Karate Institute of Mentor is a family oriented school where children and adults gain the amazing benefits of martial arts at their own pace. Children develop solid character through traditional values, while gaining a sense of achievement through learning practical self-defense and anti-bullying skills.
New to martial arts, fitness, or having trouble finding peace of mind in such a hectic world? You're in the right place!
Martial art exercises help develop better physical fitness, flexibility and endurance no matter what your starting point is. You'll improve based upon your own efforts during the exercises and skill development classes. Martial arts is also known for developing laser-like focus, boosting self-esteem, and giving students the ability to handle stress, no matter what challenges life throws at them.
Our age specific programs give you the best training possible for your skill level. Let's face it, a 6 year old starting from scratch is way different than a 46 year old starting from scratch. Children learn differently from adults and get distracted easily, so we separate by age to give the best training possible to all levels. Separating the classes also keeps the less developed children safe while they are learning and building strength.
The class age ranges are: 3 to 6 years old, 6 to 12, 13 to 17 and adults.
Our highly skilled instructors are passionate about teaching and coaching each student to achieve their highest level of personal development, fitness and martial arts skills. Our school is a mixture of traditional values and modern self-defense skills.
We specialize is a martial arts system call KAJUKENPO. It is an eclectic system of martial arts that was developed in Hawaii in 1947. Made up of movements and philosophy from Karate, Kenpo, Judo and Jui-Jitsu - it uses your opponent's own movements against them while teaching you to utilize throws, holds, and joint locks.
We also offer other popular programs and lessons to give you the best training possible, these stellar lessons include:
- Kids and Adults Fitness
- Basic Self-Defense
- Anti-Bullying
- Strength for Martial Artists
- Pre-School & Kindergarten Martial Arts
- Karate
- Sport Martial Arts Demo Team!
Do you have the heart of a champion? Many of our younger students enjoy performing on our martial arts demonstration team and competition team. Learning how to apply acrobatics in Extreme Forms and Weapons Competition is really challenging and fun to showcase the awesome ability of martial artists!
All classes are dynamic and designed to challenge you! But not in a scary way - our instructors will push you in a positive way to support life-changing success, achievement, and JOY! We lead by example--through quality technique, healthy respect, and personal integrity.
Don't forget to check out the super low web-special going on right now! Classes fill up fast, especially since this deal is hot, hot, hot! Definitely wouldn't want you to miss out.
For more details on taking your life to the next level while having the most fun you've EVER had working out be sure to visit our classes page. Below is a little more info on the leadership here at Karate Institute of Mentor so you can get a feel for the the expertise behind our phenomenal programs. Looking forward to training with you soon!
"Your spirit is the true shield." - Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido
Meet Dennis Janes & Mercedes Janes
Grandmaster Janes' journey in martial arts began in February of 1970 with World Champion AlGene Caraulia. In a little over two years, he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt (in December of 1972). In June of 1973, he was hired by Gene Wyka to teach in one of the oldest martial arts organizations in the Midwest, the Chicago Judo and Karate Centers.
In 1976, The Cleveland Karate Institute developed into an International Organization and Grand Master Caraulia hired Grandmaster Janes to manage and direct karate operations of the Cleveland Karate Institute. Finding a real passion in teaching students of all ages, in 1979 he opened up the Karate Institute of Mentor and by 1992 became an independent school owner.
Grandmaster Janes speaks openly about feeling very fortunate to have received many Hall of Fame honors throughout his martial arts career, amongst his many other achievement. Some of these include:
The International Kickboxing and Karate Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio
Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association, Pittsburg, PA
Ohio PKC Hall of Fame
Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors
The Circle of Masters
The World Head of Family of Council
Grand Master Mercedes Janes, 7th Degree Black Belt
Her road to Black Belt began in 1981 when Grand Master Mercedes decided to take martial arts lessons with her husband, Grand Master Dennis Janes, at the Mentor Karate Institute. Through her years as martial arts competitor and instructor, Grand Master Mercedes had the opportunity to meet and train with some of America's top martial artists, such as: Ernie Reyes, Joe Lewis and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, the legendary karate and kickboxing champions, as well as Mark and Jim Graden, founders of NAPMA.
Grand Master Mercedes claims the biggest highlight of her career was meeting Chuck Norris at the Karate Institute of America Black Belt Test in 1983! These are the people that have inspired and motivated her to continue with training and teaching the martial arts.
One of her favorite duties at the Mentor Karate Institute is to head the Leadership program. Through various continuing educational experiences with many industry leaders like Nick Kokinos (EFC founder), John Graden (NAPMA and cardioKarate/Fitness Kickboxing founder) and Melody Shuman Pre School Skillz Martial Arts program, she's developed high level communication skills so she can convey newfound knowledge to the instructor team. We are proud to say that our martial arts instructor staff are among the best in Ohio!
Awards and special recognition:
- 2007 Master Instructor Certificate
- 2012 World Karate Union Hall of Fame Master of the Year
- 2019 Ohio PKC Black Belt Hall of Fame
Meet Justin McDonough
Instructor at Karate Institute of Mentor in Mentor, OH
4th Degree Black Belt
Chief Instructor McDonough began training in October 2007 and achieved the rank of 1 st Degree Black Belt in 2010. He has a passion for training and pushing himself to the limits. It helps him to discover weaknesses and figure out what needs to be done to become stronger. Chief Instructor McDonough constantly finds new ways to train and really likes sharing that knowledge with his students.
Teaching martial arts provides Chief Instructor McDonough with many opportunities to help others achieve martial arts skills and confidence - he takes real pleasure in seeing students developing a love for the martial arts and the positive outlook on life. Knowing that he help them achieve their goals is a real honor.
As a competitor, Chief Instructor McDonough was the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Ohio PKC State Champion and the 2014 PKC National Forms Champion. Coaching students on how to develop a tournament presence and being confident in the face of competition has been extremely rewarding to him. There's nothing like seeing someone you work with really do well in their martial arts performance.
CLICK ON A PROGRAM TO GET STARTED TODAY!
How to Get Started
Come join our Mentor, OH facility! We offer programs in Dragons, Kids Martial Arts, and Teen & Adult Martial Arts . Choose a program that most interests you and take the opportunity to sign-up right here on our site for one of our awesome web specials. Or feel free to give us a call at (440) 951-0463 if you have any further questions. We hope to speak with you soon!