Freestyle Karate
About Us
Freestyle Karate has been a staple in Howland since 2009. Our mission is to improve the emotional and physical well-being of all of our students trough the martial arts. Sensei Wendy is the owner and founder and is actively teaching in the dojo everyday. It truly is a family atmosphere with her son, Stamos Sfikas, being the head instructor. Our dojo strives to keep a solid ratio of students to instructors in order to give individual children and adults the attention they deserve.
Freestyle Karate
About Our Instructors
Every instructor at Freestyle Karate knows the students by name, their strengths, and their challenges. Our children’s classes incorporate a character development programs called Black Belt Excellence to encourage students to practice their focus and discipline outside of the dojo. Our adult program encourages being healthy through mental and physical training. All our programs go beyond belt rank. Freestyle Karate wants students to succeed everywhere.
Owner & Master Instructor
Sensei Wendy Sfikas
Sensei Wendy began her martial arts journey at the age of 12 and opened Freestyle Martial Arts Academy in November 2007, driven by a vision to create the premier martial arts facility in the Mahoning Valley. Today, the academy proudly serves nearly 300 active students in a spacious 6,000-square-foot facility with three floors and multiple matted training areas. A 6th-degree black belt, Sensei Wendy continues her own training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Krav Maga. She holds a master’s degree in psychology, specializing in conflict resolution, and is a certified personal trainer and performance coach through Krav Maga Worldwide.
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Head Instructor
Coach Stamos Sfikas
Coach Stamos Sfikas, a 3rd-degree black belt, began his martial arts training at the age of 3 and has been teaching since he was 12. Now 26, he serves as the head instructor for the kids’ karate programs, where he brings years of expertise and passion for martial arts education. Coach Stamos holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and enjoys reading and writing in his free time, cultivating skills that enrich both his teaching approach and personal interests.
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Adult Krav Maga Instructor
Coach Wendy Sfikas
Coach Wendy Sfikas began her Krav Maga journey in 2018, training in Los Angeles, where she earned her certification through Krav Maga Worldwide. In 2019, she founded and affiliated Krav Maga 330 with Krav Maga Worldwide, and she continues to advance her skills, having achieved Phase B certification and aiming for Phase C in March 2025. In addition to Krav Maga, Coach Wendy actively trains under Coach Micah Bender in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in self-defense and martial arts. She holds a master’s degree in psychology, specializing in conflict resolution, and is a certified personal trainer and performance coach through Krav Maga Worldwide.
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Adult Krav Maga Instructor
Coach Zac Sage
Coach Zac began his Krav Maga training in 2019, earning his Phase A certification through Krav Maga Worldwide in Columbia, Maryland. Since then, he has become the lead instructor at Krav Maga 330, where he teaches Levels 1 through 3. Currently Phase C certified, he is on track to achieve Expert level in 2025. In addition to Krav Maga, Coach Zac is training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Coach Micah Bender and pursuing further expertise in Muay Thai. He is also studying to become a certified personal trainer, enhancing his dedication to martial arts and fitness coaching.
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Instructor
Coach Jaz Klecha
Coach Jaz is the newest member of the Freestyle Karate instructor family. They have been training for 6 years and holds the rank of probationary black belt. Coach Jaz will be heading up the Freestyle Karate STORM and SWAT Teams as the year progresses, to help coach the next generation of instructors here at Freestyle Karate.
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Training Instructors
Training instructors are the coaches in training here at Freestyle Karate. These instructors are typically brown-black belts and under the age of 16 years old. They are learning how to be full time or part time instructors one day and are very active in the training of the students here at the dojo.
Training Instructor
Ms. Courtney
Training Instructor
Coach Colette
What Our Students Are Saying
Had my daughters 7th birthday party here this past weekend, absolutely loved this place. The staff was super fun and helpful, the place was nice and spacious. The kids had such a fun time it was filled with entertainment the entire time. Thank you so much for the great birthday party, my daughter and her friends had a great time.
Samantha D.
Parent
Amazing staff and venue! Everyone went above and beyond from unloading the car to helping our birthday boy open his presents so that we could enjoy watching him and his friends on his special day! Would recommend anyone to check this place out and will be signing our son up for classes very soon!
Danielle P.
Parent
Best Karate studio around! Wendy and her family are amazing instructors and even with large classes they make sure every child is noticed. They also throw AMAZING birthday parties, we had one there for an 8 year old kiddo who was living with us and he had the time of his life.
Sara P.
Parent