Senior Head Instructor Brad Mears, 3rd degree, began studying Universal Kempo-Karate in 1998 under the instruction of Assistant Professor Garland R. Johnson. He had researched many martial arts before choosing Universal Kempo and once he joined he knew this system was to be a passion for him and his family. His youngest daughter, Kelsey, joined soon after at the age of 6 and eventually earned her Junior Black Belt. His wife, Teri, joined shortly after they opened the Summerfield Branch in September 2002. Teri recently earned her 1st Degree Black Belt in June 2009. The entire family has been blessed by their study of the martial arts through learning self defense, gaining confidence and being surrounded by the many other Universal Kempo students they call family.