Sensei Mercedes Janes - Godan

For Mercedes Janes, the road to Black Belt Excellence began in 1981 when she decided to take martial arts lessons from her husband Dennis Janes at the Mentor Karate Institute. Through her years of martial arts experience as a competitor and instructor she has met and trained with some of America’s top martial artist: Ernie Reyes, Joe Lewis and Bill Wallace legendary karate and kickboxing champions, Mark and Jim Graden founders of NAPMA’s cardioKarate and Fitness Kickboxing. Perhaps the biggest highlight of her career was meeting Chuck Norris at a Karate Institute of America  Black Belt Test in 1985.   These are some of the people that have inspired her to continue with her training and teaching the martial arts.

Now, after 26 years of martial arts, Mercedes has earned her 5th Degree Black Belt in Kajukenpo. She is one of the highest ranking martial arts women in Ohio. The rank she has obtained is recognized nationally and internationally.

For her program this year, Mercedes has decided to highlight the traditional Black Belt testing protocol as used when she tested for her Shodan in 1984. For this she has invited some of Master Dennis’s Black Belts from the past 15 years into her program: Greg Heckel—Shodan; Anthony Lavdis—Shodan; Larry Marold—Sandan and one of Mercedes' first Black Belts from Painesville—KI, Francy Ahlin.

The martial arts have evolved so much over the years with creative and extreme techniques which can be a bit intimidating to the Adult Karateka.  This program is designed to motivate and encourage the Adult Student to strive as they progress to their next level of training and Black Belt ranks. Mercedes wants to thank her  husband of 27 years and children, Brittany, DeAnna and Eric for always being there for her, supporting and encouraging her with her Martial Arts goals.