pro Karate Center's Certified Instructors
Sensei Dean Lavas,
5th Degree Black Belt (Go Dan)
Sensei Dean Lavas started his Martial Arts training in 1975. He trained in American Combat under Sensei Richy Barathy in Lynbrook, New York. Sensei Dean started his Isshinryu training under Sensei John Ingram in mid 1990's. Sensei Dean traveled to Okinawa in 1999 with Master Harold Mitchum. During his Isshinryu training he learned that the Martial Arts should instill more than just self-defense in it's students, it should build strong character and strong minds.
Sensei Lavas is a certified agent with the kids safety network and does many presentations on stranger awareness in the bay area.
Sensei Gary Repetti,
6th Degree Black Belt (Roku Dan)
Sensei Gary Repetti is a retired police officer who moved from Long Island to Florida in the mid 1980's when he began training with Sensei's John and Cindy Ingram. He earned his Sho-Dan in 1989.
Since the early 1990's Sensei Repetti has also trained with Master Harold Mitchum and traveled with him to Okinawa in 1999.
He is presently a staff member at Pro Karate Center in Palm Harbor, Florida and holds the rank of Roku-Dan (6th degree).
Sensei Nathan McKnight,
4th Degree Black Belt (Yon Dan)
Sensei Nathan began his martial arts training in 1986. He began training in Isshinryu Karate under Sensei John Ingram in 1990. He runs our competitive karate team. He also teaches the Pro Karate Center Leadership class. He is an AAU certified coach and referee. He is also certified in the American Sports Education Program. Sensei Nathan teaches in our Palm Harbor location, Tampa Palms location, and Palm Harbor YMCA location.
Sensei Desiree McKnight,
2nd Degree Black Belt (Ni Dan)
Sensei Desiree McKnight graduated from the University of Florida and is a Registered Nurse. Sensei Desiree has be training in the martial arts since 1993. She is a 5 Time National Champion and was the Florida State Champion in 1997,1998, 1999 and 2000. Desiree competed on the USA National Team in Hungry and Spain. She was on the USA Team that won the World Championships in Spain. She currently working as a pediatric nurse and teaches at our Palm Harbor and Palm Harbor YMCA locations.
Sensei Susie McFadden,
3rd Degree Black Belt (San Dan)
Sensei Susan began her Isshinryu training in 1998. She received her San Dan in 2009. She has been the recipient of the United Isshinryu Karate Association’s Spirit award. She is a multi time National medalist in fighting, weapons, and forms. She has made the National Karate Team multiple times. She is a nationally certified coach and referee. She teaches at our main Pro Karate Center location as well as the Palm Harbor YMCA.
Sensei Reggie Clermont ,
1st degree black belt
Sensei Reggie began his martial arts training in the 80’s. He began training in Isshinryu Karate in 2002. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom. He is the head instructor at our Tampa Palms location.
Other instructors you will encounter at
Pro Karate Center
Greg Crino - 5th Degree Black Belt
Adam Fauber – 3rd degree
Sahori Omi – 1st degree
Katie Brummer – 2nd degree
Meghan Fortune – 1st degree
Nick Chase – 2nd degree
Logan McCoy – 1st degree
Elvir Ciceklic – 1st degree
John Knutson – 1st degree
John Mone - 1st degree