Baltimore Martial Arts Instructors has had many talented instructors throughout the years. Many have moved on to other endeavors. Baltimore Martial Arts is grateful for the time that they taught at our school and will dearly miss them all.

Ronald Burton

Ronald Burton Zumba & Dance Instructor

Ronald Burton started his career in dance at the age of fifteen, with a three-year scholarship at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. While at this institution, he studied Ballet, Jazz, Authentic Jazz, Horton, Graham and Dunham technique. In furthering his dance career, and multi-cultural interests, he sought other dance opportunities by working with Afro-Brazilian, Haitian, Caribbean, Latin and African Dance companies, while fulfilling another appointed scholarship at Clark Center for the Performing Arts also in New York City.

Ronald’s performances include neo-classical South Indian theatre, vaudeville cabaret, avant-garde dance theatre, stadium and arena events and is a certified Zumba instructor. He formerly served as a Visiting Instructor in Dance and African American Studies at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and currently is an adjunct in World Dance/Jazz at Howard Community College.

“I appreciate what Zumba is doing in the world of dance/fitness. Where else can I teach many different styles of dance in one class. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of international dance, but what makes it all worthwhile is the response from students who never thought they could dance.”
“Zumba has created a social community in group fitness by eliminating individual competition and creating a “global prom” full of vitality, laughter and fun!” – Ron

For more information about Ronald Burton and other classes that he teaches, visit his web site RonaldBurtonEntertainment.com.

Noel Smith, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu Instructor

Noel Smith began his study of martial arts at 10 years of age. He received a brown belt at age the age of 13 in Shotokan Karate. He continued to study karate till he joined the military in 1992. Noel then spent 4 years in the Navy as a Corpsman stationed at Camp Pendleton with 3rd Battalion 1st Marines.

In October of 1998 Noel met Roberto Marques DaSilva (AKA Maguilla). Maguilla at the time was a 4th degree Black Belt under Andre “Dede” Pederneiras in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Noel trained with Maguilla and received his Brown Belt in 2006.

His introduction into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has changed Noel’s life forever. He now trains as a brown belt under Renato Tavares.

Karen Clendenin, Yoga instructor – 200-hour RYT

Karen joined the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy in May 2010. Her personal yoga journey started in 1999, when she walked into her first yoga class at a gym in San Francisco. Karen trained in San Francisco for seven years in various styles of yoga (Bikram, Ashtanga and Hatha) before deciding to become a yoga teacher. She recently completed 200 hours of teacher training to register with Yoga Alliance®. Karen teaches a Vinyasa flow (breath-synchronized to movement), fitness-style yoga with a focus on building flexibility and strength. She teaches yoga throughout the Baltimore area.

During the day, Karen works as an Executive Assistant at a downtown accounting firm. She holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Buffalo State College.

Karen lives in Baltimore City with her husband, Jamie and their two dogs, Max and Lucy.

Kung Fu Instructor - Sifu Mark Umholtz

Mark Umholtz – Kung Fu Instructor

Sifu Mark Umholtz teaches Tien Shan Pai Kung at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy. Sifu Mark has learned under several notable kung fu masters which include Anthony Goh, Rick Wheatley & Grand Master Huang Chien-Liang. Sifu Mark teaches in a way that makes complex maneuvers look easy and fun to learn.

Naomi Placella – Pilates Instructor:

Naomi Placella received her formal dance training from Caryl Maxwell/Classical Ballet in Ellicott City, Maryland.  She danced professionally for five years in New York City and Canada.  Her achievements include the three seasons with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Movin’ Out Canadian tour and numerous freelance roles.  As an actress, Naomi has appeared in films, television and theater.  For two years she helped manage one of the largest and most famous dance studios in the country: Steps on Broadway.  An established fine artist and jewelry designer, Naomi’s work has been displayed in numerous venues in Maryland and New York, and currently at the Women’s Industrial Exchange in Baltimore.

Naomi graduated from University of Maryland Baltimore County with a degree in Graphic Design.  She has been teaching dance to youth and adults for over eight years.  Naomi holds certification from Power Pilates in both Beginner and Intermediate Pilates Mat.  She is also a certified New York City Ballet Workout instructor.  Currently, she is pursuing a degree in medicine.

Zumba Instructor Carly

Carly Bucher- Zumba Instructor

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and fell in love with the city life, so in June of 2010 I decided to move to Baltimore City. Fitness has always been a big part of my life and a huge passion of mine. In early 2008 I discovered Zumba and fell in love with it right away; so in December of 2008 I decided to become a certified instructor. I love Zumba because it combines my biggest passions in life: fitness, music, and dance; and it makes me feel great when I can share that with everyone else. I am currently attending school in Baltimore to become a physical therapist assistant, and I am also studying to become a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I plan on continuing my career in fitness and I am very excited to see what the future brings.

Zach Harting, Tae Kwon Do Instructor at the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy

Tae Kwon Do Instructor

Zach Harting began in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 11. He trained under Grand Master Ken Gemmill in Belair, MD. Zach earned his 3rd dan Black Belt in 2008. His training background includes a mixture of sport and traditional Tae Kwon Do. Zach has competed for years at the state and national level in Olympic style full contact sparring, forms as well as full contact Karate tournaments. Zach also cross trains in Wing-Chun Kung Fu, Judo, and is now learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Sensei Gary Berger.

In addition to teaching Tae Kwon Do, Zach Harting is also the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy’s Lead Sales and Office Manager.