History
We are a family owned and operated business. Our after-school program is state licensed and is staffed by professional educators, facilitators/curriculum trainers, and trained tutors. Our martial arts instructors are Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do. We use traditional martial arts education as a tool to build confidence and enhance positive character traits. Our curricula is internationally acclaimed and endorsed by The National PTA, Boy Scouts of America, Sports Illustrated for Kids, child psychologists, and guidance counselors. We have developed partnerships with public schools and are recommended to parents as a reliable source of high quality structured after school programs that enhance academic performance and social skills.
Mission
Our Mission is to provide our customers and surrounding communities with a high quality, structured, values and ethics-based program that will build strength in both mind and body and will help prepare each individual for the rigors of living and succeeding in a highly competitive society.
Staff
Our staff has been carefully selected and includes professional educators and talented instructors:
Self-Control
Integrity
Perseverance
Gary Rittershaus: Instructor & Managing Director
Gary is a retired executive of the Tom's of Maine Company and a former business ethics and values trainer for the Saltwater Institute. He has a second degree black belt and has taught after-school and recreation programs for over eight years in the Arundel School System. Gary has degrees in Psychology and Biology from the University of Massachusetts and has trained with Dr. Webster-Doyle to teach his character development programs.
Diane Rittershaus: Co-Director
Diane is an elementary school teacher with a degree in elementary education K-8. Diane evaluates, selects and implements curricula and programs.
Deborah Dunton: Pre-K & Kindergarten Teacher
Deborah has a wealth of experience in Childcare and works with our younger groups of children.
Charles "Charlie" Rittershaus: General Manager
Charlie is a Martial Arts Instructor with certification in LifeSkills Curricula and a 3rd Degree Black Belt. He is also finishing up his degree at USM. He was a gold medalist at the 1998 AAU National Tae Kwon Do Championship Tournament. Charlie oversees the day to day activities and teaches Tae Kwon Do.
Jack Rittershaus: Martial Arts Instructor and Tutor
Jack has certification in LifeSkills Curricula and 2nd Degree Black Belt. He was a medalist at the 1998 AAU Tae Kwon Do National Championships in Buffalo N.Y. Jack is also a college student. Jack has taught after-school programs in the Arundel School System for four years.
