MENTOR KARATE INSTITUTE - Key Persons
Her road to Black Belt began in 1981 when Grand Master Mercedes decided to take martial arts lessons with her husband, Grand Master Dennis Janes, at the Mentor Karate Institute. Through her years as martial arts competitor and instructor, Grand Master Mercedes had the opportunity to meet and train with some of America's top martial artists, such as: Ernie Reyes, Joe Lewis and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, the legendary karate and kickboxing champions, as well as Mark and Jim Graden, founders of NAPMA.
Grand Master Mercedes claims the biggest highlight of her career was meeting Chuck Norris at the Karate Institute of America Black Belt Test in 1983! These are the people that have inspired and motivated her to continue with training and teaching the martial arts.
One of her favorite duties at the Mentor Karate Institute is to head the Leadership program. Through various continuing educational experiences with many industry leaders like Nick Kokinos (EFC founder), John Graden (NAPMA and cardioKarate/Fitness Kickboxing founder) and Melody Shuman Pre School Skillz Martial Arts program, she's developed high level communication skills so she can convey newfound knowledge to the instructor team. We are proud to say that our martial arts instructor staff are among the best in Ohio!