About Charland Institute

Overcoming obstacles, dealing with life challenges, and having confidence are what our school is all about. The Charland Institute's curriculum is a blend of traditional and modern martial arts that offers an effective self-defense program as well as a means for personal development, character development and discipline. This formula for success makes it easier to handle the pressures of every day living. Children learn to concentrate and focus their energy constructively, which results in better grades and confidence. Adults and teens find martial arts training a release that helps to rid them of frustrations and anxieties of life. Our progressive style of martial arts training provides a comprehensive and unique course encompassing effective karate, aikido, and jiu jutsu techniques. The Charland Institute's Teaching System is state-of-the-art in martial arts systems, renowned throughout the world for developing well rounded and effective martial-arts students.

Charland's instructors are trained not only in martial arts' but also in the psychology of success and achievement. OUr instructors are women and men from all walks of life and are a great set of role models. One of the school's greatest assets is this multitalented group of instructors.

Instructors

	Master Garth Charland (TSDMA #005) began studying martial arts over twenty years ago. He holds a sixth degree black belt in the art of Tang Soo Do, and has studied other arts extensively. More than that, he has been teaching the martial arts for more than 23 years. He has devoted his life to being a teacher and student of martial arts and incorporate all that he has learned through life in his teaching and training. More...
	Master Scott Hansen (TSDMA #012) has been teaching with Master Charland since 1988, when they taught once per week running the Parks and Recreation program.  He continues to be a valued staff member of the Charland Institute, instructing advanced juniors, and all adults. Master Hanson was named the "Codes and Tenets Award winner in 1998, which is the TSDMA's highest honor. He started the Litchfield Karate Club in 2000. His club continues to grow and his students do very well in competition. Master Hanson was promoted to 5th dan on January 26th of 2010.
	Master Wesley Pomeroy (TSDMA #036) was promoted to 5th Dan on January 26th 2010 Master Pomeroy has been with the Charland Institute for 18 years. Master Pomeroy also holds the rank of Black Belt in Judo, in which he trained under Master Harry Sphorer. He took over the the Morris Karate Club in the fall of 2003 and oversees that program to this day. He has been a regular competitor in New England and TSDMA Interclubs holding many sparring titles in various tournaments and sanctioning systems, since white belt. Mr. Pomeroy was the first student to make master under Master Charland who started with him since white belt.
	Master Sharon Strobel (TSDMA #125)      Master Strobel began her Tang Soo Do journey at age 14.  She was a member of the World Tang Soo Do Association where she earned the ranks of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree black belt.  In 2005, she was promoted to the rank of 4th dan by Master Warren Adams.  Master Strobel joined the Masters Alliance in 2007.  She has trained continually and has won several competitions through the years that include divisions in hyungs, sparring, breaking, weapons, and creativity.  Her professional credentials also include certifications in KardioKickbox, first-aid and BLS/CPR.  She graduated from the University of Bridgeport earning a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene.  She is a licensed dental hygienist in the State of Connecticut and has recently earned her graduate degree from University of Phoenix in Adult Education and training.  She owned and operated USA Karate in Naugatuck for nine years and sold the school to pursue motherhood and welcomed three children into the world, David, Jordan, and Halle.  She resides in Plymouth with her husband and children.
	Cory Lutkus began in the art of Tang Soo Do at age 4 under the instruction of Master Garth Charland. In 2002 he began to get into the competition scene and in 2004, he became a member of Team Straight Up where he competed under Mr. Joe Greenhalgh. He began to compete on the National and International level. In 2009 he joined the Amerikick World Competition Team. Cory actively trains and teaches at the same karate school he started with. He is a 24 Time World Champion in weapons, forms, and fighting. On April 27th, 2010, he was honored by the Watertown Gold Circle of Sports with a special award from the state of CT.
	Cynthia Kloss has been in Tang Soo Do for much of her life. After taking a break to raise a family, she ended up living in Watertown and stopped by the karate school one day. Now both of her daughters are black belts and the rest is history. Even her husband is a black belt, I'd hate to be the one who breaks into that house!!
	Joseph McCarthy Is a 2nd degree black belt who has moved up the ranks under the Charland Institute teaching staff. Now that he is back from his stint in the Navy, Kyo Sa McCarthy teaches children on a regular basis and hopes to run a Charland Karate school someday.
	Donald Krantz Is a 2nd degree black belt who has moved up the ranks under the Charland Institute teaching staff. Mr. Krantz also trains in Filipino Kun Tao under Master Drew Serrano at the Charland Institute.
	Michael DeLuca is rapidly making his mark as an excellent young instructor. He is mature beyond his years and sets a great example for the young students at CIKF.  He has made quite a mark on the tournament schene and on our Traveling Karate team. Mike has moved up through all of the steps from student to Assistant Instructor such as SWAT, DELTA, Paid DELTA, and we have recently made him an instructor.