Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei, 4th Dan Head Instructor/Owner
Reports to: Grandmaster Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan
Formal Education:
Current Program: Doctorate of Nursing Practice specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health (DNP-PMH). Earned: Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN, RN); Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology; Minor Child Advocacy-Trauma Studies; Certificate in Neuroscience; Certificate Pierre Laclede Honor’s College; Associate’s of Arts
Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei, began her training with the Original Okinawa Karate Beikoku Shidokan Association in 2003. Prior to finding a home within this association, she previously trained in kickboxing and self defense courses. Through the years she has had the honor of learning the art from extraordinary teachers, mentors, and friends within the Original Okinawa Karate Beikoku Shidokan Association, including the world renowned Seikichi Iha, Hanshi, 10th Dan.
Over the years, she has traveled regularly to Lansing, MI for training at Hombu Dojo, association headquarters. Additionally, it was with great pride that she attended two international training seminars in 2019 with some of her students. The international training seminars were held in Naha, Okinawa (Japan) and Cordoba, Argentina and provided additional opportunities to train with grand masters from all over the world.
Wally Nitsche, 3rd Dan
Instructor
Student under: Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei, 4th Dan
Wally Nitsche began training under Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei in 2014. His training began a year after his son started training. Through the years he has advanced through the ranks and now holds the rank of 2nd degree black belt. Wally was one of the Gateway Shidokan Karate students who attended the 2019 international seminars in Okinawa, Japan and Cordoba, Argentina. Wally is a valued and skilled member of our instructor team.
When asked why he began training, Wally shared, “Part of it is, we were wanting to help Nathen with his kata. I had always wanted to learn a martial art and never really had that “push” to find it. Crystal found the ads for the center and we started our journey then.”
Meghan Johnston, 2nd Dan
Instructor
Student under: Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei, 4th Dan
Formal Education:
Bachelor’s of Science in Wildlife Management specializing in Horticulture
Meghan Johnston began training under Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei in 2015. Her training began one year after her oldest daughter and one year before her youngest daughter. Through the years he has advanced through the ranks and now holds the rank of 1st degree black belt. Meghan was one of the Gateway Shidokan Karate students who attended the 2019 international seminars in Okinawa, Japan and Cordoba, Argentina. Meghan is a valued and skilled member of our instructor team.
Meghan shares, “ I started for many reasons. I was already learning the kata in order to help my daughter learn it. I really enjoyed how supportive and friendly Sensei and the other students were. I was working downtown in Citygarden, often by myself, completely unarmed. I felt like with karate I could make friends, exercise, and learn a useful skill to protect myself and my kids. I love the close friendships I have made through karate. My balance and flexibility has improved. I feel more confident than I ever have before. I am so thankful I joined.”
Tony Bui, 5th Dan
Assistant Instructor
Trains with: Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei, 4th Dan
Tony Bui began his training in 2006. When Stephanie Faulkingham Sensei first began teaching, he was her first adult white belt. Tony came to the Beikoku Association with years of previous martial arts training. Through the years he has advanced through the ranks and now holds the rank of 4th degree black belt. Tony attended the 2019 international seminar in Okinawa, Japan. Tony is a valued and skilled member of our instructor team.
When asked why he chose our style, he states, “I found Beikoku Karate to fit my style and found it really effective for self defense.”
Crystal Nitsche, 1st Dan
Assistant Instructor
Student under: Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei, 4th Dan
Crystal Nitsche began training under Stephanie Faulkingham, Sensei in 2014. Her training began a year after her son started training. Through the years she has advanced through the ranks and now holds the rank of 1st degree black belt. Crystal was one of the Gateway Shidokan Karate students who attended the 2019 international seminars in Okinawa, Japan and Cordoba, Argentina. Crystal is a valued and skilled member of our instructor team.
When asked why she began training, she says, ”I started Karate because my son needed help and figured since I was already there with him I might as well train also.”