You may not have known this, but the teachers at most Martial Art schools are people who have not been in the Martial Arts for very long. They train for a few years and decide it will be a lucrative career. Their background is limited and they lack experience as teachers.  Not so with the “USA Karate” teaching staff.  They are all experienced, professional teachers, who continue their training every day!      

I know you will enjoy meeting:    

Michele Slocum has over 20 yrs experience training and 15 years experience teaching the martial arts and holds a 4th degree Black Belt. She began training when in college at ETSU. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. Rather than pursuing a career in the criminal justice field, she stayed with Mr. Malyar in order to continue working with the children in hopes of leading them in a positive life direction. Ms. Slocum is certified under and has trained with Bill “Superfoot” Wallace for 7 years and has also been teaching the Self Defense classes for college credit since 1994.

Andrew Joyner is the head instructor for USA Karate in North Johnson City. He was raised in Johnson City and began training with Mr. Malyar at 8 years old. Mr. Joyner began teaching as a Junior Instructor in 1999 and now is enjoying growing success at the North JC school. He currently holds a 3rd degree Black Belt and is certified under Mr. Wallace.   

Dr. Jim Fox also has trained with Mr. Malyar for 20 years and he assists with the grappling and adult classes. Dr. Fox is a professor at ETSU in the Special Education Department and stays very busy in that capacity but continues his training and teaching with Mr. Malyar to fulfill his love of the martial arts. He currently holds a 4th degree Black Belt at USA Karate and a 2nd degree Black Belt under Mr. Wallace.