Master Brad Wenneberg, Renshi, 6th degree Black belt Goju Shin-Ryu, has been studying Martial
Arts since 1971. He has studied several martial art styles, earning Black belts in Aikido
and Shotokan with a ranking of 4th Degree in Goju Ryu, the foundation for Goju Shin-Ryu.
In 2005, Shihan Wenneberg received the high honor of being inducted
into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and becoming a State
Representative for California.
Born and raised in Southern California, Master Wenneberg served as a police officer for
five years where he began to conduct self-defense training seminars. Having enjoyed the
community service and interaction with people, opening a karate studio later in his life
proved a natural and smooth extension for a new career. Master Wenneberg's favorite aspect
of teaching karate is helping students develop personally to become happier and secure,
more physically fit and mentally confident. To have each student grow and thrive is his
goal each day. Operating American Martial Arts Academy has also given him a wonderful opportunity
to have the business be a family affair, with his wife, Bonnie, and children, Sheri and
Jason, helping out side-by-side.
Sensei Caleb Beller, 4th Degree Black Belt Goju Shin-Ryu,
has been training in the martial arts under Shihan Wenneberg since
July 1992. Sensei Beller has been a fine example of the quality
instructors at American Martial Arts Academy, as he has twice been
awarded for Teaching Excellence by the Martial Arts Business
Association and American Martial Arts Academy. His communication
skills have been especially beneficial as he is able to impart his
experience and knowledge of our art to all of his students in an
enthusiastic and caring manner. Sensei Beller is able to bring out
the best in every student and makes an exceptional teacher for all
seeking to improve in the martial arts as well as in life. Sensei
Beller is an integral part of every aspect at AMAA, and is currently
the school's Program Director and the Head Instructor. In 2007,
Sensei Beller's 3 year old daughter began lessons at AMAA. As proud
parents, Caleb and his wife Kim are so pleased with the results so
far - noticing rapid improvement in her coordination, focus, and
confidence.
Jason is an honor role student, an accomplished violinist, and a 2nd degree Black
Belt. He has studied Martial Arts since 1992. Being the son of
Shihan Brad Wenneberg, Jason was put on a slow pace, to ensure no
thoughts of favoritism and to make sure that he would fully
comprehend and master the martial arts. Achieving the rank of Teen
Black Belt in 1998, he continued training hard to achieve the senior
rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt. He began helping in classes as a
Brown Belt at age 10 and began teaching full-time at age 15. Jason
has been an avid student of teaching principles and child
development, and has effectively taught and trained other teachers
for many years. He has a keen understanding and sensitivity towards
his students and communicates well with parents. Priding himself on
being able to effectively maximize each class, Jason's primary
purpose is to help as many people as possible reach the rank of
Black Belt, so that they could experience the positive development
that it brings. He says, "All of the successes I am currently
experiencing is almost entirely due to the training I experienced at
AMAA. The message is simple, train here at AMAA and you can enjoy
the benefits, too."
Mr. Joshi, 2nd Degree Black Belt, has been studying under Shihan
Wenneberg since 1993. Starting to assist in classes at the age of 9, he
is now the Assistant Head Instructor for the children and adults. A
graduate of AMAA's Instructors College, he has also attended the
University of California: Irvine, and is also continuing his education
with International Leadership Development. Mr. Joshi's chief goal as an
Instructor is to help as many people as possible develop a Black Belt
Attitude, which he defines as continually striving to become the best
that one can be.
Dr. Jeffery Bodwin
Adult Instructor
Dr. Bodwin, 4th degree Black Belt, has studied Goju Shin-Ryu with Shihan Wenneberg for
over 17 years. Dr. Bodwin is a staunch supporter of Shihan Wenneberg's vision and refers many
of his patients to the studio. Dr. Bodwin has an excellent knack for
challenging students and helping them to maximize their individual
abilities. Mixing excitement and tradition, Dr. Bodwin's teaching is
a favorite of many students. Dr. Bodwin and Shihan Wenneberg are a team second to none.
Ms. Sheri Wenneberg
Assistant Director of the After-school Program
Sheri Wenneberg began training in the martial arts at age 7, in 1990.
Achieving the rank of Black Belt in 1998 as a young teenage student, and
achieving the rank of Senior Black Belt at age 23, Sheri has experienced
the martial arts at all ages. This has given her great ability to relate
to children and parents, alike, making her a perfect fit for Orange
County's premier After-school Program at AMAA. Sheri is an accomplished
singer, dancer, and actress - from achievements in High School with
dancing to appearing on shows like Charmed and JAG. Sheri continues her
training in the martial arts along with her increasing her knowledge and
skill with working with children of all ages. She is a favorite of
parents and kids alike, helping all of them enjoy the benefits of
American Martial Arts Academy's After-school Program.
Mrs. Bonnie Wenneberg
Director of the After-school Martial Arts Program
Mr. Zack Deere
Children's Instructor
Mr. Marcus Quigley
Children's Instructor
Marcus Quigley began at American Martial Arts Academy at 8 years old.
Making the decision to join AMAA has probably been the best decision
Marcus could ever make. That decision has provided him the opportunity
to have and continue to have some of the best experiences of his life.
He has become an accomplished Black Belt at AMAA which has been the
catalyst to many of his career and personal goals. Even at a young age,
Marcus always had a special knack for connecting with other students and
helping inspire others to be better. Marcus is an instructor who
emphasizes qualities such as loyalty, respect, discipline, and
confidence for his students, as well as himself. As a young accomplished
instructor, Marcus has a very bright future ahead of him. Marcus'
primary goal, though, is to help each of his students live a more
fulfilling life.