Meet Our “Family” Team

Dr. Tim C. Derby has over 35 years experience in Martial Arts and Traditional Karate.  Since 1989, he has  been devoted to teaching karate at the professional level.  In addition to his martial arts training, Dr. Derby earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Accounting from Mississippi State University, a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Theology and Strategic Leadership from Liberty University.  He also completed his Biblical Greek studies at YALE University in New Haven Connecticut and Christian Apologetics at the University of Oxford in England.

As an author, as well as a nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Derby has appeared on national TV and radio discussing strategies for strengthening the family, enriching the lives of our nation’s youth and equipping parents as they strive to raise uncompromising youth in today’s compromising culture.  He has served as an advisor to various agencies such as the U. S. Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice, and the White House Office of Domestic Policy.  As a result of his efforts, Dr. Derby has also received numerous awards and honors including the Thomas Jefferson Gold Medallion Award for Public Service to the State of Mississippi and multiple White House invitations from President and Mrs. George W. Bush.

CERTIFICATIONS

• 10th Degree Black Belt / American Giri-te Jitsu Karate
• 5thDegree Black Belt / Okinawan Kempo Karate
• 5th Degree Black Belt / Kyusho Jitsu Karate
• 3rd Degree Black Belt / Shotokan Karate
• Ranking Fellow Member [3rd Degree Black Belt]  U. S. Judo Association, Since 1999

Mrs. Kathy has been married to Tim for over 30 years and has worked side by side with her husband for over 30 years.  Mrs. Kathy is an alumni from Mississippi University for Women with degree in Professional Accounting.  As the Director of Student enrollment, Kathy’s commitment to excellence is unmatched as she welcomes each and every student at the door and treats every child as though he or she were her very own.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Black Belt / American Giri-te Jitsu Karate
• Black Belt / Okinawan Kempo Karate

Ashley Derby Boyd [Husband: Landon Boyd]  Ashley is a graduate of Mississippi State University having earned her bachelor’s degree in Professional Accounting.  She has over 15 years experience in Martial Arts and Traditional Karate.  Since 2013, Ashley has been devoted to professionally teaching children and youth karate.  She is also an accomplished personal fitness trainer and trains individuals and groups in our private fitness facility.

In addition to her karate and fitness training, Ashley also devotes much of her time mentoring elementary, junior high, and high school girls on topics such as personal self-defense, confidence, leadership, and making Godly decisions in life.

CERTIFICATIONS

• 3rd  Degree Black Belt / American Giri-te Jitsu Karate
• 3rd  Degree Black Belt / Okinawan Kempo Karate
• 3rd  Degree Black Belt / Kyusho Jitsu Karate
• Black Belt / Shotokan Karate

Hunter Derby has over 15 years experience in Martial Arts and Traditional Karate.  Hunter is the holder of multiple State, National, World Titles and Gold medals in traditional karate.  Since 2015, Mr. Hunter has been devoted to teaching karate professionally for youth, teens, and adults.

Hunter earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and his Master’s degree in Biomechanics at Mississippi State University.  As an Exercise Physiologist and Researcher, Hunter is currently working toward his PhD in Exercise science.

In addition to teaching karate, Hunter is also developing a private training facility allowing him to provide “Sport specific” Training for individual youth and teams involved in baseball, soccer, tennis, football, basketball, and track.  Specifically, the training focuses on developing exceptional Sports Performance and Injury Prevention.

CERTIFICATIONS

• 3rd Degree Black Belt / American Giri-te Jitsu Karate
• 3rd Degree Black Belt / Okinawan Kempo Karate
• 3rd  Degree Black Belt / Kyusho Jitsu Karate
• Black Belt / Shotokan Karate
• Former Fellow Member United States Karate Association [USKA]
• Former Fellow Member United States National Karate Federation [USANKF]
• Certified Researcher through the Mississippi State Institutional Review Board [Collaborative institutional Training Initiative]