Posts by Rick

Karun RameshI graduated ASU in 2018 with degrees in Industrial Engineering and Economics and currently work at a bank. I received my black belt in the Fall of 2008. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned occurred while at the dojo and it is this: The results of hard work will always be worth…

Sheetal SinghAfter obtaining her black belt, Sheetal went on to college at the University of Arizona where she double majored in Accounting and Finance. She began her career at Google in San Francisco where she spent 4.5 years on the sales/marketing team. She is currently a second year MBA student at the University of Michigan…

Jesse FiferJesse joined the dojo as part of his childhood quest to overcome the emotional trouble he suffered. His training was the ultimate test of his temperament and discipline. After being invited into the Dan program to train for his black belt, Jesse found a new sense of dedication to his training, partnering with his…

David KogutDavid Kogut is currently a mechanical engineering student at Grand Canyon University who is set to graduate in April 2020. Born in Buffalo, New York, David moved to Phoenix, Arizona when he was just one year old and started karate at age seven. From elementary to high school, David thoroughly enjoyed training and made…

Michelle HaebeMichelle enrolled in karate at Mountainside Martial Arts Center with Sensei Rick when she started first grade. At first it was a fun sport for her to be involved with, but as she grew older it quickly developed into much more. Karate was not always easy, and there were many peaks and valleys throughout…

Kiera DaleyKiera Daley is a graduate from Arizona State University with a major in Urban Planning and a minor in Sustainability. She saves the world every day, one rebate at a time, as an Energy Analyst for Schneider Electric and is currently pursuing a career as an Energy Engineer. She is the Executive Vice President…

Tyler MiyasakiTyler began training at MMAC in 1999 and went on to complete his first degree in 2007 and his second degree in 2011. Since then he has earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from ASU and is currently working on a Master’s in Food Science at the University of California Davis. Practicing martial…

Erik Braunstein Erik began training at Mountainside Martial Arts Center in 2004. In 2010, he earned his 1st degree black belt and in 2014 he achieved the rank of 2nd degree black belt. Through Mountainside, he learned many important skills such as discipline, perseverance, focus, teamwork, leadership, and the importance of physical wellness. Erik has…

Jason BerbaumJason began his training under Sensei Rick Savagian in 1985 and earned his black belt in 1991. He has fond memories of his time there and remembers it being like a family to him. Currently, Jason works for a medical device company. He oversees the state of Hawaii for Arthrex/SportsTek Medical, which specializes in…

Kira Hart NunemakerIn 1985 you could find all of the Hart family at the dojo, day in and day out. I was only a year old when my brother started training. By age 5 it was my turn to start my journey in martial arts;. I trained hard, competed hard, and grew up with some…