Meet Our Martial Arts Instructors in Lehighton, PA
Experienced, Certified Tang Soo Do Instructors
The right martial arts instructor does more than teach techniques. At Gentle Spirit Martial Arts, our instructors help students develop confidence, discipline, respect, perseverance, and strong martial arts fundamentals in a welcoming, family-oriented environment.
Our team includes certified Black Belt Instructors with years of Tang Soo Do training and experience. As members in good standing with the World Tang Soo Do Association, they are committed to continued development and the standards of traditional Tang Soo Do.
Whether you're looking for your child's first martial arts class or are ready to begin training as an adult, you'll learn in an environment focused on progress, character, and personal growth.
Tang Soo Do provides opportunities to learn and grow at different ages and experience levels.
Learn From Experienced Tang Soo Do Instructors
Our instructors bring years of personal training and martial arts experience to Gentle Spirit Martial Arts. Several began their Tang Soo Do journeys more than a decade ago and have continued progressing through Black Belt ranks while developing as instructors.
Students train in an environment where proper technique and physical development are balanced with focus, discipline, respect, self-control, and character.
Strengthen Mind & Body
Scott Gentles
Owner & Chief Instructor | Sam Dan — 3rd-Degree Black Belt
Mr. Scott Gentles is the Owner and Chief Instructor of Gentle Spirit Martial Arts. He is a Sam Dan, or 3rd-degree Black Belt, a certified Black Belt Instructor, a certified Corner Judge, and a member in good standing with the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Mr. Gentles began training in Tang Soo Do in 2008 at C&J's Mountain Warriors Karate Institute, the predecessor to Gentle Spirit Martial Arts, under the direction of Master Cesar Fernandez. He began his martial arts journey alongside both of his daughters.
Kirsten Gentles
Sam Dan — 3rd-Degree Black Belt
Ms. Kirsten Gentles is a Sam Dan, or 3rd-degree Black Belt, and a certified Black Belt Instructor. She is a member in good standing with the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Ms. Gentles began her Tang Soo Do training under Master Fernandez in 2008. Her years of training and continued involvement in Tang Soo Do contribute to the experienced instructor team at Gentle Spirit Martial Arts.
Heidi Ahner
Sam Dan — 3rd-Degree Black Belt
Mrs. Heidi Ahner is a Sam Dan, or 3rd-degree Black Belt, a certified Black Belt Instructor, a certified Corner Judge, and a member in good standing with the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Her teaching experience includes working with Little Dragons, Youth, teens, and adults. Her responsibilities have included running classes and helping plan, host, and conduct Gup and Little Dragon testing and promotion ceremonies.
Sarah Easton
Sam Dan — 3rd-Degree Black Belt
Ms. Sarah Easton is a Sam Dan, or 3rd-degree Black Belt, and a certified Black Belt Instructor. She is a member in good standing with the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Ms. Easton began her Tang Soo Do training under Master Fernandez in 2011 and has continued developing her skills as part of the Tang Soo Do community.
Steve O'Donnell
E Dan — 2nd-Degree Black Belt
Mr. Steve O'Donnell is an E Dan, or 2nd-degree Black Belt, and a certified Black Belt Instructor. He is a member in good standing with the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Mr. O'Donnell began his Tang Soo Do training in 2015 and brings years of martial arts experience to the Gentle Spirit Martial Arts instructor team.
Kailee Gentles
Cho Dan — 1st-Degree Black Belt
Ms. Kailee Gentles is a Cho Dan, or 1st-degree Black Belt, and a certified Black Belt Instructor. She is a member in good standing with the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Ms. Gentles began training under Master Fernandez in 2008 and has continued her Tang Soo Do journey as both a martial artist and certified instructor.
Train in an environment focused on proper technique, safe instruction, respect, and continued development.
What Students Can Expect From Our Instructors
Experienced & Certified Instruction
Our team includes certified Black Belt Instructors with years of Tang Soo Do training and continued involvement in the martial arts community.
Supportive Training
Respect, discipline, perseverance, responsibility, and personal growth are important parts of our Tang Soo Do training and community.
Character-Focused Teaching
Our approach combines martial arts technique with important values such as discipline, respect, focus, self-control, perseverance, and personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Martial Arts Instructors
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Are your martial arts instructors certified?
Yes. The instructors featured on this page are certified Black Belt Instructors and members in good standing with the World Tang Soo Do Association.
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What martial art do your instructors teach?
Our instructors teach Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean martial art that combines physical development and martial arts technique with discipline, focus, respect, and character.
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Do your instructors teach beginners?
Yes. Beginners are welcome at Gentle Spirit Martial Arts. Students can begin without previous martial arts experience and receive instruction appropriate to their age and level.
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Do you offer instruction for both children and adults?
Yes. Gentle Spirit Martial Arts offers programs for Little Dragons ages 4–7, Youth ages 7–12, Adults ages 13+, and advanced-rank students.
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Can I meet the instructors before enrolling?
Yes. Our three free trial classes give you an opportunity to visit Gentle Spirit Martial Arts, experience our training environment, and get to know our instructors before deciding whether to continue.
Meet Our Instructors & Experience a Class
The best way to understand our approach to martial arts instruction is to experience it for yourself.
Visit Gentle Spirit Martial Arts in Lehighton, PA and see how our instructors help children, teens, and adults develop Tang Soo Do skills, confidence, discipline, and character in a supportive environment.