Instructors

Diane Reeve

6th-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Diane Reeve is a 6th-Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and holds Black Belts in three other styles: Kenpo, Jujutsu and Kobudo (weapons). She has been the sole owner of VMAC since its inception in 1995 and has over 2 decades of martial arts experience. Ms. Reeve is a Registered Nurse and also holds a Master's Degree in Education. She has two children of her own, but counts each of her students as her children. Ms. Reeve is a member of the Southwest Kenpo Karate Association and J. Pat Burleson's World Martial Arts Ranking Association. She was inducted into the World Karate Hall of Fame in 1999 and was World BlackBelt.com instructor of the month October 2002. She was featured in the March 2003 issue of Plano Profile. In 2004, she was nominated for Children's Advocacy Center Volunteer of the Year. She has promoted over 120 people to Black Belt, and higher and has taught martial arts to literally thousands of people, ages 3 and up, from all walks of life.

Tim Kirby

7th-Degree Black Belt - Tae Kwon Do

Tim Kirby started his martial arts training in 1973, earning his black belt from Mr. Allen Steen in 1976. He currectly holds the rank of 7th degree black belt. Mr. Kirby is a 7-time United States Champion and 6-time Texas State Champion. He holds the honor of being the 'Winningest Black Belt Forms Competitor in Texas history'.
 
Mr. Kirby was inducted into the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame in the year 2000. He also produced many types of martial arts events and has performed demonstrations for the Dallas Mavericks, Round Rock Express and Texas Rangers.
 
These are just a few of the reasons we're proud to have Mr. Tim Kirby and his 30+ years of experience as part of our team at Vision Martial Arts. Read more about Mr. Kirby's history at Signature Martial Arts.

Barrrett Dickson

4th-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
1st-Degree Black Belt Kenpo

Barrett Dickson started training with Diane Reeve at the YMCA in 1995. He followed Ms. Reeve when she opened Vision Martial Arts Center and is a charter member. He earned his 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do in 1997 and has since made 3rd degree in 2004, plus a 1st degree black belt in Kenpo. Barrett has been teaching classes since 1997. He likes to stress self-confidence in his students and he incorporates fighting techniques as well as throws, falls and rolls in his classes.

Member since 1995

Jeanine Stevens

3rd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Ms. Stevens has been teaching and training with Vision Martial Arts for many years now and has been instrumental in developing the children's programs available. She is also responsible for all PR for the school.

Member since 1998

Bob Hanna

3rd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
1st-Degree Black Belt Weapons

Bob Hanna began martial arts training at Vision Martial Arts Center in October of 1996 at the age of 38. Bob has had an impact on a number of students at Vision. "I think one of the most important things we as instructors can do is to pass the knowledge we learn on to other martial artists. Ms. Reeve has a saying posted in the office that I truly believe. To paraphrase that saying: 'It doesn't matter how rich or powerful I may be when I die; the greatest legacy I can leave is to have been an influence on another.'"

Member since 1996

Cathy Weatheread

3rd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Cathy Weatheread began her training with Diane Reeve at Vision Martial Arts Center February 7, 2002. Cathy has flourished greatly under the instructions of Ms. Reeve, she has competed in state wide tournaments since she obtained her yellow belt and finished third in forms and sparring in the Texas State Finals in 2003. Cathy is currently working toward her black belt in weapons. "I just hope that I can pass to others what I have learned at Vision Martial Arts Center, to never quit trying, and when don't succeed as well as we think we should, we have a loving family here at VMAC to help us continue."!

Member since 2002

Paul Gregory

3rd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
1st-Degree Black Belt Weapons

Paul Gregory began his Tae Kwon Do training in Las Vegas in the 1970’s under martial arts champion and legend Chuck Loven. He completed his black belt in TKD in 2005 under Diane Reeve.  In addition to TKD, Mr. Gregory has studied Judo, Shotokan, Kenpo, and Kobudo, as well as fencing and wrestling.

Member since 2002

Rhonda Sale

2nd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
1st-Degree Black Belt Weapons

Rhonda Sale began her training in October of 2002. She was promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt in TKD on December 5th, 2005. Rhonda teaches Int/Adv TKD and weapons. Having started her training at the age of 44 Rhonda believes it is important for all perspective students to understand that it is never too late to begin "your" personal journey into enlightenment!

Member since 2002

Rachel Townsend Parkey

3rd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
1st-Degree Black Belt Weapons

Ms. Parkey began training at VMAC in September 2002. In August of 2005, Rachel earned her Black Belt from Ms. Reeve. Ms. Parkey continues her training at VMAC in both Tae Kwon Do and Kobudo (weapons). Additionally, she is a member of the school’s G.O.L.D. Team. Rachel considers it an honor and a privilege to be able to learn from the students as she helps them on their journey towards Black Belt.

Member since 2002

2nd-Degree Black Belt Kenpo

Alan McAfee began his training at Vision Martial Arts over six years ago, attaining his 1st Dan Black Belt in Kenpo in December of 2001. He is also currently training in Aikido.

Member since 1998

Joseph Kendrick

5th-Degree Black Belt Taekwondo
1st-Degree Black Belt Hapkido
1st-Degree Black Belt Kenpo

Member since 2002

Guy Swimm

2nd-Degree Black Belt Kenpo

Guy Swimm has been teaching and training in Kenpo for over 20 years. He has formally tested for his 2nd degree and is actively increasing his knowledge base of the Ed Parker system. In addition to his Kenpo studies, Guy is training in Modern Arnis from a Remy Presas trained black belt.

Member since 2005

Tony Shelton

1st-Degree Black Belt Kenpo

Mr. Shelton has been training in American Kenpo at Vision Martial Arts since 2003. His BSME gives him great appreciation for the physical principles that are the foundation of Kenpo.

Member since 2002

Phillip Leach

2nd-Degree Black Belt Aiki-Jujutsu

Phillip Leach holds a 2nd degree black belt in Aiki-Jujutsu.  He has trained in North Carolina for over 13 years and plans to test for 3rd degree soon. He believes that martial arts training gives its students courage, wisdom and perseverance to be successful in both mental and physical challenges. He states, “I love martial arts with a passion.”

Member since 2006

Mark Mooney

1st-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Mark Mooney began training at the Vision Martial Arts Center with his son, in the fall of 2000. Both were promoted to 1st-Degree Black Belt in TKD in July of 2004. Mark is continuing his martial arts journey by training in Kenpo Karate. Mark enjoys the physical and mental challenges that both TKD and Kenpo provides as well as the break, from the worries of the world while in the Dojo!

Member since 2000

Denny Kalgren

2nd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Denny Kalgren has been training at Vision Martial Arts Center since 2003, receiving his 1^st and 2^nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do from Ms. Reeve in December 2006 and December 2009.  Prior to joining VMAC, Mr. Kalgren achieved the rank of brown belt in Shotokan karate from Master Bernard Kalinoski (Pennsylvania). He currently trains in Kenpo at VMAC and teaches various Tae Kwon Do classes as well.  He has been an instructor at VMAC for over 6 years; currently holding open mat sessions on weekends where students can work on TKD basics, forms, self-defense and both 1-step and free-style sparring.

Member since 2003

Tony Ng

2nd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
1st-Degree Black Belt Kobudo

Tony Ng joined Vision Martial Arts Center in the spring of 2003. Together with his 10 year old daughter, Natalie Ng. Both were promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt in TKD in August 2006. He enjoys thoroughly the physical and mental activities the sport offers and looks forward to the weekly classes engaging with the enthusiastic instructors. Tony enjoys the opportunity to return in kind to the community. He plans to continue in his martial art development in Vision Martial Arts Center expanding his martial arts horizon.

Member since 2003

Gary Conaway

1st-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Gary Conaway began his formal training in 2001 at Vision Martial Arts and was awarded his Black Belt by Master Diane Reeve in 2005. Although recently receiving his Black Belt, he has been actively around the sport since the mid 70’s working with several of his friends who were top circuit competitors over the years. He is known for being a tough competitor as well as a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher who believes that hard work and strong desire leads to the best martial artists.

Mr. Conaway's classes focus on hard work, contact sparring, and self defense techniques to develop speed, strength and intensity. “Perseverance and Indomitable Spirit are my absolute favorite tenents. The world is full of naturally gifted martial arts technicians; but how well a student perseveres under pressure or how quickly and efficiently a student responds to a real life situation (self defense or otherwise) is what I am after.” Therefore take-downs, self-defense, and board breaks are a favorite in Mr. Conaway's classes.

Member since 2001

Mike Adams

2nd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Mike Adams has always had a passion for Martial Arts from the time he started training at 10 years old. He was a star soccer player who played for just about every select soccer team in Dallas, played in the Dallas Cup and had a great deal of fun and success along the way. Mr. Adams was told that Martial Arts would help give him confidence, strength, and balance which would in turn make him a better soccer player.

Joint problems, particularly in the knees, put an end to Mr. Adams soccer career, but he realized that when he was in Martial Arts the first time, he was as healthy as he had ever been. Around 2004, Mr. Adams and his 7-year-old son joined Vision Martial Arts. Both worked very hard and over time each earned their Black Belts. He has never felt better or healthier and continued on to become an instructor. He finds great pleasure in teaching adults and children the special gift that can be found in Martial Arts.

Mr. Adams is continuing to spread the family focus that VMAC is known for by bringing his wife into training. He teaches Tae Kwon Do and continues his training in the Kenpo system.

"I absolutely love the life changes Marital Arts has provided me and my family. I am truly glad to say 'I AM A MARTIAL ARTIST'!!"

Member since 2005

Brendan Hayes

2nd-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Brendan Hayes began her martial arts training in August 2004.  After sitting in the parent’s viewing area for a few months she decided it would be way more fun to participate and get in on the action!   The strong bonds and mutual respect she shares with her sons are the rewards of getting involved.  Brendan attained her 1st degree black belt along with both her sons in July 2008.

She has seen firsthand how martial arts helps both kids and adults gain self confidence, fitness and discipline.   Increased focus on attaining goals and inner strength have been her personal rewards.  Brendan enjoys teaching and sharing all she has learned with other martial artists.  She considers many at VMAC both friends and mentors and feels blessed to be part of the Vision Martial Arts family!

Member since 2004

Norbert Funke

2nd -Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

David Schwartz

1st Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

David Schwartz tested for 1st degree Black Belt with his son and daughter in 2007. He has been an instructor since receiving his Black Belt and has since also earned a Black Belt in weapons.

Kathryn Schwartz

1st-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Kathryn Schwartz started training in March 2005 with her dad and brother, and received her black belt in July of 2008 under Ms. Reeve. Kathryn teaches beginner kids in TKD. She has expanded her martial arts career to include Kobudo (weapons) and Kenpo Karate and hopes to never stop learning new things. Kathryn considers in an honor to be part of the Vision Martial Arts family!

Member since 2005 

Chris Gerstner

1st-Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do

Mr. Gerstner first started his martial arts training at the age of nine under Larry and Rose Wheeler. He considers himself lucky to have found a passion in life at such an early age. Mr. Gerstner quickly started competing in tournaments and found himself winning the Texas state championships and competing in the United States Karate Championships. He first began instructing at age seventeen and earned his black belt that same year.

"Martial Arts offers far more than just self defense; it teaches lessons that will forever improve a student's life." - Mr. Gerstner

Member since 2003

Cheryl Kasner

Green Belt Tae Kwon Do

Cheryl Kasner has been a VMAC student and martial arts mom since 2003. She teaches Lil' Dragons and is a degreed preschool teacher. Her son and daughter are both VMAC 1st degree Black Belts.