"Life is a lesson from the day you are born to the day you depart."
Sensei June Allen

June AllenSensei Allen has been interested in the Martial Arts ever since she was a little kid growing up in Michigan. She was always physical and very active as a child. "I liked to watch boxing, and many martial arts related movies." As a young female, her parents could not grasp the idea of their little girl getting involved in a "man's sport." Like many parents today, they only saw the physical aspects that the sport has to offer…but the Martial Arts has so much more than that. Who Sensei is today is because of the mental elements the art offers. This is what draws her to it, this is why she wakes up every morning ready to inspire young minds in the world, this is Sensei June Allen…

She left the notion of enrolling into the martial arts until later in life. "I knew I would do it some day, I just didn't realize it would take me so long." After she got married and had two beautiful children, her son Brandon began taking classes at a local karate school here in Toledo when he was seven years of age. Shortly after he enrolled, she did. "I started because my husband knew it was always an interest of mine and he bought a trial lesson and gave it to me as a Christmas gift." The second her trial lesson was over, she knew that she was going to be passionate about martial arts. Three months after she enrolled, she decided to get her five year old daughter enrolled as well. "It was fun to train together even though her curriculum required different techniques. We would practice everyday to prepare for our belt tests."

Mrs. Allen was training hard and moving up in belts very smoothly when devastation hit. Months before she was to test for her black belt, she came down with pneumonia and was hospitalized for a week. "All I could do was think about how I wasn't going to be able to earn my Black Belt in the desired time that I figured. I lay in that hospital bed and mentally reviewed every technique." She was determined to walk out of the hospital and get back to the dojo to graduate with the people she had trained with for three years. Two days after she was released from the hospital she showed up at the dojo for training. "I knew it would be difficult but I was ready to train. The only problem was, my instructors did not agree. They felt it was too soon and with my best interest in mind they sent me home. Don't get me wrong, they were pleased to see the dedication but knew I would not be able to put forth my best effort. I knew I was pushing it but thought I would give it a try." She ended up earning her black belt with the next graduating class.

She traveled around the United States with her son and daughter who were intensely involved in Martial Art Competition. She supported their enthusiasm and dedication to the sport and found herself traveling to tournaments every weekend with her husband. She coached both of them before they entered the ring. It was a very exciting time for her and her family. They were enjoying this experience together. The joy and excitement trickled into her training as well and Mrs. Allen began competing in the Professional Karate Circuit. Sensei Allen and her family trained together. They met many Martial Art Greats, such as; Richard Plowden (one of Michigan's best fighters), Jerry Roberts, (a man who believes in the old values), and John Sharkey (one who has trained world champions.) She enjoyed the competition aspect of karate and sometimes while at competitions, she also found herself in the judge’s seat watching others and critiquing their technique.

As a first degree black belt, she began making her own work-outs. She knew then that she was hooked. "I would read, watch, and search for material on the martial arts. It didn't matter what style I just wanted to learn. I was like a sponge absorbing the knowledge and traditional beliefs of the martial arts." For other martial artists, it is not hard to see Mrs. Allen's passion, desire, and dedication to this sport. She lights up whenever she talks about it and anyone who knows her, knows that she is a natural at exemplifying the true black belt way. She was given many offers to teach at schools but was very hesitant at first. Once she did it a couple of times, she loved it! "I really enjoyed the chance of getting to pass down the knowledge." She became head Instructor after a couple years and was then offered to take over the school and the instruction of its students. "I was afraid to take a chance and questioned myself as to weather or not I was ready. If it was not for my son Brandon who supported, encouraged and convinced me that I should give it a shot I would not be standing in this rewarding position today." And we would not have the knowledge and passion displayed in front of us, inspiring the future of tomorrow. American Martial Arts was now in the hands of the Allen family.

During the transition of the schools ownership Mrs. Allen got a chance to meet one of the most influential men in her life, Grand Master Charles Platten from Ontario, Canada. He came to American Martial Arts to teach the art of Chukido-Kwan or combat hapkido. "Grand Master's teaching style was a bit different from what I had experienced in the past. He pushed you to the limit even when you thought you might give up he kept pushing. I understood his madness, he did this to prove that even when you're tired you must not quit, do not give up and strive to survive." Grand Master Platten believes that everyone could be better than their best and he truly cared about your success. After learning some techniques Mrs. Allen was hooked on the art of Chukido-Kwan. Grand Master Platten became a mentor for the Allen family. He became the person who the Allen Family could turn to when it came to expanding their training in the martial arts. Grandmaster Platten has become more of a mentor, he is their friend and a member of their family.

"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Sensei for all of your love and dedication and for taking us under your wings. We are TRULY GRATEFUL for you and your knowledge." Now, Mrs. Allen held the confidence in her hands, she had a Grand Master at her fingertips willing to do anything he could for her and her family.

Sensei Allen began training in Chukido-Kwan, making many trips to Ontario, Canada to train for 8-10 hours a day. "I didn't mind though because I knew that with every training session I was becoming stronger and learning so much about the history of the martial arts." Sensei Allen currently holds her 4th Dan American Karate, 1st Dan ITF, and her Orange Belt in Chukido-Kwan and Hapkido. She owns American Martial Arts and is the Chief Instructor. She is also involved in the Martial Arts Teachers Association. Sensei Allen is first and foremost a teacher. Not only for the martial arts, but a teacher of human kind. She inspires everyone around her to walk a little taller, to have a clear conscious, and to be the best you can be…always!!! She knows that every student is capable of succeeding. She enjoys helping those who think they have mental or physical challenges holding them back and realizes that they CAN do it. She gives them a glimmer of hope. "To see them do more than they could ever do and to embrace the smiles and look of satisfaction that they did it, is rewarding to me. I want them to believe in themselves and know that they are worth something not only in class but in life."

Sensei Allen is a mentor and a friend. She is someone who encourages you to do what you may deem to be impossible, above and beyond your own expectations.