HAPKIDO ELITE

cabinet MEMBERS

Executive Overseer
David C Bateman
DoJuNim David Bateman is a 9th degree black belt in TaeKwondo, 8th degree black belt in Hapkido, 5th Dan Kukkiwon, and mentored and certified by Grandmaster George Petrotta. On May 13th, 2024, he was awarded a 10th Degree Black belt via USEKA board (est. 1985). This was awarded due to creating 37 Taekwondo and weapons Hyungs (forms) and developing a system of original martial arts curriculum all the way to 10th Dan. Training since 1972, he is the founder of United States Expert Karate Association and system and the World Geom Beop Do Society. Over 40 years he has practiced in Hapkido, TaeKwonDo, Kickboxing, MMA training, and complete Mastery of the Korean Geom (sword). He is a two time USA Martial Art Hall of Fame recipient and a two time National Medalist in Olympic Taekwondo. Throughout his career, He has trained over 5000 students and certified over 350 champion black belts. He is also a United States WAKO kickboxing certified coach.
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Website: www.expertkarate.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.c.bateman

President
Julia Bean Bateman
Julia Bean Bateman has been doing Martial Arts since 2009. She is a 4th degree in TaeKwonDo, USEKA, and Sung Ja Do Hapkido. She was voted in as USEKA organization President in 2019. Julia has competed in Taekwondo in state and national competitions in her martial arts career. She also was a 2021 Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee. She takes pride in supporting Force Academy Dojang in Cleveland, TN by keeping the Bateman legacy alive through her contribution of time, sponsorship, and teaching. Besides maintaining the USEKA Organization, Julia is a General Manager in the food industry. She leads by example by working hard both in life and sport!
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Website: www.expertkarate.org
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Vice President
MariLiis Victoria Bateman
MariLiis is a World recognized 5th degree black belt in USEKA, Sung Ja Do Hapkido, and World Kickboxing Council. She also holds a 4th Dan in Kukkiwon. She is a Six time AAU National Medalist, World Association of Kickboxing Organization 2021 PAN-AMERICAN CHAMPION, 2022 Pan-American Bronze Medalist, Currently ranked #14 internationally in K1 Kickboxing and USA Martial Art Hall of Fame's 2020 Female Instructor of the year. At just 22 years old, MariLiis Bateman is an extraordinary example of how martial arts can positively benefit your life. MariLiis operates and teaches martial arts at Force Academy in Cleveland, TN. She is a Lee University 2024 Health Science Graduate and will be attending ETSU for her Doctorate's of Physical Therapy Degree.
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Website: www.expertkarate.org
Email: tremblingshockma@gmail.com
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Head of Officers
Don Boivin
Donald Boivin started his martial arts training in 1971. His base art is Moo Do Kwan Tang Soo Do, which he has trained hard in for 53 years. His system has expanded over the years adding a variety of arts to enhance his whole Wilderness Warriors Outdoorsman total system. He has a variety of Black Belt rankings and has a 10th degree under the Association: Sung Ja Do International from GM George Petrotta in 2020. Donald loves to hike, camp, backpack, fish, and more. For majority of his life he has worked in factories. Donald also majored in Graphic Design in College. He is blessed to have a loving family, strong faith, and martial arts in his life.
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Website: actma.jimdofree.com

International Director and Head of Technical Advisors
Richard Hackworth
Richard Hackworth is a multi-arts Grand Master who has dedicated his life to the research and development of the martial arts lifestyle. His most senior ranks are a 9th Dan in Haemukwan Hapkido and 9th Dan in Taekwondo from the Korean Martial Arts Instructors Association in ShiHung City, South Korea. He also holds a 9th Dan in Taekwondo from the US National Taekwondo Association. He holds an 8th Dan in KyukKumSool Korean Sword from the World Sword Arts Federation in Chollanamdo, South Korea. He has graduated from the KMAIA Instructors Course, Masters Course and Grandmasters Course in Korea. As an Instructor his school has won the prestigious "School of the Year Award" three times. As the Chairman of the USA Hapkido Union School Growth Committee he is a Business Coach and Mentor to martial arts school owners and instructors around the world. He is the President of the USA Hapkido Union and member in good standing with the Korean Martial Arts Instructors Association and the International SungJaDo Alliance.
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Technical Advisor
Mike Lee
​Mike Lee is a real estate appraiser by profession for the past 25 years but his true passion is martial arts. He began training in Judo at 9 years old. Mike holds black belts in Taekwon-Do, Hapkido, Tang Soo Do, Karate and Modern Arnis. Mike started teaching martial arts in 1998 and has owned a commercial martial arts academy as well as teaching through church based programs. Currently Mike operates Koa Martial Arts in Albany, GA. Koa is a Hawaiian word meaning brave, fearless and warrior. Mike's father was born and raised in Hawaii and Mike began his martial arts journey in Hawaii. Mike has 7 grandchildren. The 2 oldest previously trained with their grandfather but are not currently training. 3 grandchildren are currently training and the remaining 2 grandchildren will train when they are old enough. Mike's son Andrew is a black belt in Taekwon-do and his daughter Rachel reached the level of green belt. Martial arts is a family thing!
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Email: koawarriorma@gmail.com
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Technical Advisor
Benjamin Ford
Instructor Ford, is a martial arts expert, whose life long pursuit of excellence in the martial arts has lead him on a wild journey studying combatives from Modern defendo, Gracie combatives, Japanese jujitsu, American jujitsu, American Karate and Isshinryu Karate. All of which enhance Mr. Ford's Isshinryu Karate. Mr. Ford currently holds a 6th Dan Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate that is recognized by the U.S.E.K.A. & S.E.I.K.A.,3rd Dan Black Belts in A.K.P. Karate, American jujitsu and Sung Ja Do Hapkido. Once referred to as the "Isshinryu Madman" for his apolitical stance and both his unconventional mindset and his ability to rapidly adapt his craft to adverse conditions. He lives by both his family's motto "Omrium Rerum Vicissitudo" meaning "everything is subject to change" and his sincere belief that "we are all different branches, yet come from the same seed" Instructor Ford considers himself a friend to all Karateka.
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Email: fordskarate@outlook.com

National Coordinator
Bryan Varner
Bryan Varner is a member of the United States Expert Karate Association Council. He has over 20 years of martial arts experience across multiple disciplines, including Shotokan Karate, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Wing Chun, and Xingyiquan. Bryan has advanced black belt ranks in Hapkido and Taekwondo, and is a Sifu of Xingyiquan. He is an AAU Taekwondo Official. Bryan collects books on martial arts, qigong, and Daoism, and occasionally writes book reviews on his website. He is also studying to become a Daoist Priest with The American Dragon Gate Lineage.
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Website: https://themartialscholar.com/
Email: bvarner4@gmail.com
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Technical Advisor
Bryan Ratliff
Bryan Ratliff is an instructor at a college and career academy teaching the next generations cybersecurity and information technology. He draws this knowledge from his nearly thirty years of experience in the technology field. He holds a bachelor of science degree in business and currently pursuing a master's degree in education for instructional technology. He is the owner / operator and head instructor of Revolution Academy of Martial Arts Chattanooga, TN. He is a three palmed eagle scout and a member of the national honor society of scouting (Order of the Arrow). He was bestowed the Dr. Daryl Covington memorial award of Christian martial artist of the year and currently serves on the board of Shinsei Hapkido as well as being on the cabinet as technical advisor for USEKA (United States Expert Karate Association). His martial disciplines include Shotokan Karate, Pambuan Arnis, Shinsei Hapkido, Combat Kuntao, Chin Na, Filipino Boxing and Sei To Ryu Iaido.
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Website: www.revolutionama.com
E-mail: martialarts@revolutionama.com
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Executive Coordinator
Geoffrey Spohn
Geoffrey R. Spohn has over 40 years training and teaching experience in the martial arts. He began his journey, pursuit, and study of martial arts in 1982 in the art karate. As a child he was taught the fundamentals of karate and after earning his black belt, he knew that he was going to dedicate his life to the practice of the martial arts.. Currently, he is studying under the leadership of Hanshi Robert Handley in the art of Shotokan Karate-Do, under Hanshi Darel Chase in the disciplines of Sentou Ryu Aikijujitsu, Goshinjutsu, Shorin Ryu Karate-Do, and is training with Dr. Donald Miskel in the art of Black Lotus Kempo Ryu Jujutsu. Spohn is also studying the arts of Teakwondo and Chon Sul Kwan Hapkido under the direction of Grandmaster Andrew Pendexter. Spohn is the Headmaster and Kaiso of Tatsu Te Ryu Karate Systems, a modern, blended system/style/ryu-ha of Budo, which consists of a blending of various styles that he has trained. Spohn is also the Kaicho (President) of the Intercontinental Martial Arts Union. Acedemically, Spohn holds a PhD in Philosophy and a Bachelor's degree in Christian education, which he uses to teach the martial arts from a Christian perspective, running his classes as an extremely low cost Outreach Ministry of the local church, with the mantra "Martial Arts should an privilege and not an expense." Some Current Ranks: Tatsu Te Ryu Karate Systems: Kaiso/Founder Saito-Ha Shotokan: 9th Dan Goshin-jutsu: 6th Dan Sentou-ryu Aikijujutsu: 5th Dan Shorin-ryu Karate: 5th Dan Shin'ei Taido Aikido: 4th Dan Tae Kwon Do (Kukkiwon): 4th Dan Chon Sul Kwan Hapkido: 2nd Dan Some of Shidoshi Spohn's accomplishments include: Black Belt ranking in multiple disciplines World Director - Intercontinental Martial Arts Union United States Martial Arts Hall Of Fame (2008 - Master of the Year) Intl. Independent Martial Artist Assoc. Hall Of Fame (2011 - Man of the Year) Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors (2023 Gold Lifetime Contribution)
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Website: www.westmichigankarate.com
Email: masterspohn@yahoo.com
Phone: 269-685-7806
All members listed above are current and are in good standing with Hapkido Elite

board MEMBERS

Officer
Karen Lynnel Smith
Karen Lynnel Criswell Smith is a Senior Master 8th Degree DAN in Shorin Ryu Tang Soo Do Shotokan -focus on Breaking-Chi-Dim Mak. She is President- of Magnolia Martial Arts Black Belt Club
— kata-weapons-self defense-kumite-breaking—. Karen is a Registered Nurse and US Army Veteran. She holds Degrees in Law Enforcement and Nursing. Karen is a Regional Director Virginia—USBA/WBA and Director of Breaking—BKKIF. She is a ISKA/US Open Women’s World Breaking Champion x2 and Macho/IMAA Women’s International Champion for Fastest/Hardest —kick/punch/power break. She has Multiple Hall of Fames/ Who’s Who/Women’s Sports HOF Martialist (Movie and Comic Book) cast member. Her Past/current Instructors are Grandmaster Elton Trower—Grandmaster Raphael Velez — Grandmaster John Finney.
Email: Jr. karenlynnel@yahoo.com
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Officer
Jeremy Umland
Jeremy Umland is a combat sports enthusiast with over 35 years of experience. Between Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA and Martial Arts he has acquired over 300 fights between the amateur and professional ranks. He retired from combative competitions in 2014 to pursue coaching his children and local amateur boxing team. He has held many MMA titles including the FNP HWT Title, SD Total Combat Super HWT Title, and Shrine MMA HWT and Super HWT Titles. He has won numerous boxing titles including Tuff Man Championship Titles in 2010 and 2011. He was also the Midwest Kickboxing HWT Champion in 2011. He now is a Silver Level USA Boxing Coach and Level 2 Official along with SafeSport and Official in Charge Certifications with USA Boxing. He is also a Blue Belt in Guerilla Jiu Jitsu, a Second Dan in Tae Kwon Do and Combat Hapkido and holds Seventh Dan Rankings with The United States Expert Karate Association and Sung Ja Do Hapkido. He owns and operates Central Minnesota Boxing and MMA in Wadena, Minnesota
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Officer
Andy Pendexter
Andy Pendexter is a wasterwater maintaince supervisor by profession and has been with his company for 24 years. He has a passion for martial arts. Andy has competed at both the national and international level in TaeKwonDo and has been inducted into two different Hall of Fames, three times. Andy now teaches martial arts privately and spends a lot of time with his family.
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Email: newagemartialarts@gmail.com
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Canadian Chairman
Jason Wiseman
7th Dan USEKA and Hapkido Elite
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Officer
Adam Loyd
​Adam Loyd is an experienced martial artist with 30 years of martial arts training. He has trained in various styles of karate, taekwondo, hapkido, aikido, kickboxing, and has trained with various weapons. He recently received his 6th Dan Black Belt with Expert Karate and 3rd Dan with Sung Ja Do. He currently coaches kickboxing at Our House Studios in Ringgold, GA and at Southside Fitness in Cleveland, TN. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, obstacle course racing, and endurance events. He is always looking for ways to challenge and improve himself as a martial artist and as a person.
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Email: Coach.Adam.Loyd@mail.com
Phone: 423-443-7887
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Officer
Ted Munger
6th Dan USEKA and Hapkido Elite
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Officer
Jonathan Kuinones
Grading under review. More info coming soon.
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Estonian Chairman
Maidu Niitmets
Master Maidu Niitmets. Official representative and promoter of the World Hapkido Federation, the World Hapkido Kumdo Federation and the International Combat Hapkido Federation in Estonia. Master Niitmets started practicing martial arts in 1992 (Kickboxing), in 1995, while serving in the Estonian Defense Forces, he engaged in military hand-to-hand combat. Since 2000, he started studying Hapkido. In 2014, Master Niitmets passed the exam for 1 dan black belt in the World Hapkido Federation, 2-5 dan black belt exams in the International Combat Hapkido Federation. Besides Hapkido, Master Niitmets also deals with the Filipino fighting style KOMBATAN, under GM Tomi Harell (FIN) and GM Herman Mochalin (LAT).
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Email: maiduniitmets@yahoo.com

Officer
Aaron Council
4th Dan Hapkido Elite

Officer
Paul Hewitt
4th Dan USEKA and 2nd Dan Hapkido Elite

Officer
Steven McGowen
4th Dan USEKA and Hapkido Elite
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Officer
Scott Hansen
Scott Hansen is a retired Survival, Evasion, Resisistance and Escape expert from the USAF SERE School (84-2011). He has his four year degree in Bussiness Management and is currently fully disabled retired. He studied Saido Kan Karate in Okinawa for three years and Bushin Kan Karate in Washington attaining black belts in both styles. He has been married to his bride for over 37 years and has five grown children and five grandchildren. He enjoys working out, fishing and practicing new fighting techniques.
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Email: shansen1129@gmail.com
Phone: (509) 559-9091
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Officer
Gordy Mohrmann
4th Dan Hapkido Elite and 1st Dan Kickboxing.
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Officer
Bobby Strickland
1st Dan Hapkido, USEKA, and Kickboxing.
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Review Pending
Michael Lockhart
Grade pending
All members listed above are current and are in good standing with
Hapkido Elite

hapkido elite MEMBERS

7th Dan
Dyrus Galom

4th Dan
Stephen Bruno

2nd Dan
Richard Williamson

1st Dan
Kira Williamson

1st Dan
Barbara McCalla
All members listed above are current and are in good standing with
Hapkido Elite