Sensei started his martial arts training in Tae Kwon Do in 1987. He received his Black Belt two years later in 1989 and then stopped his training to pursue his college degree in criminal justice. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science.
He started training again in Tang Soo Do and began teaching two nights a week. He received his 2nd Degree Black Belt in March of 1993 and was offered a position as instructor at a full time school.
Sensei started to compete in tournaments in 1994 and was ranked #1 in weapons in the State of Michigan in 1995. (MKC)
In January 1996, he began training under Michael Bernardo for the national tournament circuit (NASKA) which includes the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Canada. He finished 10th in weapons. (NASKA) In October of 1996 Sensei created the Karate and Fitness Center.
In 1997, Sensei continued his tournament competition and finished 12th in weapons (NASKA) and 5th in forms (NASKA). In November, he left the organization to open his own school which teaches Shorinji Ryu as its main focus. The current system focuses on personal development of each student and not just their physical ability.
In 1998, Sensei finished with a rank of 4th in the World (NASKA) in weapons and a rank of 5th in forms (NASKA). He received his Sho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) from Michael Bernardo on December 4th, 1998.
In 1999, Sensei continued competing and finished 4th in the World (NASKA) in Japanese Forms, 5th in the World (NASKA) in Hard Style Weapons, and 5th in the World (NASKA) in Middle Heavyweight Sparring. This marked the end of Sensei's competing in tournaments. On December 3rd, 1999 Sensei was granted special permission to grade and received his Ni Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) from Michael Bernardo.
In 2003, Sensei worked hundreds of hours to improve the teaching methodology and system within Karate and Fitness Center. In October he unveiled this new system to many of the students delight. This teaching methodology is still in place today and has helped the school grow into a major education center for people of all ages. In December, Sensei was rewarded for all of his hard work his San Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt).
2004 through 2006 was spent studying child development. Sensei spent thousands of hours creating programs to help parents. These programs include the Black Belt Parenting or Inner Circle Program - This 12 month program gives parents a complete education on successful parenting skills, and The 7 Worst Things Good Parents Do Seminar. This program discusses in complete detail the most common problems parents face with their children, and explains techniques and methods for correcting those problems.
In August 2006, Sensei began working with Keith Hafner. Master Hafner runs one of the most successful child development schools in North America with over 800 students. The purpose was to improve HOW he teaches and to learn better ways to communicate, motivate, and encourage students to be successful.
November 2006 saw the start of the 1st Annual Turkey Brigade. Sensei wanted to help local families in need and teach the children about community service. The Turkey Brigade was the perfect solution. 20 families received a complete turkey dinner for the holiday. Students put the food together in a basket and delivered each basket to the family. The plan is to grow this program each year until the students are helping hundreds of families each year. Click Here for pictures of Turkey Brigade
May 2007 - Karate and Fitness Center was renamed Denny Strecker's Karate.
August 2007 - Sensei became an author writing several books – Self Defense for Women & Children, Successful Parenting, and the “Best School Year” Study System which teaches parents how to work with their child and teach them how to study and earn better grades.
October 2007 - Sensei introduced the Character for Kids program where children are able to earn a Black Belt in Character, as well as, their Black Belt in Karate. This program is the cornerstone of the school and is only available through Denny Strecker’s Karate.
