Director
Mr. Gregg Sutherland
Mr. Gregg Sutherland began his training with National Karate in 1987 while attending college. “I checked out a number of different martial arts schools and found that National Karate was the best fit for me” .
Mr. Sutherlund trained under former United States kickboxing champion, Mr. Scott Masterton. Mr. Sutherland was Mr. Masterton's sparring partner as he trained for the United States Kickboxing Championship. Mr. Sutherland himself entered the kickboxing ring when he traveled to England for a match in which he defeated his opponent in the first round.
Mr. Sutherland soon began to experience great success as a sport karate tournament competitor winning Grand Champion at many North Central Karate Association (NCKA) events as well as traveling the country to compete in several North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) sponsored events. His greatest achievement in the Sport Karate arena came when he won Grand Championship at the prestigious Diamond Nationals Karate Tournament.
Mr. Sutherland credits much of his success to all the great instructors and competitors with whom he has had the privilege of training as well as the fantastic leadership of Master Instructors Mr. John Worley and Mr. Larry Carnahan. Mr. Sutherland states, “Training with and being associated with other top martial artists allows us all at National Karate to continue to achieve and succeed far beyond what we ever thought possible."
Mr. Sutherland bypassed the degree he earned in Electronics and Laser technology and began instructing immediately after achieving his Black Belt in 1990. “I had a choice between traveling the country and repairing high tech equipment or staying home and making a positive impact on the lives of my students. It was an easy choice and I have never looked back or regretted my decision.”
Now, he and his wife Ms. Sue Lomasney own and operate 3 National Karate Schools in Andover, Ramsey and Coon Rapids. Mr. Sutherland also provides guidance and support to Mr. Chris Kennedy, a 3rd degree Black Belt and former student of Mr. Sutherland, who operates a National Karate School in Hibbing, MN and another of his former students Kim Dewey who operates a National Karate School in Huron, Ohio.
Even with all the competitive success Mr. Sutherland has had over the years nothing is as great as seeing his students succeed both in the martial arts and in life. Mr. Sutherland instills in every student the importance and value of Respect, Strong effort, Goal Setting and a Positive Attitude. Great emphasis is put on students being their best and doing the best they can with the skills they have.
Mr. Sutherland believes that all students can earn the rank of Black Belt by reaching their potential. This approach to instructing has led to many of his students reaching great success in their martial arts activities as well as all other areas of their lives.
