About East Madison Karate

East Madison Karate, LLC has been active in the ongoing pursuit of personal excellence in the martial arts since 1978. Each of the men and women instructors has a wide background in the arts, offering a varied approach to teaching. We are an eclectic school with a foundation in Tae Kwon Do incorporating concepts from other arts such as Aikido, T'ai Chi and Jeet Kune Do. We encourage and challenge students to achieve their personal best.

We ask that our students come with open minds and a commitment to self improvement through practicing and honoring the arts. We feel that personal growth is more important than competition. Our class sizes are kept small and we encourage persons of all ages to participate.

	Jeff Hempel Sensei Co-owner/Head Instructor Jeff Hempel Sensei is a co-owner of East Madison Karate, LLC. He is actively involved in teaching both youth and adult classes and leads EMK as the head instructor. Jeff Sensei has studied the martial arts for over 30 years and holds the rank of 4th degree black belt in Karate and 4th degree black belt in Aikido. He is a long time resident of Madison and is the father of three children and the grandfather of six. In addition to Karate and Aikido, Jeff has also studied Iaido and Katori Shinto-Ryu for many years and has his teaching certificate from Sugawara Sensei in Katori Shinto Ryu. He has participated in seminars under Dan Inosanto, Larry Hartsell, Paul Vunak, Saotome, Ikeda, Sugawara Senseis, and many others. He has also shared his expertise by leading numerous seminars and special trainings. His enthusiasm in the martial arts is an inspiration to fellow instructors as well as to his students.

	Maria Banchik Sensei Co-owner/Youth Karate Director Maria Banchik Sensei is a co-owner of East Madison Karate, LLC and serves as the school's Youth Karate Director. As the Youth Director, Maria is actively involved in organizing and teaching the youth karate classes at EMK. Maria has studied Karate for over 27 years and holds the rank of 4th degree black belt. She has studied Okinawan Goshin Karate, Japanese Shotkan Karate, and Tae Kwon Do. She recently begain studying the art of Aikido. Maria is a resident of Madison and is the mother of three children–all of whom are students of East Madison Karate. She and her family are also avid alpine skiers.

	Jane Greischar Sensei Instructor Jane Greischar Sensei has studied marital arts at East Madison Karate, LLC since September of 1995 and currently holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt. Jane Sensei is instrumental in teaching the forms (kata) class at EMK. Her great depth of knowledge of kata and dedication to teaching is an asset to our dojo. Jane is also an avid cyclist touring throughout Wisconsin and other parts of the US.