Karate 4 Kids USA holds classes in studios, schools, gymnasiums, community and recreation centers in and around Los Angeles every week. Karate 4 Kids USA Founder and Director Master Vince DonVito and his group of talented instructors continue to teach thousands of children from ages 3 ½ to 85 with their enthusiastic and positive attitudes.
MASTER VINCE DONVITO, became interested in Martial Arts after seeing the classic film ENTER THE DRAGON. He began his training in Tae Kwon Do and earned his first Black Belt under Mr. Nat Rivera in the Bronx, New York. Vince followed his passion for working with children in 1987, where he started performing in STUNTWORKS, a touring company that brought theatre and stage combat to kids.
In 1992, Vince started teaching Tang Soo Do in Beverly Hills. It was at this time that Master DonVito began developing the foundation for his own karate studio, where he could continue to pursue his dream of building strong, safe, and smart children through the martial arts. In 1996 Karate 4 Kids USA was launched in Studio City, with 2 classes and 12 students. That number quickly expanded to over 500 children and is still growing. In addition to children’s classes, Master DonVito instructs successful and enthusiastic groups of senior citizens at OASIS. The students at OASIS range in age from 60-85 and have been highlighted on several television shows as well as in the Los Angeles Times.
Master Vince DonVito
THERESA LEE is a New York native and comes to us by way of Georgia. In New York she began her training at the age of 5 and a few years later earned her black belt under Grand Master James “Tiger” Kim and Master Richard Weston of Tiger Kim’s Martial Arts Academy in Fresh Meadows, NY. Living in Georgia she taught various martial arts enrichment programs for Blue Wave TKD, the Athens Montessori School and Union Point Elementary school. Ms. Lee is a SEAAU Forms Champion and has achieved a black belt in Tang Soo Do and is a certified 4th Dan WTF Master. Her strong family influences have taught her why compassion, devotion, and patience are necessary in not only dealing with students, but with life in general.
DARYL CRITTENDEN born and raised in Muscle Shoals, AL. , Mr. Crittenden has been taking Tang Soo Do since 1988, when he received a gift of a YMCA Membership for Christmas. Four years later, Mr. C was awarded his black belt. Growing up in Alabama Provided for lots of free time for him, so after high school he trained with Barnum and Bailey Clown College and from there ran away to college. During college Mr. C continued his martial arts education as well as an education in underwater basket weaving and some theatre. Four short years later he emerged from the depths of college with a bright future and hope in his eyes. He then moved to NYC where that was all quickly crushed out of him and where he became the scarred - smelly - curly haired person we see today. Mr. C eventually found his way West to a little town called LA where he decided to continue his love and passion for martial arts and sand grain collecting. As an instructor, he's trained everything from children to cops and even some small animals. All donations to Mr. C can be left at the lockers in the back of the studio, for that is where Master DonVito keeps him when he doesn't send him out on secret missions beating up Green Ninjas.... (They're Irish)
JONATHAN FIGUEROA has practiced Tang Soo Do from 2000.
Mr. Figueroa achieved Dan status in 2007 and began instructing that same year. He is currently working towards his college degree in architecture. Along with Tang Soo Do, Mr. Figueroa has background in Muay Thai and has been assisting Ninja Nites and Birthday parties for the past 4 years.
AJ IANNOLO is attending Pierce College studying for a degree in Kinesiology. He has been teaching martial arts for a little over 5 years. He is currently a third degree black belt in Hapkido.
AJ considers it a joy teaching kids Martial Arts. Watching their minds click when they realize they have it or can do it just makes his day.
Like her brother, BAILEY IANNOLO is a third degree black belt and has been studying martial arts for 15 years. She also plays soccer and coaches in the AYSO.
Bailey has been teaching for 5 years and enjoys working with children as they always have something to teach her. Born and raised here in the San Fernando Valley, Bailey’s goal in life is to be a doctor and work to find a cure for cancer and other devastating diseases. She looks forward to her journey in life and the gift of smiling faces children bring.
And, last, but not least, SVACH! Karate 4 Kids mascot!
Now I have the opportunity to experience first hand and know what great instructors you are. You don’t just go through the motions. Your passion and respect for the art really comes through in everything you do. - Bill G.
PATTI RANDALL has been studying Martial Arts for over 16 years. She started when her two kids, Mr. AJ and Miss Bailey, were in karate class and she thought maybe she should join rather than sitting on the sidelines and watch. The family ended up getting their black belts the same year. Not only has it kept her in good shape, it has kept her very close to her three kids.
Ms. Randall also has a Masters Degree in Holistic Health a Naturopath.
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