Staff

Nick and Amber Reeder - Chief Instructors, Owners

Columbia Karate Academy is owned and operated by Nick and Amber Reeder. Nick is a Business Administration graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis, and currently holds a 3rd dan in Shito-ryu. He is responsible for the technical education and development of students. Amber manages the office work, in addition to teaching karate and pilates. They have two children: Griffin and Deacon Reeder.

Nick Reeder	Amber Reeder
Education B.A. Business Management - University of Missouri, St. Louis Certifications 3rd Dan - Shitoryu 2nd Dan - Shudokan Competitive History WSKF World Championships US Open Championships US Team Trials IKF World Classic	Athletic History USA-NKF Championships Classical ballet, jazz, and modern dance

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Senior Members

Nick and Amber Reeder are assisted by several senior members at CKA that contribute to the development of students and the school as a whole, in addition to pursuing outside certifications and technical training.

Sensei Sally David

Sally David has a long competitive history, and a deep involvement with the USA Karate program at a national level. As a 3rd dan and an experienced competitor, she pushes to bring the strong spirit of the students and athletes out. Sally is also a nationally certified referee.

Sally works as a sports medicine and athletic trainer, which provides ample information that she passes on as a coach for CKA's competitive team.

Jerry Heltibrand

Jerry, our most senior member, shows that karate is for anyone at any age.

Jon McDaniel

Jon McDaniel is both an instructor and an aspiring athlete. A champion at regional and national events, as well as a medalist at the world championships, Jon leads by example through hard work and commitment.

Additionally, Jon has earned several college scholarships for his scholastic performance during high school.

» Read about Jon's success and bronze medal at the 2009 World Championships!

Steve Merckel

Having grown up within CKA's parent organization since an early age, Steve Merckel is returning the structure and discipline learned as a youth to the current generation of athletes and students.

Steve is a software architect by trade, developing many web enabled applications and sites used worldwide (he also maintains this website). Steve enjoys traveling, as some of his trips include touring through Germany and training karate in the Venezuelan mountains.

Noelle Richter

Noelle first became involved with karate through her children. Not content with watching from the sidelines, Noelle began training and has been in love with the sport ever since.

Noelle works as an actuary, enjoys scuba diving, spending time with her family, and has a wide assortment of pets.