Brian Mayes started his training in 1989. He earned his first degree Black Belt in 1994 in American Freestyle Karate under Master Eddie Thomas. He currently holds a 4th degree Black Belt in that system. His background in martial arts exceeds in Shotokan, American Kickboxing, Aikido, and Tae Kwon Do.

Brian Mayes began instructing in 1993 as an assistant to his instructor, he then ran a studio in Rocky Mount with a fellow Black Belt. After being asked, he moved to Harrisonburg in 1997 and began instructing. He is now the owner and full time instructor of his studio in Harrisonburg, VA.

In 2000 he was inducted into the United States Black Belt Hall of Fame as "Adult Male Instructor of the Year". Brian Mayes has trained with D.K.T. Force one National Karate Team and is known by many for his dominant techniques in tournament sparring. He holds the title of Virginia State Champion for Adult Black Belt Sparring. However, if you ask the studio "family" of students and parents, they will tell you about his remarkable teaching capability and his amazing ability to work with kids.

About His Instructor Master Eddie Thomas

Master Eddie Thomas holds a 8th degree Black Belt in Shotokan, a 6th degree in American Kickboxing, a 5th degree Black Belt in American Freestyle Karate, and a 1st degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. In 1985 and 1986 Master Thomas was ranked #1 in the East Coast and #4 in the country. In 1985 he was awarded "Instructor of the Year" by PKA. He was featured on Who's Who in Karate in 1987 and 1988. He was a member of D.K.T. Force One National Karate Team in 1990 and 1991. He is known by many as the "Greatest Kicker of All Time".

In 1999 Master Thomas was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame. His studio, Eddie Thomas American Freestyle Karate is located in Salem, VA.

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