About

Master Duval (also known as Ms. Shannon) holds a 4th degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, and has qualified for the US Nationals Team for Full Contact Stick Fighting five times:  2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and holds numerous regional, national, and world titles. She currently holds the World title in Senior Women’s Double Stick. Her Kali training is under the direction of Guru Edie Mesina, Tuhon Apolo Ladra, and Guru Benjamin Salas.  She is a certified iKali instructor under Tuhon Apolo Ladra and oversees our Kali4Kids program. She also holds a Ph.D in philosophy, and when not teaching or training in martial arts, or wrangling her three teenagers, she teaches full time at the university level.

“If anyone had told me on the day I began martial arts training that I would go on to earn a 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo, own a school, and compete at the National and World level, I would have laughed, literally. I started because a doctor had recommended it might be helpful for my young son to do family martial arts. I am not particularly naturally athletically gifted, barely coordinated, had no martial arts background, and was in my 30s with young children.  Martial arts training has molded me into a person who is unafraid to take on new challenges, imagines new possibilities, and realized and continues to realize successes that were unimaginable in my past.

It is my belief that we are happier, stronger, and enjoy a deeper peace of mind when we know we have equipped ourselves with the basic physical competencies we need to be safe and to assist others in need. It means a lot to me to see how empowering it is when students begin to realize the strength and skill they possess and can develop.”

Kylie holds a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo. Her training started 9 years ago at Lake Country Martial Arts, and she is currently the assistant instructor to the 4-6 year old class. She enjoys coming to class to learn new techniques and finds inspiration in her instructors. Martial arts allowed her to gain more confidence, and the ability to think on the spot. When she isn’t training she can be found playing tennis, traveling to new countries, competing in school math meets, or playing for girls golf at Arrowhead.

Kevin has a first degree black belt in Taekwondo, and has been training at Lake Country Martial Arts since the age of 5. He is also actively training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kali. He values his training at a high level and plans to pursue it further. When teaching, he believes the teacher’s job is not just to teach the material, but also to inspire the students to learn.

Sarah has a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo, and started in kindergarten. There have been several times where she has wanted to quit because she felt she wasn’t any good at it, but she didn’t. She learned if she keeps trying at something without giving up, she is going to get better no matter what. She also participates in cross country, track, and drama at her high school.

Max has a 1st degree balck belt in Taekwondo and has also earned belt rank in Karate and Kali.  He started 13 years ago at the age of 6 with his family, and has been training ever since. Max is looking forward to returning to tournament competition in 2018, and in teaching more of the kids Kali classes.