MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
John Wicker
Owner and Chief Instructor
John Wicker started Martial Arts in 1982. The school mostly taught Shorin Ryu Karate and added Ryu Kyu Kempo in later years. It also taught various kung fu styles as students progressed at the school. John was first exposed to Northern Praying Mantis at the school in 1984. John was taught a few Praying Mantis hand forms, some weapons, and basic moving and fighting drills. After receiving his 1st degree black belt in Ryu Kyu Kempo Karate and Shorin Ryu Karate in 1995, John retired from Ryu Kyu Kempo Karate in 1996 and Shorin Ryu Karate in 1997. Prior to retiring from karate, John started training Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu from the Wong Hon Fun Clan in 1996 through seminars and video instruction from Sifu Jon Funk and from 1997 to 2005 John would also learn under Sifu Dwight Edwards. From 1998 to 1999 he taught Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu to a small group of friends at his house. In 1999 John started teaching classes in Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu at Zion. In 2006, John started learning under Praying Mantis Master Henry Chung and became a disciple in 2016. John continues to meet with Master Chung several times a year.
In 1999 he started training in Master Yang Jwing-Ming's Chin Na Program then started teaching a chin na class at Zion in 2000. John received his Assistant Instructor Level in 2008 and Instructors Level in 2021.
Daniel Joslin
Instructor
Daniel Joslin is an instructor in the Praying Mantis and Chin Na Programs. Daniel has been a student under John Wicker since July of 2010. Daniel has completed the Intermediate Praying Mantis Program and is currently training on Advance material. Daniel received his assistant instructors certificate in chin na under Master Yang in 2018. Daniel also maintains the school's Facebook page.
Terry Bryant is an instructor in the Kid's Praying Mantis Program and the Chin Na Program. Terry has been a student under John Wicker since December 2003. Terry has completed the Basic Praying Mantis Program. Terry started martial arts around 1984. His training began in Shaolin Tiger and Shaolin Dragon. During college Terry studied Taekwondo and Hapkido, earning a black belt. After college Terry relocated to Indianapolis and studied Capoeria. Terry received his assistant instructors certificate in chin na under Master Yang in 2023.
Terry Bryant
Instructor
Deliah Cook
Kids Assistant Instructor
Zander Charles
Kids Assistant Instructor
Chris VanPelt
Instructor
Chris VanPelt is an instructor in the Kids Praying Mantis Program. Chris has been a student under John Wicker since July of 2019. Chris has completed the Basic Praying Mantis Program and is currently training on Intermediate material. Chris has also completed middle level in the Chin Na Porgram. Chris has several years training in Shaolin Kung Fu prior to coming to the school.
Delilah Cook is an Assistant instructor in the Kids Praying Mantis Program. Delilah has been a student under John Wicker since August of 2016. Delilah is currently working on the Basic Praying Mantis Program. Delilah has also completed the basic level in the Chin Na Program
Zander Charles is an Assistant instructor in the Kids Praying Mantis Program. Zander has been a student under John Wicker since February of 2020. Zander is currently working on the Basic Praying Mantis Program.