Who we are
Since 2005, Paul Keller's Family Martial Arts Academy has been providing martial arts instruction and lessons in Tigard, and the surrounding area. On October 1st, 2010 we moved our Academy a couple miles to better include those living in Beaverton.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe and positive environment for kids, adults and families starting at age 4. We are committed to helping individuals develop the discipline and confidence to reach their full potential.
Meet our leadership
Our instructors are trained to provide the highest quality martial arts instruction. They are experienced teachers and dedicated to helping each student grow and achieve their goals.
Introducing our teaching staff
Family Martial Arts Academy is the Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) for the American Shorin-Ryu Karate Association. As such, we have some of the most experienced and highest ranking teachers at our Academy.
Paul D. Keller
- 8th Degree Black Belt, Hanshi in Shorin-Ryu Karate
- 5th Degree Black in Okinawan Weapons (Kobudo)
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Japanese Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship)
- B.A. degree in Russian Language and Literature
- M.A. Degree in Physical Education majoring in Movement Arts (The Ohio State University)
- Studying and Teaching Tai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong for over 40 years.
- Selected to run a segment carrying the Olympic Torch in route to Salt Lake City, Utah for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
- Selected by Official Karate Magazine to be among the top 20 Karate and Kung Fu practitioners after placing first in black belt weapons division at the United States Karate Association's Grand National Championship Competition.
- First as a student and then teaching for Dick Kobetz's Executive Protection Institute.
- Sensei Keller worked as a bodyguard providing protection for Malcolm S. Forbes, Sr. Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Magazine.
Mickael Verona
Sensei Verona started learning Shorin Ryu - Kobayashi under Sensei Noel Smith of Virginia Beach in 1970. From 1980 onward, Sensei Verona studied under Sensei Jim Silvan in both Kobayashi and Matsubayashi. From the early 2000s to the present, Sensei Verona trained under Sensei Paul Keller in Shorin Ryu - Matsubayashi.
In 1986 & 1988, Mr. Verona was able to train in Okinawa under Hanshi Nakazato Shuguro (Kobayashi), Sensei Kishaba Chokei (Matsubayashi), and Sensei Shinzato Katsuhiko (Matsubayashi).
Sensei Verona received his Shodan in 1986 from Hanshi Nakazato's organization. Sensei Verona has studied Yamanni-Ryu kobudo under Sensei Silvan and Sensei Toshiro Oshiro since 1989. Sensei Verona received the title "Renshi", from Hanshi Sid Campbell's WOSKKA in 2004. Sensei Verona received his "Kyoshi" title in 2009 and recently his Hachidan (8th Dan) from the ASKA.
Danielle J. Verona
Danni Verona OTR/L has worked as a pediatric OT for over 35 years. Danni is the director of the young children's FMAA Neuro-inclusive karate program, she leads the Wednesday Women's class, and the semi-annual free public offering of Women's Self Defense.
Danni's has studied various Martial Arts including: Shorin Ryu Karate , Guang Ping Tai Chi , Small Circle Ju Jitsu ,Tae Kwon Do, and is certified in the healing arts of Zero Balancing, and Quantum Healing. Danni is guided by the philosophy that, "When every individual is approached and accepted as whole, our interpersonal experiences will allow each of us to grow."
October 2024
Godan, 5th Degree Black Belt
Kelley Cathcart
Dojo Coordinator, Juniors Lead Instructor, Tigers and Dragons Co-Instructor, Adult and family co-instructor, WMA (Women's Martial Arts) Co- Instructor
Kelley has a wide background in teaching- beginning as a preschool teacher in 1996 and moving on to group and personal fitness training in 2014. She brings an organized and thorough approach to teaching participants of all ages.
Sensei Kelley has discovered Family Martial Arts Academy to be a perfect place to bring together all of her skills in leadership, teaching and movement.
When she's not in the dojo you'll find her with her family and pets at home, at an exercise class, or on her paddleboard on the water.
Brock Suematsu Gordon
Dragons Co-Instructor, Juniors Co-Instructor, Adult and Family Co-Instrutor, Kobudo Lead Instructor Brock is a Data Analyst for an Ed-Tech company by day and instructor in the evenings. He started his co-instruction during 2020 lock down and has continued to teach since. He is proficient in all five Okinawan karate weapons and leads the Kobudo classes.
His martial arts background extends back to his collegiate days where he first started with MMA and has branched out to many other styles before coming to FMAA and sticking with Karate.
When not in the Dojo he enjoys weight training, TCGs, and fantasy novels.
Aimee Suematsu Gordon
Tigers-Dragons Co-instructor, resident birthday board artist
Aimee's day job is a kindergarten teacher in Beaverton. She uses her public school skills to collaborate and teach the littlest of students in the dojo.
Her personal love of art has wound its way into providing dojo students with unique birthday boards each year.
When she's not in the dojo, you might find her, running the trails, working on her art endeavors, or at home cuddling her bird and cats.
