Our Instructors
Full Time Instructors
Master Instructor Tommy Cho:
Master Tommy Cho was four years old when he started training in the martial arts in his native South Korea. By age seven, he had earned his black belt. Two years later his family moved to America where he has continued to develop his skills. Master Cho is a 5th degree black belt in Ho Shin Do, a 2nd degree black in Tae Kwan Do, and he holds a purple belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Master Cho is a nationally recognized martial arts competitor. He has won the Battle of Atlanta, a national karate championship, and the AAU competition which is the largest Tae Kwan Do tournament in the nation. Master Cho is also an accomplished purple belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu in which he continues to train. In fact, Master Cho won the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament he entered. Since then, Master Cho has placed 1st and 2nd in the 2002 and 2005 NAGA Grappling Championships, respectively.
Master Cho’s dedication to martial arts is reflected, not only in his numerous competitive achievements, but also in his teaching philosophy. With a unique combination of discipline and compassion, Master Cho creates a teaching environment that is encouraging and supportive of each student and conducive to individual excellence.
Master Instructor Anthony Kim:
Master Anthony Kim has been training in the martial arts for over 40 years! He is a 7th degree black belt in Judo and he also holds black belts in Jiu Jitsu and Kumdo, the art of Korean Sword fighting. Master Kim competed in the 1976 Olympic Games and has the distinction of being named world champion in Judo.
Master Kim is a highly skilled instructor with many years of valuable experience training children and adults. His unique and innovative teaching style inspires and motivates everyone.
Instructor Mr. David Aff:
Instructor David Aff is a highly accomplished martial artist who holds a 4th degree black belt in Ho Shin Do and a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do. Mr. Aff has trained in the martial arts for over 20 years and has been an instructor for most of that time. Master Aff is an outstanding instructor who teaches both technique and sparring. He especially excels in teaching practical applications for each technique.
Instructor Mr. Joel Kasik:
Mr. Kasik has trained at Tommy Cho Martial Arts for 14 years and holds a 3rd degree black belt in Ho Shin Do. Mr. Kasik has worked as a full-time instructor for 6 years. This is quite an accomplishment for a 20 year old! Mr. Kasik is currently a junior at Kennesaw State University majoring in Exercise and Health Science. Mr. Kasik has experience and currently trains in a wide variety of martial arts styles. He incorporates this knowledge into an efficient, practical and comprehensive style of self-defense. Mr. Kasik is an incredibly talented martial artist who teaches both adults and children. He is the head instructor for our children’s programs.
Instructor, Manager & Program Director Ms. Kim Harkins:
Ms. Harkins holds a black belt in Ho Shin Do and a blue belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Ms. Harkins has an extensive background working with children and brings great energy and enthusiasm to each class. Due to her exceptional dedication and drive, Ms. Harkins obtained her black belt in just 2 years. Ms. Harkins instructs in each of the children’s classes and is the Director of our Tiny Tigers program. Ms. Harkins is exceptionally gifted at working with children and takes great pride in making each child feel welcome and uniquely talented.
Ms. Harkins is also an enthusiastic student of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. She holds the distinction of being one of only three students to achieve the rank of blue belt at Tommy Cho Karate. She was named division Champion in the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) Grappling Championships held in May 2006. At that time, she was also ranked 1st in the state of Georgia in women’s grappling. She assists Master Cho with training in Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes.
Ms. Harkins developed and conducts our Kimboxing© program. Kimboxing© is a unique program of personal training and kickboxing for ladies only. Ms. Harkins helps women of all ages and fitness levels achieve their goals for physical fitness, weight loss and body sculpting in a fun, intimate atmosphere.
Part-time Instructors
Mr. Brian Russell:
Mr. Russell is a 1st degree black belt who has trained with Master Cho for 12 years. Mr. Russell teaches in our children’s classes on the weekends while also serving as a quarterback on his high school football team and maintaining a stellar academic record. Mr. Russell has a unique combination of strength and grace that makes him an exceptional instructor and young man. Mr. Russell is a talented martial artist and a wonderful role model for the students.
Miss Brittany Sorrentino:
Ms. Sorrentino is a 3rd degree black belt and a gifted martial artist. Ms. Sorrentino has trained with Master Cho for 12 years and has served as an instructor for over 3 years. She teaches part-time in the children’s classes while attending high school and serving on a variety of high school sports teams. Ms. Sorrentino has great rapport with the kids and is an inspiring role model for male and female students alike.
Assistant Instructors:
Katie Burlas, Olivia Houck, Moses Kim and Christie Henderson.
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