Below are links to photos from many of our classes and tests. Watch for new photos in the future!
CLICK HERE for pictures of our most recent Black Belt Test
Megan Nguyen
1st Degree Black Belt
Megan Nguyen, a First Degree Black Belt, is the elder of Master Kha's two daughters. In addition to being a dedicated karate student and an Assistant Instructor for the Annandale school, she actively participates in various community functions, including Lion and Dragon dances, karate demonstrations representing our association at significant events, and charity activities during the holiday seasons. Academically, she excels as one of the top students and serves as the student body president at her high school. Megan truly makes our association proud!
Our goal is the holistic development of individuals through rigorous training.Master Nguyen believes that Silkisondan Karate offers comprehensive physical and mental training, emphasizing character, control, discipline, and intelligence. While our training should not be mistaken for preparation for Ultimate Fighting Challenge (UFC) or professional fighting, it equips children, men, and women with the resilience and fortitude to navigate life's challenges with true strength.
and my peers. I have incorporated martial arts into my everyday life and live by it. I encourage everyone to try our classes. We pride ourselves in trying to accommodate most individuals and their needs. We are a family-oriented class for all."
Sensei Scott Saslaw
3rd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Scott Saslaw began martial arts training at the age of 7 years old where he was introduced to Judo while living abroad with his family in Madrid Spain. Upon his return to the United States in 1980 he began training in Taekwondo, he later joined Silkisondan Karate after watching a demonstration from Master Thinh and his family.
His formal training started in 1983 at the Tuckahoe shopping center location. Sensei Scott earned his Black Belt from Master Thinh in 1988, earning his 3rd degree Black Belt in 2004. He holds a B.A. in History from Elon University, and is also a Licensed Practical Nurse. In addition to obtaining his 3rd degree black belt in Silkisondan Karate, he also holds the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Master Thinh Nguyen
The founder of Silkisondan Karate
In the 1950s, General Choi Hong Hi established Tae Kwon Do as the official Karate system of Korea by unifying various Korean Karate schools (known as Kwan) into one cohesive organization. This marked the birth of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). General Choi sought to share Tae Kwon Do with the world, and Vietnam was among the first countries where he sent a delegation. It was at the school he established in Saigon that our founder, Master Nguyen, received his foundational training.
Over time, the ITF has evolved, introducing changes aimed at appealing to Western preferences in martial arts training. However, these changes have, in some respects, diluted the original system. At Silkisondan Karate, we preserve a unique approach that captures the essence of traditional Karate-do, while also integrating modern sports medicine and fitness knowledge.
In this role, he visits various schools, leads group classes, and oversees testing. His focus is on identifying ways to enhance training and practice, ensuring that students can better apply fundamental skills.
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Rusty also holds a 5th Dan Black Belt in Combat Hapkido which specializes in pressure point fighting and joint locks. Master Burke has a 5th Dan in Bill “Superfoot” Wallace’s Superfoot Kickboxing System and has been personally trained and promoted by Mr. Wallace. Master Burke has extensive training in Kali and Modern Arnis. while also being previously trained in Judo, Shito-Ryu, and Jiu-Jitsu.
Check out Master Burke's Dojo, Burke's Karate Academy, here: http://burkeskarate.com.
Sensei Dave Frank
3rd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Dave Frank began studying with Master Ron Proffitt in 1993 at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. He had always had a desire to study karate and when his daughter began taking it as a Physical Education class he saw an opportunity. Dave began teaching karate more than a decade ago in his backyard, then moved to St. Peters Church in Highland Springs. In 2003 he began teaching at the Quinton Community Center where his class is today.
"I don't think you can stay in karate and become a black belt without developing a desire to teach," explains Dave.
Master Rusty Burke
VP of Operations &
5th Degree Black Belt
Master Rusty Burke is the Vice President - Operations for the International Silkisondan Karate Association. He is a proven business owner and has grown his school into one of the strongest programs in Western Florida. While the schools in the Richmond area do not share the same business model, his experience is invaluable in helping to develop and maintain the "individuality" of each branch while still adhering to the Silkisondan standard of excellence.
Master Burke has been training with Master Thinh since 1981 and is currently a 5th Dan black belt in Silkisondan Karate. Rusty received his black belt on his 18th birthday in 1987 and trained directly under Master Thinh until 1998 when he moved to Florida. Rusty graduated from Florida State University in 2000.
Sensei Mark Wilds
3rd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Wilds began studying Silkisondan Karate in the early 1980’s and received his Black Belt in 1989. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife (Debbie) began teaching karate through the Goochland Parks and Recreation program. Sensei Wilds currently holds a rank of 3rd Dan and has been instrumental in introducing martial arts to many students in the Goochland community including a number of our Black Belts. He is the chief instructor for the location in Goochland.
Sensei Carla Dannouf
Director of Student Affairs &
4th Degree Black Belt
Sensei Carla Dannouf is a 4th Degree Black Belt and the Director of Student Affairs for the International Silkisondan Karate Association. Her wealth of experience in education and her degree in psychology make her an invaluable resource for instructors, students and parents.
Sensei Dannouf has been training in martial arts for over 20 years. She has been a black belt since 1993. Carla teaches the children’s and women’s classes. Carla has been a competitive fighter and Kata enthusiast since the late 80’s. It is clear to anyone watching her classes that she enjoys teaching and has a great time with her students.
"The lessons I have learned have truly been life-altering," says Carla. "I have great respect for the art
Sensei Kris Larson
3rd Degree Black Belt
Sensei Kris Larson has studied martial arts since he was nine years old and received his black belt in 2007. He studied under Mark Wilds for many years and now teaches the Monday night class in Goochland. Kris is currently 3rd Dan in Silkisondan with additional experience in Yamagata Ryu Kenjutsu and Aikido.
+1 (804) 730-7039
9411 Staple Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 US
KARATE of VA
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Master Thinh Nguyen, the founder of the International Silkisondan Karate Association, bases his teachings on the original International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) style of Tae Kwon Do. His journey took him to China and Japan, where he achieved high rankings not only in Tae Kwon Do but also in Judo, Kung Fu, and Karate. Long before the mixed martial arts movement gained popularity, Master Nguyen skillfully combined these disciplines into a cohesive and balanced martial arts system, Silkisondan Karate.
Silkisondan Karate remains deeply rooted in the traditional values of martial arts. Our instructors teach with love, respect, and a deep passion for these traditions. Teaching is not merely a job for our Sensei; it is a calling, as they pursue their livelihoods in other fields.
At the Silkisondan Karate Association, our mantra is "Karate for Life." Those who join our association progress at their own pace, and for them, martial arts becomes more than just a practice—it becomes a lifelong journey of self-discovery and understanding. As Master Nguyen often says, "Know yourself; improve yourself."
Strength - Courage - Discipline - Vision - Respect
Sensei Tom Goodloe
4th Degree Black Belt
Sensei Goodloe has been training with Master Nguyen since 1983 and is currently a 3rd dan black belt in Silkisondan Karate. Tom resides in Ashland with his wife, Kim, and has three children. He is the Vice President of Fine Metals Corp and has been there for more than 30 years.
Master Kha Nguyen
VP of Technical Instructions &
5th Degree Black Belt
Master Kha was born in Denver, CO, in 1978. His father, Master Nguyen relocated to Richmond, Virginia, two years later and started the Silkisondan martial arts school. Sensei Kha grew up in a family of karate students, and studied directly under Master Nguyen and alongside many of the school's instructors. He lives in Northern Virginia where he has opened a school in Annandale. He also actively participates in the schools in Richmond.
As one of our most skilled practitioners, Master Kha serves as the Vice President - Technical Instructions of the International Silkisondan Karate Association.
Master Ron Proffitt
President & 6th Degree Black Belt
Master Proffitt, a 6th Degree Black Belt, has trained directly under Master Nguyen for over 34 years and serves as the President of the International Silkisondan Karate Association and all its branches. From his dojo in Hanover, he provides organizational leadership, direct instruction, and Black Belt training. In addition to his role in Silkisondan Karate, he was an adjunct faculty member at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, where he taught for nearly 30 years. “Our focus is on quality, not quantity. Our instructors and students treat martial arts as an essential part of their lifestyle. These are the people I choose to surround myself with—individuals of strong character, good citizenship, and a serious commitment to knowing and improving themselves through martial arts training.”
In Memorium
In remembrance of our deceased Black Belt Family – Physically gone but their Spirit Lives On!
- John Campbell, Sr.
- Phong "Bi" Ha
- Bruce Hoffman
- Jim “Big Mac” McCarter
- Dana Ragland
- Gene Smart
Their spirit and karate live on in the others they inspired, mentored and trained.