During what mirrored a martial arts master class, Shihan Dave Chance, Ph.D., led Summit Academy – Parma seventh and eighth graders through a series of self-defense, judo, bokken (Japanese wooden sword) and board breaking demonstrations at their December 19 therapeutic martial arts promotion ceremony.
Onlooking family, staff and board members watched in quiet awe as students singlehandedly broke two boards stacked on top of each other, conducted aerial kicks, displayed lifesaving self-defense moves, and performed katas with bokkens (Japanese wooden swords).
What less would you expect from an 8th Dan black belt instructor who was on the first United States Olympic Tae Kwon Do
team from 1985-1988? Parma therapeutic martial teacher Chance, who also placed second in judo and third in karate at the 2024 Pan American Games, says martial arts is a journey, not a hobby.
“It builds confidence, compassion, discipline, respect, integrity, honesty and honor,” he says, adding that without one, the other six virtues cannot exist. “It also helps with focus and to get in shape.”
At the promotion ceremony, the 20-some middle school students moved up in martial arts ranks ranging from white belt with white stripe to purple. The action-packed, twice-yearly ceremonies surpass all other school events in audience attendance, according to Acting Principal Alexandra Morris.
“These ceremonies provide a unique opportunity for families to witness their students’ hard work and dedication come to life as they break boards, symbolizing personal growth and achievement,” Morris describes. “The excitement and pride surrounding these milestones foster a sense of unity and celebration, drawing larger crowds than any other event in the school year.”
Under the guidance of teachers Chance and Sensei Carolyn Berkheimer, who teaches K-6, students experience success and empowerment in their curriculum-
based therapeutic martial arts classes, says Morris. Through disciplined training, skill development and personal growth, she says students can set and achieve tangible goals and earn recognition for their accomplishments.
“This creates a positive environment where students are celebrated for their perseverance, focus and improvement,” Morris says, “boosting their self-esteem and encouraging them to transfer that confidence into other aspects of their lives, including academics.”
Morris says she is proud of both of the school’s therapeutic martial arts teachers, describing them as “phenomenal and going above and beyond for their students.”
Shihan Chuck Rickard, who leads Summit Academy’s therapeutic martial arts programs, describes how Chance has not only mastered physical martial arts, but also its virtues. “More importantly, he has mastered the art of teaching these skills 
and virtues to his students,” Rickard says. “He sets high expectations for his students and uses his mastery to help them reach their highest potential.”
Chance, who also served in the U.S. Marine Corps, started his personal martial arts journey when he was 8 by learning judo and ju jitsu from his grandfather, and then karate and taekwondo.
Chance says that through martial arts he learned how to be accountable for his actions, how to lead and how to follow.
“It taught me humility and perseverance, as a competitor and as a person,” he says.