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Our Mission

To change the lives of children and families by improving their mental, physical, & emotional intelligence through Martial Arts Cross Training.


We specialize in Youth Development, Sport Karate, and Self Protection for men, women and children.

 
 
American Karate - Wentzville, MO - Students and Instructors
 

Martial Arts Cross Training

A unique mix of Sport Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Traditional Karate, Aiki Jiu Jitsu, Close Quarter Combat, Yoga, and Kick Boxing. We combined over 40 years of extensive knowledge and training to create an more effective Martial Arts Cross Training style. For decades, our unique blend of training has changed the lives of hundreds of students—mentally, physically and emotionally. It has also helped athletes of all ages improve their performace on and off the field.

 

Mental

  • Focus

  • Concentration

  • Discipline

  • Patience

  • Determination

  • Academics

Physical

  • Balance

  • Agility

  • Speed & Power

  • Coordination

  • Nutrition

Emotional

  • Confidence

  • Leadership

  • Self Awareness

  • Stress Management

  • Anger Management

 
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Our History

Founded in 1974, American Karate has a long history of producing excellent students, instructors and competitors.

 
 
 

 American Karate's legacy began in Florissant, Missouri where the foundation was laid for a true family focused Martial Arts school. In 1996, after nearly 15+ years of training with a variety of experts and teaching students of all ages, Rich Norton and Steve Sutton purchased the business. They expanded the Martial Arts system to include Kickboxing, Preschool Karate and Sport Competition Team.

 
 
 
 

In 2001, they launched The Classic Karate Championship, an open style karate tournament. The Classic has become one of the largest and most popular karate tournaments in the Midwest. In 2005, they moved the business to Wentzville where it currently thrives at 1456 W. Meyer Rd. Recently, Mr. Norton and Mr. Sutton launched another karate tournament championship specifically for kids called The Junior Classic. With 40+ years in the Martial Arts Business, American Karate genuinely understand the commitment, dedication and responsibility of being a positive influence on each and every student and the community!  

 
 
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Our Dojo

We take pride in providing a clean, friendly, and well equipped training facility for students of all ages and abilities.

 
 
 
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Instructors

We believe in Martial Arts cross training, acknowledging that no single art is superior in itself and that a well rounded Martial Artist is one who remains humble and welcomes all styles. 

 
 
American Karate - Sensei - Richard Norton

Richard Norton

Sensei  //  6th Rokudan Black Belt

Mr. Norton is co-owner and head instructor at American Karate as well as the promoter of the AK Classic Karate Championship. Rich began studying Martial Arts in 1978 with Jung Sim Do Martial Arts under Master Robert Ley. For the next two decades, Rich honed his skills as a student, teacher, and competitor, studying and excelling in a variety of styles such as: Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, Judo, Aikido, Small Circle Jujitsu, and Kick Boxing. He combined his knowledge of the variety of styles to create an all-encompassing Martial Arts cross-training style .

In 1996, Rich received Ni Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) while entering the National Karate Competition Circuit — finishing in the top two in the U.S. in 1997 and 1998. Mr. Norton is presently ranked 6th degree (Rokudan) and was recently inducted into the Karate Hall of Fame for 30 years of excellence in teaching martial arts. He has helped make American Karate one of the most recognized schools in the region and one of the most awarded teams in tournament competition.

Mr Norton recently received his Shodan in Small Circle Jujitsu under Professor Leon Jay.

 

American Karate - Chief Instructor - Steve Sutton

Tony Schneider

Chief Instructor  //  3rd Sandan Black Belt

Mr. Schneider began training with Sensei Rich Norton in 1992. Over the years, he has become a top competitor in several local and national organizations including MMA, NASKA, RSKC, and the UKA. In 2003, he earned his Black Belt (1st Dan) from American Karate. In his time studying and training in martial arts, he has become proficient in many styles including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Close Quarter Combat, Weapons, and Kickboxing. In January 2020, Mr. Schneider succeeded Mr. Steve Sutton as a co-owner and Chief Instructor at American Karate as well as co-promoter of the American Karate Classic Championship. He currently holds the rank of Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) and is excited to be a part of American Karate’s future.

 

American Karate - Instructor - Greg Holmes
 

Greg Holmes

Instructor  //  4th Dan Black Belt

Greg Holmes began his training in 1972 with Bill Laub. Attained 1st Dan Black Belt in 1979. He joined American Karate in the early '80s with founder Kent Angeli. Presently, he is ranked 4th Dan in Tae Kwon Do and teaches Jiu-Jitsu, Sport Karate, Group, and Private Lessons. He is also a member of the 30 Year Black Belt Hall of Fame.

 

American Karate - Instructor - Mike Morell
 

Alex Tourville

Instructor  //  2nd Dan Black Belt

Ms. Alex Tourville started martial arts at the age of 9 in St. Ann, Missouri. She earned her Black Belt (1st Dan) at age 14 in Tae Kwon Do under Mr. Ray Amanat with Team Respect. She also studied other styles such as Isshin-Ryū. In 2019, she earned her Ni Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) under Mr. Rich Norton at American Karate. Ms. Tourville has trained with multiple weapons including sais, bo staff, escrimas, and kamas. She has competed on local and national tournament circuits as well as performing on multiple demonstration teams. Ms. Alex continues her martial arts career and training by teaching at American Karate and encouraging kids and adults to do their best while building their confidence. She helps with Girl Scout anti-bullying, Womens self defense and other programs in the community.

 

American Karate - Instructor - Devon Weiler
 

Devon Weiler

Ninjas Instructor  //  Brown Belt  //  Elementary & Special Education Teacher

Devon has been training Kickboxing and Sport Karate with American Karate since 2009. With a Masters in elementary education and four children of her own, Devon is the perfect choice for teaching our 4-6 year old students. It allows her the opportunity to combine a professional teaching background with her love for Martial Arts. Ms. Devon encourages her students using positive reinforcement while capitalizing on their individual strengths — building the basics of respect, motor skills, and self-confidence.

 
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Simply the Best! Supportive, encouraging, and skilled at developing students.
— Kelle McCallum