Sensei Lee Barden is a 7^th degree black belt and chief instructor for Karate Arts.  He has been training since 1973.  In 1983 he opened his professional Karate School with emphasis on adult training.  In 1992 children became his main focus, that's when he started the first after school karate program in day cares all over Jacksonville.  Realizing the positive impact the martial arts has on children , Master Barden continues to expand our children's programs to include character and life building skills that all children need to be a success.  Master Barden is the Team leader for the Neon Ninjas, he also teaches weapons seminars and private lessons to many instructors and dojo's across the country.

Sensei Connie Barden is a 4^th degree black belt and has been training since 1988.  Sensei Connie is the After School Karate Director and Program Director for the dojo.  She is also our Cardio Kickboxing instructor and was the first to introduce the program to our area years ago.  She is a member of the Neon Ninjas Demonstration Team.  Sensei Lee and Sensei Connie have been married for 20 years and have two children.  In her spare time Connie is a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant.

Sensei Grady Lewis is currently a 3^rd degree black belt.  He has been training for fourteen years and has been an instructor at Karate Arts for approximately three.  Mr. Lewis is not only a weapons instructor but also and After School Karate instructor and a coach for the Warriors Competition Team.  Grady has been a member of the Neon Ninja's Demonstration Team for many years and enjoys performing.  He has a special interest in Muay Thai training as well as extreme conditioning.

Sensei Daniel Benaitis is a 3^rd degree black belt and has been training in the Martial Arts for 10 years.  Daniel is the instructor for the Mayport Division of Karate Arts, which he has been teaching for the last two years.  He is also a member of the Neon Ninja Demonstration Team.  He loves working out and teaching Martial Arts.