M'kekado School of Karate & Self-Defense

SENSEI
 
Sensei is a 3rd degree black belt in M'Keka Do Karate. He has been training for 25 years and teaching karate for 15 years to individuals of all walks of life - children, adults and special needs individuals. Sensei Orlando has also trained in Kickboxing under World Champion & Shihan Devon Cormack (6th degree black belt). What it means to be a black belt to him: 

              "Persevering in the midst of adversity, training through all types of environments, executing and teaching techniques, focus & discipline throughout many years. As a black belt, I have the responsibility to share my knowledge."

Sensei has a commitment to bring Karate to everyone, as a discipline for the mind, body and spirit and to bring families together through shared training. He teaches a number of karate classes: children's classes, adult classes, parent & child classes and special needs classes, as well as self-defense classes. His teaching style is known to be a well-balanced and rare mix of firm yet flexible, and disciplined yet humorous. He takes pride in hearing each of his students' outside accomplishments and how karate is making a difference in their lives. 

When he is not at the School, Sensei enjoys running, playing handball, writing, blogging and spending time with his family. 

SEMPAI MARK
Sempai Mark is a 1st degree black belt in M'Keka Do Karate. He has been training in martial arts since 1992 (19 years), studying a variety of martial arts such as Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Kickboxing and of course M'Keka Do Karate.  After a forced break from the martial arts, he came back in full force to teach at the MKD School and learn "the way of the strong foundation"  from Sensei Orlando. Sempai Mark is known to push himself beyond physical and mental limits every time he trains, inspiring students in class to never give up. As a lifelong student and a wise teacher, Sempai Mark sees karate as a lifestyle: 

             "Lessons taught within the M'Keka Do style, are applicable to all aspects of one's life.  Whether you are young, old, male, female, athletic or non-athletic, all can benefit from the focus and discipline the art of Karate provide.  Osu!" 

Sempai Mark teaches children's classes and adult classes. He is recognized for his patient and rigorous teaching style. His blend of directness and humor are part of his arsenal of never letting others give up.

In his spare time, he is also a soccer coach to young children, including his own children. He enjoys running and playing soccer frequently.

SEMPAI ELENA
Sempai Elena is a martial artist and highly-trained self defense instructor. She has previously trained in Goju and Shotokan karate styles. Sempai Elena studies M'Keka Do karate under Sensei Orlando and teaches and practices in Western Queens. She finds true joy in learning, bettering herself constantly and sharing her knowledge. 

At the MKD School, Sempai Elena teaches self-defense courses and workshops. She has a passion for empowering people, especially women. In the early 1980s, she began teaching self-defense and for the last 27 years has relentlessly offered workshops and classes to a diverse range of individuals.  Her clear and concise speaking ability, genuine empathy, and sense of humor make her classes and workshops a highly valuable experience. As a teacher and mentor, Sempai Elena has a devotion to her art and a distinct affinity for women.

Her courses provide students with a spectrum of psychological, verbal, and physical techniques that are easily applied in real-life situations.   Upon completing a course, students will be able to formulate answers to two critical questions: 
 * What am I willing to defend? 
 * How am I willing to defend it?

Sempai Elena is a proud member of the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation.