Sensei Ernie Dunkelberger
I was born June 25, 1958.
In February 1979 I began training with Renshi James Harlan. Renshi Harlan trained under Hanshi (Sensei) C.T. Patterson in Nashville, Tenn. After he earned his black belt, James Harlan relocated he and his family to Ephrata, Pa.
Biography
I first met Sensei Harlan in a machine shop. Mr. Harlan had a picture of himself in his karate uniform. I "pestered" Mr. Harlan to the point where he finally said "Ok, you have two weeks. If you can get 15 people to join you, I'll begin teaching karate classes." The rest is history.
Ichiban Senpai, Mr. Brian Mell
Mr. Brian Mell has been with Wado-Ryu Martial Arts since the year 2006. Mr. Mell is a 4th degree black belt. He has a grown son and daughter as well as a granddaughter. He graduated from Penn State University and Lebanon Valley College. Mr. Mell is a general manager for a company that manufactures electronics for the military & aerospace industry. Mr. Mell enjoys working out, hiking, the beach, and parks. He enjoys all sports. His favorite teams are Penn State, Redskins, and Phillies.
Senpai, Mr. Brock Bingeman
Mr. Bingeman has been with our Wado Ryu Martial Arts Studio since August 2001. Mr. Bingeman is a 4th degree black belt. He enjoys physical fitness and helping others with, health, nutrition, exercise, and positive attitude. Mr. Bingeman is a four-time men's kata champion at the national Wado-Ryu championship.
Senpai, Mr. Anthony DeSimone
Mr. DeSimone has been with our Wado-Ryu Martial Arts since 2007 and is a 3rd degree black belt. Mr. Desimone enjoys exploring new places, photography, walking/jogging in his neighborhood, and swimming. He loves spending time with family and friends. Thank You Mr. DeSimone for being an important part of our karate team and helper in the community.
Senpai, Mrs. Chrissy Rapp
Mrs. Chrissy Rapp. Mrs. Rapp has been with our Wado Ryu Martial Arts Studio since August 2014 and is a 2nd degree Black Belt. She is a Nuclear Medicine Technologist at Penn State Health St. Joseph since 2001. Her hobbies include running, biking, reading, and attending her children's activities. Mrs. Rapp also enjoys watching Notre Dame football, so much that plans her day around the game when it's on TV. Thank You Mrs. Rapp for being an important part of the community and our karate team.
Senpai, Miss. Lara Westhafer
Lara Westhafer is our dedicated instructor for the children's classes. With several years of instructing experience, Miss Westhafer is a favorite among both children and adults for her engaging teaching style and enthusiasm.
Senpai, Mr. Dylan Pannebecker
Dylan Pannebecker is an excellent instructor known for his athletic ability and karate expertise. His dynamic teaching approach and deep knowledge make him well-regarded by his students.
Senpai, Mrs. Nile Wilson
Nile Wilson brings extensive karate knowledge to our dojo, excelling as an instructor for both children and adults. Her thorough understanding of karate and approachable teaching style are highly valued.
Senpai, Miss. Natalie Rapp
Natalie Rapp, our youngest instructor, excels in communication and connects well with students of all ages. Miss Rapp’s effective teaching methods have quickly earned her praise from everyone she teaches.
Best Karate instructors around. Sensei Ernie Dunkelberger continues to do a magnificent job teaching and building kids up in our community!
Mike Onenine
★★★★★
Award Winning Instructors and Students
Our black belt instructors are among the top students in our form in the nation. Our students get an opportunity represent our dojo and compete in competitions.
