NVIKK Black Belts

Kyoshi Robert A. Kristensen
Chief Instructor

Kyoshi Robert Kristensen began his training (self defense) while on tour in Vietnam in 1970. His formal training was later started under the direction of Shihan Dale Jenkins (high ranking Dan of Master Nagle and President of Jersey Judo Karate Kai). He has earned the ranks of 8th degree Black Belt (Hachi-Dan) and Kyoshi from Hanshi William H. Duessel in Isshinryu Karate, second degree Black Belt (Ni-Dan) in Goju-Ryu under the training of Sensei Teruo Chinen of Jundokan International, and first degree Black Belt (Sho-Dan) at the Jersey Judo Karate Kai. Prior to moving to Texas, Kyoshi Kristensen was the Vice President of Sussex County Karate Academies, with students numbering more than 250.

Kyoshi Kristensen, who turned 50 in July of 1998 and still competes, currently trains with Hanshi William H. Duessel, 9th degree Black Belt, and became the Vice President of the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame in May, 2004. He holds numerous competitive titles, recently including: U.S.K.A. - 1st & 2nd place Kata, Weapons & Kumite in all tournaments attended, 1994 & '95, U.S.M.A. - 1st Master's Kata & Weapons in all tournaments attended, 1994, '95, & '96, I.W.K.A. - top 3 1994, '96, & '97, Isshinryu Hall Of Fame top 3 for 1995 & '98, and is a Top 10 competitor in the state of Texas for the TKL, years 1995, '96, '97, and '98.

Mr. Dennis P. Przybyla
Head Instructor

Dennis Przybyla started studing Martial Arts at the YMCA in January 2001 under Sensei Chuck Maynard. He trained for 3 years and earned the rank of San-Kyu under Sensei Maynard before taking a 3 year break from the martial arts due to work and family obligations. In January 2007, he began training with Sensei Maynard at the Boys & Girls Club of the Truckee Meadows. In August 2007 he received the rank of Ni-Kyu from Sensei Maynard at the Summer Shiai. After the anouncement of Sensei Maynard retirering from teaching he took on the challange of taking over teaching the classes at the Boys & Girls Club on October 10, 2007. In April 2008 Dennis Przybyla received the rank of Ik-Kyu from Kyoshi Robert Kristensen at the 2008 Gasshuku / Spring Shiai. Dennis Przybyla recieved the rank of Sho Dan from Kyoshi Robert Kristensen on March 29, 2009 at the 2009 Gasshuku / Spring Shiai.

Dennis currently holds the rank of ShoDan and works under the direction of Kyoshi Robert Kristensen (8th Dan) of the Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai in Coppell, Texas. He is the head instructor for the Nevada Isshinryu Karate Kai.

Dennis Przybyla continues his growth by training with Kyoshi Kristensen when he can and regularly competes in tournaments.

Retired Black Belts

Sensei Chuck Maynard
Retired

Sensei Chuck Maynard was first exposed to the Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do) while a student at the University of California in 1978. He earned his Green Belt while studying under Mr. Ken Min with the UC Tae Kwon Do Club. Sensei Maynard worked as treasurer of the club and served on the Tournament Committee helping to host the 8th National Tae Kwon Do Championships in 1980. Continuing to study Tae Kwon Do in Ohio and again in New Jersey, Sensei Maynard earned the rank of ShoDan in 1982 under the direction of Mr. Tae Rae Chang.

Introduction to the Okinawan Styles of Karate came in 1982 earning ShoDan in Isshin Ryu Karate under the direction of Sensei Marco Kowalski in 1984, and Ni-Dan In Goju Ryu Karate under the direction of Sensei Tiero Chinen in 1991. While living in New Jersey, Sensei Maynard competed in tournaments throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. He has traveled to train Karate including trips to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington State, Texas, and also to Okinawa and Japan to train and to learn.

Sensei Maynard currently holds the rank of Yon Dan and works with direction from Kyoshi Robert Kristensen of the Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai in Dallas, Texas.

Sensei Maynard retired from teaching on September 21, 2007. Sensei continues his growth by attending educational seminars, special training events, and regularly competes in both Local and National level tournaments.