Our School Location

USK Karate Academy
5697 Coral Ridge Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33076
(954) 340-5425

Master David Alvas
Rank - 4th Dan
Owner, Director & Master Instructor
Staff Member

David Alvas began training in Tang Soo Do when he was four years old. He received his 1st degree Midnight Blue Belt at the age of thirteen, when he began assisting teaching. His dedication to the art led him to become a professional full-time instructor and manager for Master Pryor in late 2003, one year after he received his 3rd degree. Because of his dedication to the growth of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan in South Florida, the Grand Master, H.C. Hwang, recognized his achievements with a National award at the 2006 National Championships. Alvas, Sa Bom Nim is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Conditioning Coach. He tested and passed for the rank of 4th Dan (Master) in January 2007. Masters David & Jillian Alvas run USK Karate Academy together to better promote a family environment.

Master Jillian Alvas
Rank - 4th Dan
Owner, Director & Master Instructor
Staff Member

Alvas, Sa Bom Nim has been training in Tang Soo Do since she was 11 years old. She has been teaching martial arts since 1998 and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in ESE. She was previously a teacher at a Broward County Elementary School and is now the Director of our M.A.S.S.T.E.R. Program and studio manager. Jillian and David Alvas were married in December of 2007.

Master Chris Podolsky
Rank - 4th Dan

Master Podolsky has been training in Tang Soo Do for over 17 years, having begun his martial arts path under Headmaster Pryor (Kwan Jang Nim) in Plantation, Florida. Through his Tang Soo Do career, Master Podolsky has watched many of the current instructors and leadership team grow from children to young adults, progressing from beginner to Dan member. Master Podolsky has been an executive in the cruise line and marine industry for over 25 years. He has been happily married since 1992 with two teenaged daughters, and resides in Weston, Florida.

Master Michael Fritts
Rank - 4th Dan
Staff Member, School Manager

Michael Fritts has been training at USK since 1995. He has been a fully certified instructor since 2006, and is currently a 4th Dan (Master). He has recently left the IT industry to resume his passion for martial arts through teaching at and managing USK Karate Academy.

Master Fritts plans to open his own branch of USK in the future, and continue his training far into the future.

Master Steve Handwerker
Rank - 4th Dan

Dr. Handwerker serves individuals and groups in the community and across the globe as a Board Certified and  licensed clinical psychologist (NY, FL, SD) for 30 years.

He works in diverse venues involving professional training and education; traumatized populations, and in clinical settings with individuals and families.

Dr. Handwerker has been happily married for 36 years and has two children. All of his life, he has pursued a real martial art and the deeper principles and meaning behind it.  It was not until his training in Tang Soo Do began14 years ago with Pryor Kwan Jang Nim that he found what he was searching for in the martial arts.

Master Handwerker tested and passed for the rank of 4th Dan (Master) in January 2010.  He assists regularly in the operations of USK Karate Academy under the guidance of his instructor, David Alvas, Sa Bom Nim.

Rose Sheehan, Kyo Sa Nim
Rank - 3rd Dan
Certified Instructor

Rose has been an active member of the Florida Bar for 23 years, and is currently in the field of executive management for the Title Insurance Division of Prudential Florida Realty and WCI Communities. She has been a student at USK Karate since 1999 and is a third degree midnight blue belt as well as the Director of Development for USK Karate Academy. Rose lives in Parkland, Florida and is married with one daughter. Her passions include personal and spiritual growth, family, friends, and servant leadership.

Patrick Sheehan
Rank - 2nd Dan

Patrick has over fifteen years of experience in both the title insurance and mortgage industry and is currently the Director of Sales for Florida Home & General Lines Insurance, a division of Prudential Florida Realty. He started training at USK Karate in 1999, along with his wife and daughter. He and his daughter are currently 2nd Dans and his wife is a 3rd Dan.

Christian Wooten, Jo Kyo Nim
Rank - 3rd Dan
Certified Assistant Instructor
Staff Member

Christian Wooten has been training in martial arts for over 10 years. He is currently a college student and full time instructor.

Hans Elie, Jo Kyo Nim
Rank - 2nd Dan
Certified Assistant Instructor
Staff Member

Hans Elie has been training since 2003, has recently earned 2nd Degree Midnight Blue Belt, and he is also a certified assistant instructor. Because of his accomplishments and dedication to the art, he has been accepted into the team at USK Karate Academy.  He teaches with great enthusiasm and precision, and is great with children.

Juan Carlos Martinez
Rank - 2nd Dan

Shelby Sanders, Jo Kyo Nim
Rank - 2nd Dan
Certified Assistant Instructor
Staff Member

Shelby Sanders has been training in Tang Soo Do for over 5 years and is very passionate about helping others through teaching martial arts. She is a very gifted young lady with a special ability for working with young children. Ms. Sanders was hired as an assistant instructor in August of 2009 and has a very bright future in the martial arts.