Richard E McDowell

GRANDMASTER INSTRUCTOR

As 8th degree certified GM, McDowell wanted to create an opportunity for students everywhere to learn the values that martial arts bring to students. With over 56 years of experience, GM McDowell has made a difference in the lives of many students throughout the country by teaching them discipline, focus, and self-confidence. GM McDowell believes that the benefits of martial arts are too important to be set aside because our everyday schedules are so busy. GM McDowell realizes how difficult it is to find the time to commit to a rigid schedule that forces you to travel to a physical location two or three times a week. GM McDowell wants to share his 56 years of experience with a wide range of people from a busy mother with several children in multiple sports who doesn’t have the time to go to a martial arts center; to a businessperson who is always traveling or on the go; or people who have always wanted to learn about the martial arts but don’t feel comfortable going to a martial arts center in a group setting. “People often decide to learn martial arts for many reasons. Some want the physical and mental benefits the martial arts provide, and some have circumstances that create a need for martial arts. But many quit just as quick as they join.” In 1965 Grandmaster McDowell's mother was walking home from her job as a nurse when she was chased home by a would-be attacker, she convinced her husband Richard McDowell Sr. to sign her up for a self-defense class at a local Korean Karate school offering Jujitsu and Korean Karate where she trained and became a highly regarded jujitsu instructor one of the first women Black belts in Jujitsu. Richard Sr. liked what he saw and joined the Korean Karate class at the same location under the instruction of Grand Master Hwa Chung. Richard Sr. brought his then 5 years old son along. GM McDowell attended every class with his father, watching and mimicking what he saw. When GM McDowell was 6 years old Grand Master Hwa Chung pulled him into class, and his career in martial arts began. At age 9 GM McDowell achieved his 1st Degree black Belt in 1968 and won his first National and championship in Chicago, Illinois . GM McDowell went on to win many more National and International Championships. GM McDowell was featured in local and national publications. Besides his marriage and birth of his children and grandchildren, one of GM McDowell's greatest accomplishments was his induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1996, the recipient of the lifetime achievement award and 2022 Grandmasters Award, and has coached two jr. Olympic medal winners. GM Mcdowell was a former Criminal justice instructor (Tactical defense) Special tactical instructor and a certified expert witness for the judicial court systems. GM McDowell has taken an advanced concept to martial arts education and training filling the needs of all students rather they are current, past, or new to the arts, and allowing them to experience the positive results of training through, Training 1 on 1, a solution for the busy individual, by giving them the knowledge and tools to learn martial arts from your home, office, when you travel or even on vacation. With the advanced technology and teaching formats, you'll learn the entire spectrum of martial arts from beginning to advanced techniques from the comfort of your home. While receiving national and international accreditation. GM McDowell has had many accomplishments in his time from martial arts to business, to being a published author. GM McDowell is proud to bring you a unique learning opportunity and is looking forward to training with you.

ERIC SEARS

Chief Instructor

As a student under Martial Arts University, Eric Sears has instruction under plentiful instructors with immense knowledge, all while attending as many classes as he possibly can and competing at different scale tournaments. He has a hobby of drawing, painting, and watching martial arts tv shows. He is also in advanced classes in school. Eric was an honor roll student at Haslett high school. He started his martial arts career under Grandmaster Richard E. McDowell in the eighth grade. Here are some of Eric’s accomplishments: ● 5 years in martial arts.
● 3 Dan black belt in US Chung Do Kwan, under GM McDowell, 8th dan.
● Chief Instructor under martial arts university under GM McDowell, 8th dan.
● A three-time National Champion, in the 2019 USCDKA National Championship.
● A three-time Great Lakes states regional champion, in the 2019 USCDKA Great Lakes States Regional tournament.
● Eric trains every day while hoping to share what he learns and to succeed in his mastery of self. Martial arts have also helped him develop discipline, manners, humility, compassion, followed by a good strong will.

Matt Shutes

Head Instructor

Matthew Shutes retired from law enforcement in November 2022 in the State of Michigan after 30 years of service. He spent 15 years as a Detective where he worked in specialty units including working in an undercover unit which targeted child predators on a state and federal level. Matthew spent nine years as the team leader for a sheriff’s department hostage negotiations team and nine years as union president presiding over 125 members. Matthew has a multitude of law enforcement certifications including but not limited to: Hostage Negotiations, Verbal Defense and Influence Instructor, Evidence Technician, Field Training Officer, and Pistol, Tactical Shotgun, and Patrol Rifle certifications. Educationally Matthew has a Master’s in Law from Cal Southern University, A Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University, and an Associate’s of Science in Pre Police Administration from Lansing Community College. He has attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois for: Staff and Command Class 322 & Supervision of Police Personnel, Michigan State University for Accident Investigation 1-9, and Delta College for Firefighter I & II training. Matthew started studying Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12 in Grand Ledge, Michigan. Matthew continued his love for Tae Kwon Do under Chief Master Richard McDowell in 1989. He became an assistant instructor for Master McDowell in 1991. Matthew was an avid tournament competitor under Chief Master McDowell in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Matthew studied ninjutsu for around 13 months at the Dexter Bujinkan in Dexter, Michigan. Matthew has trained in ground fighting and close quarters combat. Matthew has trained in gun and knife defense and the police baton. Matthew credits Tae Kwon Do for enriching his career and education as well as saving his life while working as a police officer. Matthew believes the tenets of Tae Kwon Do, especially learning to cultivate an indomitable spirit are the greatest attributes one can learn to become the best person they can be. Matthew is honored to be part of Martial Arts University and encourages everyone young and old to experience and train in TaeKwonDo

Cari Godbehere

Head Instructor

Cari Godbehere has been practicing Taekwondo since September 2018. She began attending classes at the YMCA with Master McDowell while her son took classes. She figured it would be an excellent opportunity to try something new, get some exercise, and learn self-defense. However, once Cari got started, she didn’t want to stop! Cari’s son has moved on to other things, but Cari continues to attend classes and instruct students. Cari loves the discipline and precision involved in forms, the respectfulness taught through Taekwondo, and the practical uses of the art. She finds Taekwondo useful for building confidence, especially for young women and children. There is nothing more rewarding to Cari than seeing a student succeed at something they have been trying hard to learn. Cari believes in teaching through the five tenets of Taekwondo, particularly indomitable spirit. Even when something is hard, you have to try hard not to let it get you down! Outside of Taekwondo, Cari enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her friends and family, particularly her husband and son. She serves frequently through her church on the preaching team, through missions and events, in small group ministry, with technology, and wherever else help is needed. In 2021, Cari authored and published a book called Love God and Love People. Cari has worked for the State of Michigan since 2014 and plans to continue there for many years. 

Keira Ondrus

Head Instructor

Evan Landry

Head Instructor

Natalie 

Instructor

Mike Sears

Sr Adm.