Lisa Halsey- Lil' Dragons Instructor

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." (Norman Vincent Peale)
Sensei Lisa Halsey

As a little girl growing up in Toledo, Ohio, martial arts was not a vision she had for herself. She enjoyed reading books, playing board games, and attending Brownies meetings. She grew into a young woman, who would rather relax at a day spa, get her nails done, or go shopping for the latest fashions. But to her surprise, a friend of hers talked her into signing up for a new martial arts class being offered where she was employed at the time. Lisa was very reluctant to do so. She comments, "Although working out to maintain physical fitness was something I enjoyed, participating in anything sports related was not my 'cup of tea'". Her peers could not believe that she was participating in martial arts. They doubted her dedication and did not think she was serious about the martial arts. "To prove to them that I was serious, I vowed to earn my black belt." And those who know Sensei, know that she is a woman of her words.

Not too long after taking her first class, Sensei Halsey was hooked. She actually liked it!!! Sensei Halsey not only participated in classes of her own, but her very own Sensei saw that she had what it took to inspire others and teach the martial arts concept. She began teaching as a blue belt at the just eight months after she started, inspiring 4-7 year olds. "I love watching them gradually develop and mature while improving life skills such as focus, discipline, and team work. It is a joy to see them transform from a beginner student with little or no martial skills w/the exception of what they feel they've learned from the Mutant Turtles and Kung Fu Panda, into advanced students who have memorized countless techniques and have grown to love the martial arts." She goes on to say, "I love being a leader to the students and knowing that what they are learning is instrumental in who they will become later in life." In August of 2000, Lisa Halsey received her black belt in American Karate. She continued to teach the "Lil' Dragons" and was working full time as the program Director for American Martial Arts where she also trained. She competed in a few national sport karate circuits in the open forms and sparring divisions for a few years. While taking a break from competing, she continued to attend many tournaments with her students and soon found herself judging some of the divisions. Today, she is a well respected referee for several regional and national karate circuits and cannot attend a tournament without the promoter approaching her and requesting she put her knowledge and experience to use in one of the judges' chairs.

In 2004, American Martial Arts underwent changes in ownership. The Allen family took American Martial Arts and Sensei Halsey under their wing. Not only is Sensei Halsey the Lil' Dragon Instructor, the Cardio Kickboxing Instructor, and Special Events Coordinator for American Martial Arts, Sensei Halsey is a member of the Allen family. Sensei June Allen inspires Sensei Halsey toward furthering her achievements in the martial arts; "The passion that she has for the martial arts is contagious. In her presence, one has no choice but to want to work hard and do her best. With two simple words such as "Good Job", she can motivate me." All in all, Sensei Halsey proved to her friends that she is a woman of her words. In a million years, she would have never envisioned herself not only participating in, but teaching a SPORT. She has been involved in the martial arts for so long that it has become a way of life for her. When asked what interests her most about karate, she answers with no hesitation, "The discipline; the fact that although you learn in a classroom setting, it is your own actions that allow you succeed – unlike team sports; and the dedication and commitment that the students and instructors exhibit."

Currently, Lisa holds her second degree in American Karate and is working on her third. She also holds her yellow belt in Chukido-Kwan Hapkido. In addition to the martial Arts, she is pursuing a business management degree from the University of Findlay. She attributes her success to her family, "Without their guidance, support, and unconditional love, I would not be who I am (a person who believes in herself and is independent) and would not be where I am today."