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Scott
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Jim Ernest –
Godan Mr. Ernest is the chief instructor at Ramtown Karate. He began boxing training as a child under his father, who was a US Marine boxer. Mr. Ernest wrestled on high school teams in California and New Jersey. He was on the football starting line up and winning varsity 191-pound wrestler in a small college in Pennsylvania. In 1973, Mr. Ernest began training in Shotokan Karate under Mr. Tabata in Boston. A year later, Mr. Ernest moved to Connecticut, training under Mr. Hamzy and Mr. Rossi, earning his black belt in Ketsuka, a karate and jujutsu mixed martial arts style, in 1977. He was an active East Coast tournament competitor, bouncer, and bodyguard to celebrities (Ian Anderson, Jerry Garcia). Mr. Ernest married Kathy and moved to Dixon California. He and his wife began teaching martial arts at the University of California, Davis. His friend and training partner Dennis Alexio became the World Heavyweight Kickboxing champion. Entering a career as peace officer, supervisor and trainer in California’s maximum-security prisons, Mr. Ernest served the State of California for 20 years. After years of training, Mr. Ernest was awarded a Fifth Degree belt under the Ketsuka system in 1993. Mr. Ernest met Okinawan karate master Koei Nohara in the early 90’s. Impressed with the deep knowledge contained in the original Shorinryu karate of Okinawa, and the effectiveness of Mr. Nohara’s international full-contact fighting team, Mr. Ernest joined Mr. Nohara’s Ryukyukan Okinawan Karate Organization, traveling to Japan and studying internationally under Ryukyukan. Mr. Ernest is currently ranked as Godan, Renshi, and Ryukyukan International Vice President. Mr. Ernest is an avid martial arts researcher, with a full library of martial arts books and videos collected from all over the world. He is is also a certified Acupressurist. He is a Ryukyukan Full Contact Karate referee and judge, and a certified judge in the World Karate Federation (WKF) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Mr. Ernest uses his knowledge of strength training, jujutsu, grappling, kickboxing, and full contact karate to produce top karate and MMA athletes. |
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Kathy Ernest –
Yondan Kathy Ernest began her martial arts training in 1976, under her soon to be husband, Jim Ernest. From the beginning, she was a stand out karate competitor, winning more than her share of first places in East Coast competitions, and recognized as one of the very top East Coast fighters. She has competed nationally, and in Japan. Mrs. Ernest is also an accomplished business professional, retiring from a Silicone Valley firm in 2001. She is the president of Ramtown Karate, Inc, programs manager, and in charge of the children’s programs. She is passionate about the martial arts, and passionate about her students. Her dedication and deep caring for the Ramtown Karate membership as a whole is a big reason for the close family feeling Ramtown members enjoy today. |
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Ben Ernest –
Nidan Ben Ernest began his martial arts training at 5 years old, inspired by his dad and world champion kick boxer Dennis Alexio, who practiced in the garage at his home. Ben trained in karate, jujutsu, savate, aikido, and judo under his father, kajukenbo under Alan Reyes, and practiced with kick boxer Eugene Ray. In Junior High, and in high school Ben trained and competed as an Olympic Style Weight Lifter. In High School, he was an active karate tournament competitor in Northern California as well as a linebacker on his championship football team in 1999. He is now a schoolteacher, and has been invited to fight for the IFL Lions, and Ken Shamrock’s Lions Den. Ben is always looking for good fighting partners, and for good workout partners. His contact fighting team is growing in numbers and in skill. His Saturday class is becoming a little bit famous in the area. It is attracting professional athletes as well as driven karate students, and police officers. He is always willing to wrestle or fight on Saturdays; anyone can come to the gym to work out. Come and see him at Ramtown. |
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Susan Motley –
Nidan “I have been on the Ramtown Karate team since 1995, training with my children when they were young. I have competed in many tournaments, which helps me prepare students for fighting and kata competition. Karate has always given me the best physical and mental strength and helped me over the years raising a family and running Motley Reality, by business in Dixon. Karate is more than a sport, it is a way of life.” |
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Theresa Cristobal -
Shodan Theresa loves karate: Kata, fighting and more, and loves sharing her passion for karate with others. But her true passion is inspiring the martial artist in children. Whether you are three years old, or just a kid at heart, her goal is to help you find the martial artist within. |
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Joseph Bock - Shodan “I started serious karate training at the age of 55, and attained black belt at 60, so age is not a factor in karate training. I have fulfilled my dream, and hope to help fulfill the dream of kids and adults that come to Ramtown Karate.” Mr. Bock lives and trains in Okinawa 3 months each year. |
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Bobby Niemann –
Shodan “I’m 45 and have lived in Dixon for 37 years. I started at Ramtown Karate in 2000 and was awarded my black belt in 2006. I am a full contact fighter, point fighter, and grappler. My favorite part of karate is teaching and watching students grow.” |
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Linda Talken-Burke “I became interested in martial arts while watching my son train. I joined in and promoted to brown belt at his school. I moved to Ramtown Karate, where I have earned my black belt in Okinawan Shorinryu Karate, and am now a USA-NKF certified karate judge. My passion is self defense and weapons (kobudo). Ramtown Karate holds something for everyone; baby boomers, recuperating athletes, cross trainers, children, retired people, and bored parents. Literally everyone, so come join us!” |
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Susan Flynn –
Shodan “I enrolled at Ramtown Karate as an adult when I was looking for an interesting way to get back in shape. I quickly became hooked. I have earned my black belt and I enjoy passing on my love of the sport to others. I currently teach cardio kickboxing at Solano Community College.” |
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Tom Zolot is a talented
karate black belt, specializing in kata, weapons (kobudo), and full contact
karate. He is a true example of how a great work ethic and constant practice
affects body, mind and sprit. Tom has studied continuously at Ramtown Karate
since 1999, and has also studied under Shorinryu Master Nohara in Okinawa
Japan. He enjoys helping students perfect their karate kata and fighting
moves. Want to study karate in depth? Find Sensei Tom! |
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Nicole Umphenour – Shodan Nicole Umphenour has trained at Ramtown Karate since she was 7 years old. Her room is full of karate tournament trophies and medals. She is equally talented at historical karate forms, point tournament fighting, and full contact karate fighting. She performs Okinawan weapons kata with grace and skill. She is currently training hard at full contact and submission grappling. Because of her charismatic style, she is in high demand as a teacher at Ramtown Karate, popular with children and adults alike. |
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Stephen Sewell – Shodan Stephen Sewell has trained at Ramtown Karate since the age of 8. He is one of the most winning martial arts athletes in tournament karate and full contact karate matches that Ramtown Karate has produced to date. He can be found training hard almost every day at Ramtown, working on his karate, fighting and grappling skills. Stephen is also an accomplished scholar, with a high school 4.7 grade point average, applying to UC universities and Stanford. Additionally, Stephen is an accomplished artist. His high-energy style makes him a very popular teacher. His energy is contagious: People tend to ramp up their workouts when Sensei Stephen is around! |
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Tim Schwab
– Shodan
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