About Our
Instructors
At Lion’s Pride Martial Arts we are a family, and our school is bound to become our students’ second home. We are a judgment-free zone, where mistakes are viewed as growth opportunities and your instructors and fellow students are your #1 supporters. You’ll learn a lot of impressive skills and gain many new abilities at Lion’s Pride Martial Arts, but the most important thing you’ll acquire during your time here? Our community.
Lion's Pride Martial Arts
Instructors
Our team of instructors have years of experience in martial arts and a passion for teaching. Lesson plans are carefully developed and regularly updated to maintain relevance.
Owner and Master Instructor
Brian Nutter
The success of an instructor can be seen through the accomplishments of their students. My biggest joy is when a student does something today that he or she couldn’t do yesterday.
- Owner and Master Instructor
- 5th degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- 3rd kyu under Jim Corn’s Kyusho Jitsu
- Nationally certified in shiatsu massage and Asian Bodywork Therapy
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Owner and Senior Instructor
Rebekah Nutter
Training in Tang Soo Do has improved my self-confidence and strength. These are qualities I want to embody for my own children and my students.
- Owner and Senior Instructor Rank
- 2nd-degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- Certified SKILLZ Instructor
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Master Instructor
William Kusche
I really enjoy learning practical self-defense. I hope I never have to use it, but I enjoying knowing that I can take care of myself.
- Master Instructor rank 4th degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- Senior Instructor Rank
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
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Master Instructor
Dawn Tippey
I started doing Tang Soo Do with my son when he was six. We have four black belts in the family.
- Master Instructor rank 4th degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- Virtual Class Instructor
- Senior Instructor Rank
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Instructor
Katie Garrett
I started my martial arts training when I was pregnant with my youngest, so my family has always been a part of my martial arts life. It is now my joy to teach our youngest ninjas as they develop skills that carry them through all areas of life.
- 1st-degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- Experienced SKILLZ instructor
- MA in Teaching
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Instructor
Kathryn Bowles
I’ve been training at Lion’s Pride for five years. I have learned so much and made some great friends. I enjoy helping new students and their families get to know Lion’s Pride.
- 1st-degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- SKILLZ instructor
- M.A. in Sociology
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Instructor
Jared Cook
- 1st degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- B.S. in Microbiology
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Instructor
Cotaco Easley
I started training in Martial Arts because it was something I could do together with my son. It has allowed us to travel to lots of different places, including Disney World to compete on an international level. It’s been truly amazing to spend time with my son like this.
- 1st degree black belt belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- Front Desk Manager
- Certified SKILLZ instructor
- Registered Nurse
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Instructor
Ezra Burton
Ezra came to Lion’s Pride after earning his junior black belt at another academy. After moving to Jessamine County, he found Lion’s Pride and began training. Ezra chose to begin as a white belt, but he rose very quickly through the ranks as he learned our style. Ezra works as an instructor with kids ages 5 through adult.
- 1st-degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- SKILLZ instructor
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Certified Instructor
Sara Tippey
Sara began training at age 3 in our Lion Cubs program, while her mother and siblings trained in their own classes. She is a skilled and motivating instructor who teaches ages 5 – 14.
- 2nd degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- Certified Instructor in Tang Soo Do
- Certified SKILLZ instructor
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Instructor
Nathan Byars
I started training when I was about 9 years old because it looked fun and I wanted to try to break some boards. It became so much more to me as I learned new skills and forms. It built my confidence, strength, and gave me knowledge to protect myself should the need arise. I love watching the students learn and have fun when achieving new goals and getting promoted for their hard work.
- 1st-degree black belt under the US Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association
- Certified SKILLZ Instructor
- Teaches in our SKILLZ program, ages 3 – 14
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