Fullerton Martial Arts Instructors

Shihan Brad Wenneberg, Renshi

6th Degree Black Belt, Shihan, Founder, Owner, Master Instructor, Nationally-Published Author, Success Coach

Contact email: info@karateOC.com

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.

Shihan Wenneberg is also an accomplished author, his first book 'Unleash Your Inner Warrior' is being nationally-published and has been hailed as a tremendous book on how to live a better life and reach new heights. Check out details on this life-changing book at www.unleashyourinnerwarrior.com.

Sensei Jason Wenneberg

Sensei, 3rd Degree Black Belt, Head Instructor, Operations Manager

Contact email: info@karateOC.com

Jason is an honor role student, an accomplished violinist, and a 3rd 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."

Sensei Nikhil Joshi

3rd Degree Black Belt, Program Director, Senior Instructor

Contact email: MrJoshi@karateOC.com

Sensei Nikhil Joshi has been training at American Martial Arts Academy under Shihan Wenneberg since 1993 at the young age of 6 years old. Starting to assist in classes at age 9, he is now the Assistant Head Instructor for the children and adults. Nikhil earned his Junior Black Belt in 1998, and went on to study throughout junior high and high school, achieving the rank of Nidan, Second Degree Black Belt in 2004. Though his family emphasized having a strong education, his parents also made sure that he continued his martial arts training through his teenage years. Even as the stress of AP and IB classes piled on, his parents made sure that he was at the dojo at least once a week. Nikhil firmly believes that if it weren’t his training at AMAA through his teenage years, he would have ended up in a lot of trouble. A graduate of AMAA’s Instructor’s College, Nikhil has also attended the University of California: Irvine. Nikhil’s goal is to help as many people as possible, both children and adults, to achieve the rank of Black Belt, so they too can live the life of their dreams.  

“Becoming a Martial Artist is much more than learning how to block, punch, and kick – it’s about learning the same success principles that will enrich your life, your family, and your future.” – Sensei Nikhil Joshi

Dr. Jeffery Bodwin

4th Degree Black Belt, Adult Instructor

Dr. Bodwin, 4th degree Black Belt, has studied Goju Shin-Ryu with Shihan Wenneberg for over 18 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.

Miss Sheri Wenneberg

3rd Degree Black Belt, After-School Karate Program Manager, Fitness Kickboxing Instructor

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

1st Degree Black Belt, Director of the After-School Martial Arts Program

Mr. Zack Deere

2nd Degree Black Belt, Instructor

Contact email: info@karateOC.com

Zack Deere started training at AMAA at the age of 12 and has loved training at American Martial Arts Academy ever since. He started working towards being an instructor at the age of 14 when he realized that teaching was one of his true passions. As soon as Zack achieved the rank of Teen Black Belt, he became a full-time Assistant Instructor for the children’s classes. Now, as a 2^nd degree interim Black Belt, he is an experienced instructor and runs many of the children’s classes. Zack has a special knack at teaching the Little Ninja’s classes (3 – 6 year olds) and parents just love how he helps their kids develop while having lots of fun. One of Zack’s ultimate goals is to help people realize their own potential in martial arts and in all other areas of their lives.

Ms. Lya Quevedo

2nd Degree-Interim Black Belt, Front Desk Manager

Contact email: Lya@karateOC.com

Miss Jacqueline Starkman

2nd Degree-Interim Black Belt, Children's Instructor

Contact email: info@karateOC.com

Miss Jacqueline Starkman began training at American Martial Arts Academy in 2003, at the age of 10. She quickly fell in love with the art and with the people at AMAA - creating strong friendships, as she excelled with the martial arts techniques. Living a ways away from the studio, it was difficult for her to make at times, but she was able to overcome it and achieved the rank of Teen Black Belt in 2006. She began helping and assisting with classes at the young age of 13 and immediately fell in love. She says that the biggest joy is seeing the huge impact that she can have on a child's confidence and self-esteem - helping them to live a much more fulfilling life. Now as an Adult Black Belt and a full Instructor, she feels blessed to be doing what she loves and looks forward to what AMAA has in-store for her future!

Mr. Jeremy Schilling

2nd Degree-Interim Degree Black Belt, Instructor

Contact email: info@karateOC.com

Mr. Schilling's martial arts training began with Shihan Wenneberg over 25 years ago at the Racquetball World Fitness Center in Fullerton- when he was 6 years old. Having suffered from an illness which left him profoundly deaf at a very young age, his parents enrolled him into martial arts when other athletic programs proved difficult for him to follow. Under the instruction of Shihan Wenneberg, Dr. Bodwin and Sensei Daniel Ahrens- Mr. Schilling found the perfect blend of instruction for his "inner warrior" and developed a level of focus, self-discipline and respect unmatched among his peers outside of the training hall. When American Martial Arts Academy was ready to open the doors to it's first 1,100 square foot facility in 1992, Mr. Schilling followed Shihan Wenneberg and became one of the school's original students and primary instructors, having received his Black Belt rank in March of 1993. This lifetime achievement for him was quickly followed by his attainment of Eagle Scout Rank in the Boy Scouts of America on April 17th, one month later.

Mr. Schilling's profound love for the martial arts led him to travel and train in various disciplines during his adult life, and was awarded black belts for two other martial arts styles during his time away- an achievement for which he credits his early training with Shihan Wenneberg. After more than 13 years of study, he has returned to his "first and only Karate family" at American Martial Arts Academy. His presence within the school and affinity for personal growth and enlightenment serves as a positive message to it's students and others; that life's challenges can never keep you from following your passion and enjoying the benefits one receives from the martial arts.

Sensei Caleb Beller

Sensei, 4th Degree Black Belt, Outside Consultant

Contact email: info@karateOC.com

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.  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. Sensei Beller is currently overseas in Hungary, teaching full-time at an international Bible College. His wisdom and expertise in the martial arts is still resourced, though, to ensure that AMAA is the best school it can be.