Shihan Larry Zahand
9th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Larry Zahand is 9th Degree Black Belt has been studying the martial arts for over four decades. He has trained in many different systems and has acquired mastery level in ...
more9th Degree Black Belt
Shihan Larry Zahand is 9th Degree Black Belt has been studying the martial arts for over four decades. He has trained in many different systems and has acquired mastery level in ...
more4th Degree Black Belt
Sensei Matt is the program director of the dojo (training facility) and one of the chief instructors. A veteran of the United States Navy, he mixes his charismatic personality ...
more4th Degree Black Belt
Sensei Tammy Zahand has been practicing Martial Arts with Grand Master Zahand for more than twenty years. She is the head pre-school instructor and loves to work with the little ...
more6th Degree Black Belt
Sensei Christian Kuehm started his Martial Arts training while attending Hiram College. After graduating in 1985, Sensei Kuehm looked to further his training. In 1992, through a ...
more3rd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Jerry Laing started in Martial arts when he was just 8 or 10 years old with Ishen Ryu Karate. He went on to practice Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu in College. Jerry began ...
more2nd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Seth Sharp started training at the age of 21. His passion for the martial arts started at a very young age. Moving to the Akron area was difficult for him until he found ...
more2nd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Rijon Perry is a 5-time AKJU national champion. He's been with the Zahand's for 13 years, studying the art of Shotokan Karate. He embodies self-discipline, determination ...
more2nd Degree Black Belt
Cole Started his martial arts training in 2008, receiving his 1st Degree Black Belt in August 2015. He started his training to be able to defend himself and build confidence, and ...
moreBoxing Coach
Hasan Mateen is a 5-time golden glove heavy weight champion. He is rated by Ring Magazine as a top heavyweight prospect. He once fought Ernie Shavers, who is known for fighting ...
moreSempai
Noland was a four year varsity wrestler in high school, was on the kent state rugby team for six years. After that, Noland decided he was to become a black belt and instruct ...
more1st Degree Black Belt
I began training in January 2013, have been a Sempai since 2017, and earned my first dan black belt in March 2019. Martial arts have helped me gain self confidence and become a ...
moreShoDan
Hi, I am Charlie, I am a first degree black belt at Zahand's Martial Arts Starting all the way back when I was in the little Dragons preschool program. I love Martial Arts for ...
moreMy son has been going to Zahand's since the first grade, over four years now. To say that they are amazing is an understatement. We joined at first, hoping that he could learn to funnel some of his frustrations and emotional challenges into a more structured and positive outlet. Through all of the instructor's patience, structure, dedication, discipline and love, he has been given so much more. I say "all of the instructors", because every single one of them gives their all to our kids. I cannot single one person out.
They have taught him so much more than Martial Arts. He has been taught discipline. With hard work comes the reward of accomplishing his goals. He has been taught respect, not just to others, but also to respect himself and see his self worth. He does not find it hard to "do the right thing" when he sees situations at school or in social settings with other children, and will sometimes be the only voice to stand out in the right.
As parents, these are things that we hope to teach our children and pray that they keep these qualities throughout their adult lives. But honestly speaking, we cannot do this alone. We have found at Zahand's a community of like minded people who want to live by the same morals and strive every day to be better than the day before.
Due to COVID and personal reasons, we had to break for a few months and they completely understood. Most businesses would give you a hard time and make it very difficult to take time off. We were able to pause our membership and come right back when we were ready. Not only did they understand but they kept checking in with us throughout the months to see if we needed anything and to just let us know they were here for us.
So if you just want to learn Martial Arts, of course I recommend them. They are very knowledgeable and Spencer is a proud brown belt excited to work towards his black. But if you want to learn more than just Martial Arts, this is the dojo for you. This is the family for you.
As Spencer said tonight on our way to class, "They are like a second home".
-Shaunna