Black Belt Magazine’s
2006 Best Youth Program
In 1973, John Sharkey Jr. founded the Sharkey's Karate Studio headquarters 50 miles south of Chicago in Momence, Illinois. More than 30 years later, the respected school continues to offer a diverse martial arts menu of shorei-ryu karate, Xtreme Martial Arts, kosho kenjutsu sword training and special programs designed for children.
Mike Chaturantabut accepts the award for Best Children's Program, which went to his instructor's school, Sharkey's Karate Studio.
More than just kick-and-punch classes, the children's programs at Sharkey's Karate Studio address overall child development. Sharkey and his team of dedicated professionals help their young students achieve objectives in both their physical training and in life-success areas such as setting goals, developing interest in a variety of endeavors and cultivating self-esteem. The result: physically skilled, mentally sharp, well-rounded, self-confident young men and women who conduct themselves with the attitude, respect and discipline befitting a true martial artist.
Some of Sharkey's long-term students may represent the next generation of martial arts masters. Under his mentorship, these advanced practitioners bring their own unique brand of talent, discipline, strength and technical knowledge to magazines, television, films, live audiences and back to the training studio for the young people following in their footsteps. Included among these standouts are XMA developer Mike Chaturantabut, eight-time forms and weapons champion Suzann Wancket, Sideswipe Pro martial arts performance-team creator Matthew Mullins and three-time world title-holder Craig Henningsen. These are but a few of the more than 40 advanced students whose lives are dedicated to training, competition and educating others in the martial arts, and they all got their start at Sharkey's Karate Studio.
In recognition of the school's continuing effort to prepare young martial arts students for success – both in and out of the training hall – Black Belt is proud to present Sharkey's Karate Studio with the 2006 Industry Award for Best Children's Program.
— Raymond Horwitz
Original article appeared on www.blackbeltmag.com
“The benefits my children have received have been invaluable. Physically and mentally they have grown exponentially. The self-confidence they display comes out in all aspects of their lives. I truly believe a big reason for this has been martial arts and Sharkey's Karate Studio. Emphasizing the importance of school and of being a good member of the community above all else is something you don't find these days with youth athletics. I have, and will, recommend Sharkey's Karate Studio to any and everyone.”
Dan Wolf, Parent
