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 is the owner and master instructor at Freestyle Karate. She began training at the age of 12 in Taekwondo and received her black belt at the age of 20. In 2007, she opened Freestyle Karate and continued her training in the martial arts. She holds a 6th degree black belt through Master Rick Addessi, holds instructor certifications in Krav Maga through Krav Maga Worldwide, is a Certified Personal Trainer through ISSA, and holds a master’s degree in psychology.
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Head Instructor
Coach Stamos Sfikas
Coach Stamos Sfikas is the head instructor at Freestyle Karate and has been training in martial arts for 20 years. He is a third degree black belt and has been teaching at Freestyle Karate since the age of 14. He has been a gold medalist in martial arts tournaments in weapons competition and is the senior bo instructor at the dojo. Coach Stamos holds a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in English.
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Adult Striking Instructor
Coach Zac Sage
Coach Zac Sage is the adult striking instructor and assistant instructor for Krav Maga. He has been training in Krav Maga for three years and holds certifications through Krav Maga Worldwide. He is currently in training as the senior instructor for the adult and masters program and will be traveling this year to further his proficiency and knowledge in Krav Maga.
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Assistant Instructor
Coach Lisa Casey
Coach Lisa Casey is an assistant instructor at Freestyle Karate and has been training with Sensei Wendy for about 7 years. She has a first degree black belt and began teaching a year ago. Coach Lisa is our Demonstration Team’s assistant coach as well as captain of the current Team Freestyle Demonstration Team. She has earned gold medals with the demo team as well as in kata at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Coach Lisa is active at JFK as a majorette and member of their drama club.
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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
Coach Colin
Training Instructor
Ms. Courtney
Training Instructor
Coach Colette
Training Instructor
Coach Carter
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