Mark Gaspar began studying Uechi-ryu in 1981 under Sensei Bob Galeone in Annapolis, Maryland, and continued his training under Marty Dow in Takoma Park, Maryland. After suspending his formal training for several years, Mark returned to his training and joined the Okinawan Karate Dojo in Ellicott City in 2006. Mark currently holds the rank of Rokudan, 6th degree black belt that he earned in July 2019.

Over the years, Mark has attended numerous training sessions where he has received advanced training from several of the world’s most respected Uechi-ryu masters, including Kiyohide Shinjo, Narahiro Shinjo, James Thompson, Kanmei Uechi, and Shinyu Gushi. Mark is a partner in a Baltimore law firm and is also an owner/operator of the Okinawan Karate Dojo. He is married with 3 kids.

Connor Witt is a 28 year old, lifelong Karate student. He began studying at age 4 in Taekwondo, and quickly switched to Karate at age 5. He studied for 7 years before being awarded his black belt in Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do. After taking a break through middle school from training, Connor picked the mantle of study back up in the style of Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu, in which he earned his second, 1st degree black belt.  He earned his shodan (1st degree black belt) in Uechi-Ryu in July 2019.

After High School, Connor joined the US Army, and served as a Paratrooper for the 173rd Airborne Combat Brigade, stationed in Vicenza Italy. He served 1 deployment in Afghanistan, and left the military shortly after returning. Connor now strives to grow with his surroundings, finding joy participating with the community and comfort in his continuing study of the martial arts.

Brianna Avery is currently a senior at Centennial High School and a student at Howard Community College.  She is attending Towson University starting in the Fall of 2020.  She is double majoring in Elementary Education and Deaf Studies and minoring in Special Education.  Brianna has been assistant instructing since 2019 and holds the rank of Nikyu (Brown Belt + 1 Stripe).  Outside of martial arts, Brianna enjoys American Sign Language, painting and volunteering.

Seth began studying Uechi-Ryu in 2013 under Sensei Stanley Crump and is currently a Shodan (1st degree black belt). Before Uechi-ryu, he trained in Tae Kwon Do and Jiu-jitsu for three years. Gaining experience in multiple styles has provided him with principles that allows him to balance all aspects of life. Balancing a busy school schedule while continuing to train has conditioned Seth for the world beyond high school. The discipline that he has gained from martial arts has positively impacted his academic, social, and work life.

Tara was first introduced to Uechi-ryu in Largo, Florida, under Sensei Ric Martin in January of 1997.  She was in search of a traditional style of martial arts that encompassed both hard and soft techniques, which she found in Uechi-ryu.  She trained under Ric through Yonkyu before relocating north.  Now settled in Maryland, Tara trains and teaches at the Okinawan Karate Dojo.  She earned her Shodan in December 2011, her Nidan in March of 2013 and her Sandan in July of 2015 under Sensei Stanley Crump. Tara has also trained with some of the world’s most respected Uechi-ryu masters, including Kiyohide Shinjo, Narahiro Shinjo, James Thompson, and Shinyu Gushi.  She feels fortunate to be able to share her passion for Uechi-ryu in teaching at OKD.