J K Martial Arts
Sensei Katherine Pierren
About Our School
We are passionate about karate. We are passionate about giving children with Attention Deficit Disorder (AD/HD) and other learning abilities a chance to discover their highest potential. At our school students learn in an atmosphere of methodical, structured repetition with positive reinforcement and rewards. They experience success which builds confidence and self esteem. The values used in the school prepare them for other life experiences; self discipline, practice, hard work, drive, respect, honor and tradition. People who have different learning abilities benefit from consistent terms and repetition. They also benefit from learning step by step, in a methodical, disciplined manner. It is highly valuable for them to experience the personal success of learning a kata (a prepared combination of moves). We are also very competitive. Shorei-Ryu is a hard style of karate. Competitors from our school are top performers in tournaments.Mission
JK Martial Arts’ mission is to continue the martial art legacy of Suzann Wancket-Yue. We are top competitors who teach students with different learning abilities and those who want to compete successfully.Vision
JK Martial Arts students will be the best they can be in Shorei-Ryu. They will experience success, know the value of discipline, demonstrate respect and win competitions.Values
Students will develop strength of body and mind with humbleness and self control, respect, discipline, honor, and tradition.History of the School
JK Martial Arts was formerly Wancket’s Art of Karate. This program has been in existence since 1993. We honor the inspiration of Jeffrey Alexander, MD, a Park Nicollet pediatrician who created The Child Development and Learning Disorders Program. He created this karate program to serve children with special needs with Suzann Wancket-Yue, the first head instructor, or Sensei. Trained as a 3rd degree black belt in Shorei-Ryu, Sensei Wancket-Yue wrote the curriculum and was the primary instructor until October of 2007, under the name of Wancket’s Art of Karate. Suzann Wancket-Yue is an eight-time world forms and weapons champion who has been inducted into the Diamond Nationals Hall of Fame. She is a two-time gold medalist in the world karate championships. Suzann has been recognized with the Community Service Award for her work with AD/HD & LD children and adults. Her karate program was named Minnesota Sport of the Year, and has been the focus of various news stories and articles, both locally and nationally.In Oct 2007 two of her students purchased the school, allowing Ms.Wancket-Yue to focus on her family and coaching competitors. Katherine Pierren and Joyce Brekke continue the tradition as JK Martial Arts. Their personal experience with learning challenges, teaching and success at tournaments has prepared them well to continue the tradition.
About the Sensei
Katherine Pierren has studied karate since 1999. She received her black belt in 2004. She has a winning record in tournaments, taking first place and a top finisher in Diamond Nationals, AKA Grand National Tournament, and local tournaments. She was mentored by Sensei Wancket-Yue to teach karate and is coached by her for competition. Katherine is a certified nursing assistant. She has years of experience in child care for children with different learning abilities. She has dedicated years of personal fitness training with a certified fitness trainer. This contributes to her teaching competence and prepares her for top competitive performance. Katherine is very compassionate and driven to give this opportunity to children. Since she herself struggled with a LD and can relate to the issues that face this population.About the Director
Joyce Brekke, Katherine’s mother, watched and supported Katherine from 1999-2005. Then, Joyce started learning Shorei-Ryu. She immediately entered the tournament circuit and has a strong winning record; first place 18 times, Grand champion once and 2nd place in weapons once. Joyce received her black belt in November of 2007. Joyce’s business experience has prepared her to direct the school. Her 30 years of experience include respiratory therapist, healthcare sales, sales management, teaching baton and swimming. Her experience as the mother of a child with learning challenges drives her to offer, with passion, this experience to others.