About Us...

Shihan Ellis  I'm writing to thank you and your instructors for what were five great years of karate for our son Ivan. He started when he was five and Sensei Laura, Sensei Larry, and yourself provided him different environments over those five years that helped his development mentally and physically at the appropriate level.  I know for a fact that his self-confidence and self-esteem were improved tremendously over the years because of Karate, not to mention the fact that he really enjoyed himself along the way.  You instructors allow kids to compete in a nonthreatening way, they advance at their own pace and never feel compared to other kids. Unlike other sports, they are always participating, always improving. The discipline and respect they are required to follow is refreshing , particularly in today's world. As an aside I also liked all the new  "fun" activities you have added over time-his little sisters still ask if they can go back to "the balloon place with the nice lady (Laura)"  So thank you to you and your instructors for the dedication and sacrifices you and your families make in order to teach karate.                                                                                             Fran FlorentinoP.S. We wish you would open a satellite here in Augusta, GA !! "Alex has benefited in numerous ways from training at International Karate Centers.  We are pleased to see Alex's confidence grow, his behavior improve as well as his attitude.  Alex is more focused [helps with homework], listens better and is overall better behaved since he started karate training at International Karate Centers.  The entire experience has been extremely positive."  Michael Norris "My experience with Jeff Ellis' International Karate Centers has been great.  For the last three years my son has attended the After School Program and Summer Camp.  It has helped him to do better in school and every day life.  The discipline gained has taught him to focus more and has helped him to be a more responsible person.  It has helped him to try to succeed in everything that he does whether it be school, sports or being a person in general.                                                                                          George Applebee  Dave Ruben "Jeff Ellis' International Karate Centers is a real treasure for anyone who wants their children to develop high self-esteem and a sense of responsibility.  I would recommend this center to anyone who was interested in helping their child be the healthiest, happiest and best they can be!" Jeanne Garcia   "My son's self-esteem has been boosted; his confidence, and his grades have improved.  He also has a greater respect for others through the help and guidance of Shihan Ellis.  There are many karate schools out there but I feel that the International Karate Centers' instructors' knowledge and professionalism is unsurpassed." "When we saw your sign for the Summer Martial Arts Day Camp, we knew that this would be good for our son, Hayden, but we didn't know that it would change his whole life."  "Hayden was very self-conscious about himself.  Always looking at himself in the mirror and pointing the bad things out.  He now thinks he can take over the world.  His confidence skyrocketed!  Along with his confidence, there was a big improvement in his grades as well."  "Karate for Hayden has improved his social skills and the way he interacts with family." Jackie Gringle      Lori Shannon    "I couldn't be more pleased with my decision to enroll my daughter in your school.  I have not only seen an increase in her physical strength and agility but she is showing improvement in her studies as well.  The school has helped enforce the importance of commitment, showing concern for others, and in taking pride in accomplishments." Richard General "As Nick and I near our black belt tests I have looked back on the past 5 years. At this point in Nick's life I'm pretty sure he doesn't remember a time before karate. When I initially enrolled him I never realized the effect that your program would have on him. The role that you, Sensei Whelan, Sensei Rickard and Sempai(s) Soat have played has been immeasurable. I cannot tell you how often I get complimented about Nick's compassion. People are impressed that a 10 year old will look at them square in the eyes and when asked how he is says "great, thanks for asking how are you?" When I get home from work he greets me not with requests for things but with a "hi dad, how was your day?" "If I said to Nick, you know what, I'm tired of going to karate why don't we just quit, we're almost black belts, we know everything we'll need to know to defend ourselves. I know his answer would be, you can quit but I'm not. Nick's goal is to study karate his entire life. My goal is to make sure he can. Thank you for helping me do that..." Ralph Febbo "We wanted to enroll our son into a program that would benefit his discipline, respect, self-esteem and would be fun also. This program exceeded our expectations" Jeff Ellis' International Karate Centers   Master Instructor, Jeff Ellis, (8th Dan) has spent those thirty-five years developing programs that lead to a stronger self image by building self confidence and self esteem, and providing a greater sense of direction.  This confidence and improved self-discipline are the main stay and heritage of International Karate Centers.   Our unique programs focus on improving the self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline of our martial arts students.  Our instructors are trained to teach the true values of the martial arts.  We stress respect and courtesy, and the importance of always doing your best -- in the dojo, at school, and at home.   The atmosphere offered at International Karate Centers is a positive, healthy, wholesome environment emphasizing respect for family and others.   Shihan Jeff Ellis and a staff of expert instructors and managers, including Sensei Larry Whelan, Sensei Mona-Lee Troy, Sensei Richard Sweebe, Sensei Laura Rickard, Sempai Antoinette Ellis, Sensei Mark Ackerman Sensei Richard Arter, Sempai Scott Long, Sempai Ralph Febbo, Sempai Dave Garcia, Sempai Dan Vento Sempai Robbie Pellon, Sempai Sara Stanton-Hicks   We offer a number of programs for instruction in martial arts and physical fitness. We invite you to come and visit your nearest International Karate Centers -- 17112 Pearl Road, Strongsville and 720 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake -- and consider enrolling in one of our outstanding programs such as, Traditional Martial Arts Instruction for ages 7 and up, specialized children classes like the Karate Tots for ages 31/2- 41/2 and Young Kickers for 5-6 year olds.  Lot's of Moms and Dads take opportunity to participate in the family clases with their children too! A GREAT way to add a parent-child bonding experience that is FUN and packs SUPER physical and mental benefits for the parent as well as the child. Both children and the parent remark about the positive outcome and what it means to them for years to come!    International Karate centers has been has been serving the greater Cleveland area with the highest quality traditional martial arts instruction for over thirty-five years. With two locations serving the greater Cleveland area -- Strongsville and Avon Lake, International Karate Centers has produced champions in life as well as in the martial arts.