About Us
Their Sammamish training center, the largest martial arts school in the Northwest with nearly 1000 members, relocated to its present facility on East Lake Sammamish in 1995 to acquire additional space to accommodate the school's continued growth. The beautiful facility ranks among the top 1% in the nation with three large training rooms, Olympic style rubber flooring, spacious lobby, pro shop, quiet homework area for children, and a coffee bar. The Holeman's were excited to open a satellite school on the South end of Mercer Island in August 2007. The school enrollment exceeds 125 students since opening two months ago. Karate West training facilities are among the best in the country. They are as beautiful as they are functional. Randy HolemanRandy Holeman began martial arts training 1971. He now holds the rank of 5th degree black belt in Shudokan Karate-do. He has also been awarded the title of Sensei (instructor) and Shihan (professor). Under Shihan Holeman's tutelage, over 520 students have obtained the rank of black belt. This is a first in the history of Western Washington. Shihan Holeman is active in his community supporting public and private schools throughout Western Washington. He is a popular motivational speaker for school age children covering topics such as stranger safety, academic excellence and leadership. Mr. Holeman sits on the board of directors for the American Shudokan Scholarship program which awards scholarships to graduating black belts. To date, over $135,000 has been awarded to students. Mr. Holeman and his family actively support their favorite charity, "The International Smile Power Foundation", a local foundaton that helps underserved children in third world countries. Karate West CoachingAs a leader in the martial arts industry, Mr. Holeman consults other school owners helping them achiever greater personal and business success. He is passionate about the martial arts industry and the positive impact a great martial arts school can have on a community. Mr. Holeman devotes much of his time coaching other school owners, teaching them how to become successful leaders in what Mr. Holeman refers to as "one of the most rewarding careers on the planet". Mr. Holeman is the author of the popular quarter newletter, "The Martial Mind". Mr. Holeman presented topics from The Martial Mind at the recent Martial Arts Super Show, the nation's premier martial arts business convention. School owners can contact Mr. Holeman for a free subscription of The Martial Mind at info@karatewest.com. Jan HolemanJan Holeman began training in 1986. She earned her first degree black belt in 1991 and currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt and title of Sensei. Ms. Holeman has worked alongside her husband for over 18 years helping build Karate West into one of the most successful martial arts schools in the country. Throughout her twenties, Ms. Holeman was heavily involved in tournament competition. She won numerous first place titles in women's forms. Her own experience with competition gave her a great advantage in coaching others in competition and performance. Ms. Holeman is the director and choreographer for Karate West's Xtreme TrickX Team. |
Karate West Training Centers are owned by Randy and Jan Holeman. Their first full-time training center opened in Issaquah in 1989. It had been their goal to build a martial arts school that offered not only an effective self defense program for children and adults, but also a comprehensive program of personal growth and development. It would be the emphasis on teaching the life skills of leadership, integrity, goal setting, self discipline and academic excellence, to name a few, that would cause the community to respond. The couple, married 25 years, are living their dream with two very successful schools and a wonderful staff.