Master Instructor: Kerry Kruckow
8th Degree Black Belt
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We also offer a full Yoga program (www.platinum-yoga.com)
including Bootcamp/Kickboxing classes to build your fitness.
Master Kerry
Kruckow began his training in 1981 while earning his Black Belt in
1986 under the tutelage of Grand Master Worley and Grand Master
Franks. He began teaching for USA Karate later that year and
by 1988 had his second degree with a double major in sparring and
teaching.
Master
Kruckow's dedication to the art and his ability to connect with
both Junior's and Adult students has led to many of his
students to train under his direction for as much as 20 years.
Master Kruckow took tournament 1st place wins at each of
the local N.C.K.A. tournaments: City of Lakes Open, Fall Central
States, Twin Cities Open, Minnesota State Championships, Eau Claire
Open, La Cross Open, and Spring Central States. He was ranked #1 in
the N.C.K.A. Black Belt Sparring Division from 1988-1990 and took
Grand Champion at the City of Lakes Open as well as the Minnesota
State Championships. Mr. Kruckow will soon be celebrating his
26th year of honorable service to his students at USA Karate.
Currently a 7th Degree Black Belt he continues his knowledge by
studying other forms of Martial Arts such as, American Tae Kwon-Do
and Brazilian Jujitsu.
What our students say when asked "How was last
night's class?"
"My daughters said it was the best class yet! The
opportunity of seeing the higher levels doing their exercises and
having fun,gave them a greater vision and encouragement. They love
Mr. Kruckow's teaching style."- Lily
"I am always amazed at the level of patience the
instructor has with the little ones. They really respond to him
well. We love it and are glad we joined."-
Adam
"Master Kruckow makes class physically
challenging as well as mentally stimulating. I leave refreshed and
refocused after each class!"-
Steve
"Master Kruckow is absolutely fantastic with the
kids!"- Zinoviya
"My son loves going to
Karate!"-Mason
School News & Events
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Assistant Instructors
5th Degree Black Belt
Ms. Kim began her training in...
Platinum Yoga head inst...
6th Degree Black Belt
Achieving 1st Degree Black Be...
1st Degree Black Belt
Mr. Seme started his martial art...
1st Degree Black Belt
Mr. Seme "junior" began his mart...
Aisa Kim-Karate
5th Degree Black Belt
Ms. Kim began her training in 1997. She received her Black Belt
under Master. Kruckow in 1999. She received her 2nd Degree in 2001.
She received her 3rd degree with a specialization in teaching in
2004. She received her 4th degree with a specialization in self-
defense in 2009.
Ms. Kim is currently employed as an assistant instructor and in
this capacity has helped many students receive their black belts.
Ms. Kim is also an active judge in NCKA Karate tournaments
and has worked with many USA Karate students to help them
become more effective competitors.
DeNae - PlatinumYoga
Platinum Yoga head instructor DeNae is a nationally
certified yoga instructor in Vinyasa, Hatha and Yoga
Anatomy. DeNae has been teaching for many years in the
Burnsville and Apple Valley area and has over 1,000 hours of
instruction time. DeNae works hard to know her students needs
and goals and to create a fun, friendly environment.
David B. Younglove
6th Degree Black Belt
Achieving 1st Degree Black Belt level is symbolic of being both
a finishing and a starting point in ones training
• Received his 1st degree black belt, after 3 1/2 years of
training on January 24, 1987 at the age of 17
• Achieved 2nd degree black belt in May of 1989
• Achieved 3rd degree black belt on April 27, 1996
• Achieved 4th degree black belt on June 10th, 2000
• Achieved 5th degree Master black belt in June of 2005
• Achieved 6th degree Master black belt on August 17, 2012
• Minnesota State champion in 1989
• Top N.C.K.A. competitor in forms divisions 1988-1990
• Grand Champion at the Northern Stars Karate Championships in
1995
• Top black belt in 30-39 Traditional Form division 2005-2006 •
Top team black belt competitor 2002-2006
• Ranked #1 in 40-49 Tradition Form 2012-2013 NCKA season
• Currently Ranked #1 in 40-49 Tradition Form 2013-2014 NCKA
season
Mr. David B. Younglove specializes in helping each individual
student build a strong self-esteem in a positive learning
environment and started his martial arts training over 30 years ago
on August 24, 1983. Mr. Younglove began teaching Karate part time
in the spring of 1987 and instructed full time from 1988-1990. In
June of 1990, Younglove entered the Marine Corps and was stationed
in California, Hawaii, North Carolina, Virginia, Japan, and
Thailand where he was chosen to train Thailand Marines in Hand to
Hand Combat. The discipline learned in karate class helped
Younglove to be honored in the top 1% of high power rifle marksman
with a spot on the prestigious Marine Corps rifle team where he
earned 1 silver and 2 gold medals in national competition. After 4
years, 3 months active duty in the infantry and 1 1/2 years as a
reservist Marine MP, Younglove returned to teaching full time from
March 1st, 1995 until October 1st, 2006. Mr. Younglove has assisted
hundreds of students build focus and discipline through the
teachings of the martial arts and mentored hundreds of youth to
understand that the discipline of karate reaches beyond the karate
school and into their school work as well. Mr. Younglove is very
proud that many young students he has worked with have later reach
out to him to be a character reference for college and job
applications.
Steve Seme
1st Degree Black Belt
Mr. Seme started his martial arts training in 1986 studying karate
and tae kwon do. After several years outside of the martial arts
community, Mr. Seme enrolled his children at USA Karate and decided
it was time to return. He earned his Black Belt with USA Karate in
January 2011. Mr. Seme is an active participant in the North
Central Karate Association (NCKA) where he received a top
competitor award in 2013. Mr. Seme enjoys teaching and
participating in traditional form and sparring. His goals are to
continue to learn new styles/techniques and to encourage students
to set and reach their goals.
Ben Seme
1st Degree Black Belt
Mr. Seme "junior" began his martial arts journey at the age of 5
and earned is Black Belt in May 2010. He is very passionate about
the tournament side of karate participating in local NCKA and
national NASKA tournaments. Mr. Seme received a NCKA top competitor
award in two divisions in 2013. Mr. Seme is grateful for the
lessons karate has taught him, namely that goal setting, focusing
on details and discipline to perform extra practice are required to
succeed in any activity. His primary interests are traditional
form, weapons and sparring. Mr. Seme enjoys helping other students
become better competitors and would like to learn Brazilian
Jujitsu.