Bios

Master Robert Harshall
"Working with and instructing the children is what my life has been all about. About 30 years ago I started as knot instructor in the Latrobe Volunteer Fire Department, advancing to Captain of Fire Prevention and teaching Stop, Drop, Roll at area elementary schools. When I started training in the martial arts I discovered I could very easily explain and show other students how to achieve a certain technique. I received my 1st Degree Black Belt from outstanding martial artists teaching Tang Soo Do, my chosen style. In 1992 I was awarded Tang Soo Do Instructor of the year from the North American Tang Soo Do Association. I've been a member of the United States Haidong Gumdo Association and advanced to the rank of 3rd Degree in Korean Swordsmanship for sword training."

"Harshall Karate has grown one student at a time over the last 24 years and I have promoted several hundred colored belt ranks. I have had the honor and privilege to promote 180 students to the rank of Black Belt and 5 of them have achieved Master under my instruction. In 2004 I was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame for my many years of teaching, dedication to my students, school growth and accumulation of Black Belts under my instruction. I was also awarded 2004 Tang Soo Do Instructor of the year by the United States Martial Arts Board of Directors."

"Teaching martial arts has given me the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and so many outstanding students. The children are our future and I am proud to help their parents help them grow in mind, body, and spirit!

Master Wesley Harr
"I started training in Tang Soo Do at the Harshall Karate Academy in 1991. As a Master, Tang Soo Do has become a part of my life, I believe in the traditional Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan by Hwang Kee. Just as I wanted to be in Tang Soo Do at the beginning of my training, I still have the same desires today to train and teach each student to the best of my ability. Having achieved my Back Belt in Haidong Gumdo (Sword), I teach sword class to students who are interested in furthering their training."

Master Michael Oravec
"My martial arts interest began one summer day when I was very young, I had just gone to the movies to see “Good Guys wear Black” starring Chuck Norris.  I remember thinking wow look at these kicks and punches that Norris is performing in order to defeat bad guy after bad guy. In July of 1990 I started my first lessons at Harshall Karate Academy, the class was very small which was great as it allowed a very personal one on one training. I obtained my 1st degree black belt on July 1993,  2nd Dan February of 1996, 3rd Dan on June 16th 2002 and then 4th Dan on March 2005, I also hold 1st Dan in Haidong Gumdo and Blue belt in Kempo, I have also trained on my in Hapkdio which combines techniques in Tang Soo Do and the joint locks and throws of Aikido. I am married and have 3 kids, 1 holds a 1st Dan through Harshall Karate Academy my daughter is a Yellow Belt and the youngest hasn't started yet. My personal philosophy has been one of “Never give up and never settle”.

Master Jordan Salandro
Master Salandro is currently serving in the United States Navy.

Master Peter Morley
Master Morley has been a professional announcer and producer for many Pittsburgh area radio stations since the early 1980's. Currently you'll hear him on 3WS and FM News Talk 104-7 voicing many commercials.
He began training as a white belt at Harshall Karate Academy in May 1995.  He was promoted to Fourth Dan in December 2009. He credits Master Harshall, Master Harr and Mrs. Petrillo as well as the school's other black belts and students for providing the kind of environment where every member of the family can enjoy the fun and benefits of learning martial arts.  In fact Master Morley's son achieved his 2nd Dan here, his wife Debbie, also earned a black belt and even their grandchildren have participated!

Master Victoria Kline
Master Kline has been training in Tang Soo Do since she was eight years old. She has been an accomplished competitor at tournaments, from white belt thru present times with emphasis on sparring. Even though she has been dedicated to the art of Tang Soo Do, she has also broadened her martial arts skills with training in Taekwondo, Shotokon, Syu Sin Do and Haidong Gumdo. Victoria has remained focused in her training from childhood through adulthood, inspired by the rich traditions of the Art. Outside the dojong, she works in the field of Cosmotology. Her other interests include music and motorcycles.

Mrs. Bernadette "Bunny" Petrillo
Mrs. Petrillo is a 3rd Degree Black Belt, currently in training for her Master's 4th Degree Black Belt. She has 4 children, a son at Carnegie Mellon University, a daughter at Point Park University and twin daughters at home that train at Harshall Karate and are currently red belts.

"My training has helped me teach my children to be the best at what they do, and to make smart decisions. I love the confidence I feel when I accomplish my goals. Knowing I am making the best decisions for myself and my family has given me peace of mind. I would recommend Tang Soo Do for any woman that has those unsure feelings in her life. It makes all the difference when you have less anxiety about your choices."