Richard Norton

Sensei  //  7th Shichidan 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, Karate, 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 NASKA in 1997 and 1998. In 2023 Mr. Norton and 7 Team members competed internationally at the WKC Championships in Calgary, Canada. Mr. Norton is presently ranked 7th degree (Shichidan) and was 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 Nidan in Small Circle Jujitsu under Professor Leon Jay.

Tony Schneider

Chief Instructor  //  4th Dan 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 the late Mr. Steve Sutton as a co-owner and Chief Instructor at American Karate as well as co-promoter of the American Karate Classic Championship.

Mr. Schneider medaled on an International level in 2022 & 2023 competing at the WKU Worlds Championships in Wales and Calgary.

Alex Tourville

Instructor  //  3rd 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 Wentzville and encouraging kids and adults to do their best while building their character and confidence. She helps with Girl Scout anti-bullying, Womens self defense and other programs in the community.