Meet Sa Bom Nim John McManus

I began my career as an educator in 1976 teaching elementary school in the Coatesville Area School District. I spent many of my nearly 30 years in the district teaching fifth grade students at Kings Highway Elementary and upon retirement another ten years serving as a substitute teacher in several local school districts. In 1987, I decided to enroll my son, and later my daughter, in a local Tang Soo Do school. Within a year, I could no longer ignore my interest in Tang Soo Do and began my own study of the art.

In 1994, after six years of diligent training, I attained the rank of second-degree black belt and decided to combine my enthusiasm for martial arts with my experience in education and founded Odyssey Karate. Since then, I’ve had the honor of teaching and mentoring thousands of Chester County’s finest people of all ages.

I take pride in identifying what makes each student unique and use my experience to adapt a teaching style to help each student grow as a martial artist and as an individual. One of the bittersweet parts of my public-school teaching experience was working with wonderful children and having them move on after spending only nine months with them. The blessing of being a karate instructor is that I’ve had the opportunity to watch many of the children with whom I’ve interacted grow well into their teens and adulthood.

I’m known for my relaxed, easygoing personality, which creates a welcoming environment for those interested in martial arts training to come in and try a class.

I look forward to meeting you!