|
 – eighth degree --
Rick's Academy of Self Defense and the American Independent Karate
Association (Amer. I.K.A.)
The Academy of Self Defense began in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, at the
Y.M.C.A. in 1974 where Robert Gormey was
teaching the art of Kun Tao, an Indonesian fighting art. Bernard Kalinoski was the first to receive the level of shodan and became head instructor for the school.
Rick DeVallance received his shodan level
(black belt) from Master Kalinoski in 1979 and
continued there until 1983 at which time he began a branch school in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. During this
time he began his study of the art of American Kenpo
under the direction of Grand Master Vea in Youngstown, Ohio.
In 1986, Rick DeVallance moved the
karate school to DuBois, Pennsylvania,
and instructed at the Y.M.C.A. in DuBois for
eight years and then moved his school to Penn State University, DuBois Campus, where he instructed for another seven
years. The increased growth in his school led to the opening of Rick's Academy of Self Defense
Karate Studio in 2001.
He presently holds the rank of eighth degree and owns and operates the
area's only full-time martial arts studio teaching Kun Tao, American Kenpo, and Shotokan karate.
Programs are available for kids and adults, which also includes an after
school program for kids.
Rick DeVallance is a member of
the Professional Martial Arts Association, he also a field agent for the
National Security Alliance (NSA) and is a certified instructor for the
Kids Safe Network. He carries all the state and federal clearance
including Act 34 and 151.
|
