National Karate's Operational Staff: A Wealth of Martial Arts Experience
Kelly Worley
COO National Karate
Staff & Curriculum Development Director
5th Degree Black Belt
If you are a new student who spends time at any of John Worley’s NK schools, it won’t take long until you bump into the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and 5th degree black belt Kelly Worley. Mr. Worley’s position with National Karate keeps him busy doing administrative work during the day and hands-on help at the karate schools in the evening. As well as offering support and assistance on day-to-day functions at the schools, Mr. Worley is in charge of the black belt screenings and is the final word on who moves forward in the process. If you have dreams of becoming an NK black belt in one of Mr. John Worley’s twelve schools, you have to be sure Mr. Kelly Worley agrees. Mr. Worley grew up in a karate school and after seeing him in action running a screening, teaching a class or assuring things move smoothly at a tournament, his experience is evident. A dynamic and exciting teacher, Mr. Worley is one of the premiere instructors in this area, but is involved in so much more than just teaching classes. Although Mr. Worley’s major function at tournaments is making sure divisions start on time instead of competing himself, Kelly is still a respected and sometimes feared competitor. He was a recipient of National Karate’s “Competitor of the Year” award, and is also one of the best black belt level tournament judges in the area. He is an outstanding martial artist who is excellent at both fighting and classical form. When he dusts off his uniform to compete, it is something not to miss! As if karate doesn’t keep him busy enough, Mr. Worley is married to NK's Director of Student and Public Relations, Jamey Worley and is a father of three, Devon (12), Rhett (10) and Cassidy (1). In his scarce spare time, you can find Kelly on the golf course trying to perfect his swing or fishing up North.
Jamey Worley
Student Relations Manager
4th Degree Black Belt
Mrs. Jamey Worley started her training in 1995 at the National Karate School in St. Cloud while a student at St. Cloud State University. It was there that Jamey realized her dedication to the sport and much to her parents' disbelief, decided to become a professional martial artist. Currently, Mrs. Worley is a fourth degree black belt. Ms. Worley has spent many years competing at the black belt level as a fighter and in 2004 held the title of North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) National Champion in women's super-lightweight fighting. Ms. Worley has always loved to compete and enjoys helping her students achieve success as tournament competitors. Ms. Worley was the Director at the Edina National Karate since 2001, and now works for Mr. John Worley as the student relations manager for his eleven schools. As well as working for Mr. Worley, Ms. Worley is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for all the schools and has run an after school program at The International School of Minnesota for eleven years. Ms. Worley particularly enjoys working with children. “There is nothing more satisfying is seeing a child do what they didn’t think they could do”. Mrs. Worley also does many women's self-defense seminars in the community. “I think it is critical that women have the tools to keep themselves safe” Mrs. Worley stated. In her spare time, Ms. Worley enjoys working out, watching her kids take karate class, watching daughter Devon (12) sing and watching son Rhett (9) play baseball as well as spending time with her new baby girl Cassidy (1). Her and her husband Kelly sneak away for dinner when ever they get a chance.
Mr. Steve Rufer
3rd Degree Black Belt
Mr. Rufer started his karate training in 1983 and has been a National Karate employee since 1994. He took some time off from his training to attend college and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English. Mr. Rufer achieved black belt in 1995 earned his 3rd degree black belt in September 2005. He is a fan of Sci-Fi and is an avid collector of trading cards. Mr. Rufer manages the inventory for twelve National Karate locations and currently teaches at the Long Lake school.
Ms. Kelly Deasy
4th Degree Black Belt
Kelly Deasy began her training in January of 1992 and promoted to 1st degree black belt on June 10, 1995. She currently holds the rank of 4th degree black belt. Ms. Deasy has taught at a number of schools over the past 17 years and was the Director of the St Cloud (99-01) and Crystal (01-03) NK schools. Currently, she is teaching in Edina with her long time friend and former Brooklyn Park classmate, Alex Dingmann. Ms Deasy says, "I was a shy teenager with little self esteem when I started karate. Making black belt and having the opportunity to help others reach that same goal has done wonders for my personal growth. Over the years my classmates and instructors have become like a 2nd family. I am blessed to have a job I am still passionate about after all these years."
Mr. Scott Masterton
7th Degree Black Belt
Mr. Scott Masterton began his karate training in 1978 and was promoted to first degree black belt in 1982. Currently a National Karate sixth degree black belt, Mr. Masterton’s martial arts career also includes winning the US Super-middle Weight kickboxing title in 1992 as well as being an undefeated world ranked contender in that same division. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Mr. Masterton has had the honor and privilege of teaching and working with some of the top National Karate instructors and competitors: a few include Mr. Kelly Worley, Mr. Cris Nelson, Mr. William Hill and Mr. Jesse Zaragoza as well as many others. Mr. Masterton says: fitness and self-defense are the outside benefits of karate training, but the real gifts are the ones that we carry with us whether we’re wearing a karate uniform or not: Discipline, honor, respect and humility walk with us every day.
