Our Instructors

Jeff Shea

Royce Young, Head Instructor:

Jeff Shea was a friend - a friendship that meant a lot to me. Jeff was a remarkable person. He set a standard that each person testing for black belt under my name will live up to.

The last class that Jeff attended was Tuesday, August 21, 2001. Despite the fact that Jeff was recuperating from surgery on both knees, he saw that the class needed help. That was so like Jeff. He wanted his black belt. He was willing to work hard to get it. He came to classes when he had worked late; he was often tired and hungry. He came to classes when he had metal pins sticking out of his hand from injuries and it was obvious he was in great pain. He came to class because he loved it - the students and the challenge.

Jeff put his heart and soul into working toward his black belt. He was not able to take that final test, but Jeff Shea was a black belt in deeds and character. His spirit and achievements exemplify what a black belt at Texins Karate really means. His name has been added to my black belt family tree. I have never been more proud of a student.

We are going to miss Jeff, but, oh the memories he left us.

Ottis Wooten, Senior Instructor:

I had the honor of knowing and training with Jeff Shea. I cannot remember a person who worked as hard toward a goal. While Jeff was limited in his physical abilities because of injury, he excelled in his perseverance and desire. He wasn't a flashy person, but his positive attitude and personality was always present. Jeff was the type of person who didn't seek to be the center of attention. Instead, he often put the needs of others ahead of his own.

I am truly blessed to have known Jeff as a person and to have trained with Jeff as a student. I am extremely honored to share Mr. Young's black belt family tree with such a outstanding person as Jeff Shea.