These Black Belts are my peers, my friends, and my second family. I learn from them every day. They all add something to our school in every class they attend. They are the core that has made Stiver Martial Arts so successful in putting out top quality students. I am honored every time they step through the door and I owe them thanks for their help in assisting me to build our dojo to what it is today.

Sensei Ludwig has a 3rd degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu. Scott began training in 1992. During that time, he met Sensei Stiver, and they became close friends and training partners. When Sensei Stiver openend his own school, Scott offered to help build and then instruct in the new dojo. He was awarded the title of Sempai in October, 1999, and was promoted to Sensei in October, 2006. Scott has participated in several tournaments and seminars, and has had the good fortune of training with such notable martial artists as Kyoshi Cristopher Diliberto (8th dan), Shihan Fumio Demura, Kyoshi Ken Tallack, Shihan Michael Zinck, Sensei Don Warrener, and Kyoshi Patrick McCarthy. He continues to give back to the Martial Arts community through instructing at Stiver Martial Arts and offering self defense seminars to schools.

Sensei Paul DiVito started training in 1980 at the age of 6. He holds a 3rd degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu karate, a 2nd degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu, and a Ichi Kyu in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido. Paul ran his own dojo for a number of years before moving on to other things. He started training at Stiver Martial Arts in the year 2000. Paul has had a huge impact on students and the Black Belts. He has added his personal touch to our school. He teaches and trains regularly and is very dedicated to our dojo. We are honored to have him with us.

Sempai Terry Rocke began his karate training in 1982 under Renshi Jake Klaus in shotokan/chito ryu. After a hiatus from training for a few years, he and his son Peter joined Stiver Martial Arts in October 1998. In November 2002 Terry and Peter became the first and only father and son to achieve their Black Belts together. Terry received his Nidan in August 2006 and was awarded the title of Dai Sempai in October 2006. He has had the opportunity to train with such martial arts legends as Bill Superfoot Wallace, Joe Lewis, Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie and Michael DePasquale. Terry enjoys sharing his knowledge with his fellow students and is an instructor for the grappling taught at the dojo. Terry teaches co-ed self defense, self defense for women and "Introduction to Mixed Martial Arts" at a local high school.

Sempai is known for his high energy level, strong work ethic and a never quit attitude!

Sempai Peter Rocke began his karate training at Stivers Martial Arts in October 1998. In November 2002, Peter and his father became the first and only father and son to achieve their Black Belts together. Peter received his Nidan in August 2006. He has had the opportunity to train with such martial arts legends as Bill Superfoot Wallace, Joe Lewis, Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie and Michael DePasquale. Peter is known at our school as a very talented and skilled martial artist, with the humility to match. We are honored to have him train with us.

Mr. Dale Langford holds a 2nd degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu. He began training in 1993 at a club in Lexington, Kentucky. After moving back to Canada, Dale started training at Stiver Martial Arts. Martial arts has always been a part of Dale's life. He trains, teaches and assists in club events whenever possible. Dale feels that his dojo is his family, and continues training to this day. We are very fortunate to have him with us.

Sempai Jaimie Piatkowski, born in 1977, began her training in 1999 under the instruction of Sensei Aaron Stiver. In March of 2005, after years of hard work, determination and dedication, she received her 1st degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu. Through years of assisting and then eventually teaching childrens classes, Ms. Piatkowski was awarded the prestigious title of Sempai.

"Through my association and training at Stiver Martial Arts, I've enriched every aspect of my life. I've gained a new found respect for others and regenerated my passion for life. I have seen the positive effects Martial Arts has on the students. Teaching people to believe in themselves is a beautiful thing and that is one thing that I want to spend the rest of my life trying to accomplish."

Ms. Elora Schad began her training with Sensei Stiver when she was only 9 years old. Since she began studying Karate, she has participated in several tournaments and seminars, and has had the good fortune of training with such notable martial artists as Kyoshi Ken Tallack, Kyoshi Patrick McCarthy and Shihan Michael Zinck. In March of 2005, at the age of 16, she earned her Black Belt. It is an honor to have someone with such character train with us at our dojo.

I feel that our karate community is a strong one and we're all here to support each other. Through my peers and Sensei, I have experienced what it's like to have two families.

Ms.Denise Morell was the very first student to walk through the doors of Stiver Martial Arts in June of 1998. She would spend all of her free time volunteering at the dojo by helping with the organization of dojo events like bowling and movie nights, assisting during New Years Eve sleepovers for the kids, helping with renovations, and assisting with the kids classes. On March 25th, 2005, after 7 years of hard work, determination and perseverance, Ms. Morell earned her 1st degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu. Ms. Morell is a loyal and dedicated student of Sensei Stiver.

Ms. Nicole Langford holds a 1st degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu. She began training in 1993 at a club in Lexington, Kentucky. After moving back to Canada, Nicole started training at Stiver Martial Arts. She trains, teaches and assists in club events whenever possible. Nicole was the very first female Black Belt at Stiver Martial Arts, and has set a very high standard for all women to follow. We are proud to have her train with us.

Mr. Barish began his martial arts training in 1982 by studying Tae Kwon Do while in high school in Indiana, PA. He then went on to train in Shotokan Karate while attending university in Bowling Green, OH. It was also during this time that Mr. Barish began his life long study of Zen Buddhism and Taoism. After some time away from any physical training, in 1991, Mr. Barish began his study of Isshin Ryu Karate in Pittsburgh, PA. This would become his base style and he would receive his 1st Degree Black Belt in 1999. Over the course of his career, Mr. Barish has also spent time studying Aikido, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, and most recently spent 18 months training in sport kickboxing in Rugby, England. While his training has not been constant over the years, Mr. Barish's dedication to the spirit and philosophy of the Martial Arts has been unwavering.

Mr. Bojan Divkovic began his training in April of 2000 at Stiver Martial Arts. He attended many tournaments and always placed in the top three in his divisions. After many years of diligent training he achieved his 1st degree Black Belt in June 25th 2004. Bojan has a very strong work ethic and adds energy to every class he attends.

Ms. Laura Cristache began karate in 1998. Karete has been a big part of my life and has changed the way I deal with day to day situations. Laura has attended several tournaments over the years and has always placed in the top 3 in her division. In March of 2005 she was successful in getting her first degree Black Belt. Karate has been and will continue to be a big part of my life, and I am thankful for everything that I have learned. Ms. Cristache adds that little extra something to each and every class she attends. It just wouldnt be the same without her.

Ms. Jamie Lynn Bernard holds a 1st degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu. Jamie Lynn began her training in 1998. Since that time she has given her knowledge back to the martial arts community, won many regional tournaments, and was the first Junior Black Belt at Stiver Martial Arts Academy. As the first Junior Black Belt, Jamie Lynn not only met all the requirements for Junior Black Belt, she also succeeded in doing the complete testing for full Black Belt, which was awarded to her without the need for a retest, when she reached the minimum required age." At only 16 years old Jamie Lynn holds a great amount of respect, diginity and maturity. Jamie Lynn continues to train, mature, and help others in the art of Goju Ryu Karate Jutsu.

Ms. Eden Schad began training with Sensei Stiver at the tender age of 8. Throughout the years of her training, Eden has had the willpower and determination to excel in the Martial Arts In November, 2005 she achieved her junior Black Belt. Ms. Schad continues to give back to the martial arts in every way she can. She is a great asset to our club and we are very proud of her.

Mrs. Kiran Denis began her martial arts training in Brantford, Ontario during the summer of 1994. She has been training with Sensei Stiver for over 10 years. Kiran has participated in multiple Canadian, regional, and local tournaments where she has placed in the top three in her divisions, as well as placing 3rd in the World Open Karate Championships in 1996. In August of 2006, after many years of hard work, Mrs. Denis earned her 1st degree Black Belt through Sensei Stiver and continues to give back to the martial arts community. She is truly an inspiration to all!

Ms. Kim Comeau, 1st degree Black Belt, joined Stiver Martial Arts in 2001. Throughout her years of training she has participated in several tournaments and seminars and has found a passion for the Art. Kim has every intention of going as far as she can in the Martial Arts and will give back to Karate in any way she can. She looks forward to seeing what lies in the future for herself and for Stiver Martial Arts.

"At the age of 37, I have achieved my Shodan. I began training in January, 2003 after my son and daughter joined, not only to watch them grow and mature, but to be an active participant in their developing lives. I hope to be an inspiration to them and to other young students. My family truly has a second home here, which we share with many brothers and sisters. Our school is friendly and helpful. We give our time, support, encouragement and direction to one another and to all those who walk through our doors."

Onaguyshemus to all who have gone before, for the path and assistance they willingly give.

Michael began training in 2001 at the age of 9. He has taken many first place trophies at regional and provincial tournaments. "I refer to the dojo as my second home - I am always welcomed."

MS. NATASHA MERCEY 1st Dan