Kurt Staple
Kurt is a lifelong resident of Rome.  He has been involved in Martial Arts for 30 years and been teaching since 1981.  In 1982, he obtained his Black Belt from the World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters in Korea being the 120th black belt promoted through the W.T.F. #(03) 1-2336.  Kurt was PKL (Professional Karate League) ranked fourth in fighting and eighth in forms for 1986, and made listings in earlier years by Karate & Kung Fu Illustrated.  In 1989, he began training in Aikido and in 1997 reached 1st Degree black belt in Aikido.

Jim Deprospero
Jim has also been a lifelong resident of Rome.  He started Martial Arts in 1984 at the Rome YMCA Karate Club.  After some time off, he refocused and set his goal.  In 1998 he became an assistant instructor to Mr. Staple.  Then in 1999 he achieved his goal and passed the World Tae Kwon Do requirements for his black belt, this was a great accomplishment at the age of 55.

Joe Rosato
Joe was raised in Rome and now lives in Oriskany.  He started Martial Arts in 1991 and in 1999 he obtained his 1st Degree Black Belt.  In 2001 Joe earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt by the requirements of the World Tae Kwon Do Federation.  Joe is a school teacher at Staley in Rome and being a Power Lifter also holds weight lifting records.