| Top Competitor Bio |
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Photos Of Former Instructors And Students...
 Instructor: Bill Gannage |
Bio: Bill Gannage Bill began studying With Sensei Wancket in 1996, after watching both his son, Ryan, and daughter, Melissa, (started later after also watching Ryan), take karate lessons with Sensei Wancket. Bill earned his 1st degree black belt in 1999 and his 2nd degree black belt in 2001. When asked about his involvement with the program, Bill often recognizes the pleasure he receives from watching these young adults succeed, when in other things they may have often struggled. Bill enjoys Golf, Karate, and spending time at "the Ranch" with his horses and dogs. |
Instructor: Shirley Hoppis |
Bio: Shirley Hoppis Shirley watched her son, Andrew, take karate lessons in May of 1997 from the stage area of the dojo for over a year. She was tired of just watching karate, she wanted to do it. So... she says, " I begged Ms. Wancket and Ms. Anne to let me learn karate too." September 8, 1998 was her first class. Shirley received her 1st degree black belt in April of 2001, and her 2nd degree black belt in 2004. Shirley loves teaching and doing karate. She enjoys the students at our dojo and appreciates their parents. When Sensei Wancket asked Shirley to be an instructor, it was... and still is, a dream come true. Shirley says she feels very privileged to learn from Sensei Wancket and to be one of her instructors at the school. Students and parents can contact Shirley using the email link below to inquire about private lessons or other questions. 
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 Instructor: Anne Farber |
Bio: Anne Farber Anne's sons, Chris and Matt, were in the first ever Wancket's Art of Karate class, upon recommendation of Dr. Alexander. Anne helped hold pads in class and later was asked by Sensei Wancket to join the class. So, Anne started her studies in karate in October of 1993. She began teaching in 1994, as a yellow belt. Anne loves working with children and seeing that they have fun and success in class. Anne earned her 1st degree black belt in 1998 and her second degree in 2000. Anne worked for 17 years at Honeywell Inc., and 6 years at Schuler Shoes. She is now in her 6th year as an Orthotic Lab Tech. at Promet Inc. Anne's interests include karate, gardening, fishing, and boating. |
 Instructor: Steve Garren |
Bio: Steve Garren Steve studied Taekwondo at National Karate from 1995 through 1997. He started his Shorei-Ryu studies at Wancket's Art of Karate with his son, Nick, in 2002. Helping students to improve their karate technique and power are just two of the things Steve enjoys about teaching karate. In the 2004-2005 tournament season, Steve earned 1st place in 4 state and regional tournaments in his division, for Traditional Karate Forms. Steve earned his Bachelors Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1983. He is a Comfort Advisor for Sedgwick Heating and Air Conditioning. He is also the web designer for this website. Steve enjoys karate and golf. Students and parents can contact Steve using the email link below to inquire about private karate lessons or other questions.
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Instructor: Ron Forneris |
Bio: Ron Forneris All we really know about Ron so far is that he is Tony's dad, (and Tony is a very talented black belt), Ron has won trophies as part of team "Achey Bones"... and someday we hope that he will provide a better bio than this one to us for you to see.
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 Instructor: Joyce Brekke -OWNER OF JK MARTIAL ARTS |
Bio: Joyce Brekke Joyce observed her daughter, Katie, achieve her black belt in October of 2004. At her daughter’s suggestion, Joyce eagerly started taking karate lessons. The first year she entered tournaments she won 1st place in every tournament she entered; 11 trophies. She has since added to that number! Teaching has been integral in Joyce’s life, as a swimming instructor, baton instructor, respiratory care instructor, in health care management and sales management. Her enthusiasm for the art of karate and her disciplined focus is transmitted to her students. They like her supportive manner and her understanding of how each student learns and progresses. Joyce expresses with humbleness the honor she feels as an instructor of this ancient art, and the value of being taught by a very talented and skilled Sensei Wancket-Yue.
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 Instructor: John Pullis |
Bio: John Pullis
John Pullis has studied karate with Sensei Wancket-Yue since September of 2004, joining his son Jake and his class, the "Chargers". John feels happy and humble to be studying the ancient art of Shorei-Ryu and to be one in the unbroken timeline back to the original Sensei. John has lived in Chaska, MN for the past 7 years, with his wife of almost 25 years, Jake and Sadie, the best dog in the world. John earned his Bachelors degree from LaSalle College in 1982, then attended The New York Restaurant School and The School for American Chefs in Napa Valley, California. John is Executive Chef for Twin City Grill, Tucci Benucch, and the Magic Pan Creperie. John was thrilled when Sensei recently asked him to join the team of instructors. John's interests include cycling, weightlifting, literature, history and politics.
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#1
Chris Farber was the very first student ever recommended to Wancket's Karate at its inception in 1993 by our school's founder Dr. Jeffrey Alexander. Chris is a black belt, and 14 years later is still involved with the karate school. |
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