Instructor Biographies

Anoop N. Mehta - Head Instructor

Anoop N. Mehta is a 6th Dan in Tae Kwon Do. Mr. Mehta started his martial arts training in 1980. He earned his black belt (1st Dan) in 1985 under the instruction and guidance of Grand Master Neil V. McVoy. Mr. Mehta currently teaches and operates the Studio of Korean Karate, Inc.

Mr. Mehta is dedicated to quality instruction, with an emphasis on individualized instruction tailored to the needs of each student with a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. At the Studio of Korean Karate, he blends the traditional Oriental philosophy and techniques with modern innovation and applications where students can develop confidence, respect, and sportsmanship that will last a lifetime. Mr. Mehta is also invited to judge tournaments and for the past 15 years is a Chief Referee for TKA Eastern Regional Karate Championships.

Mr. Mehta received his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD (Go Terps!). He is a Certified Public Accountant working as a Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Science Systems and Applications, Inc. in Lanham, Maryland.

James Fennell - Instructor

James Fennell began studying the martial arts at the Studio of Korean Karate in 1979, and earned his 1st Dan under the auspices of Grand Master Neil V. McVoy. He is presently a 3rd Dan, and with the exception of four years living and teaching in another state, has continued with the same studio and watched as his family progressed in the martial arts with him. He believes it is the emphasis on family and a philosophy that embraces integrity and a sense of honor that has made The Studio of Korean Karate stand out from other schools.  Children are taught along with adults of the same rank, and all are treated with respect.

Dr. Fennell’s two daughters each attained green belts before moving onto college, and his son, a 2nd Dan, now teaches alongside him on Tuesday evenings. Dr. Fennell also co-teaches on Saturday mornings.
                                                                             
Dr. Fennell is an applied research mathematician who sails with his wife on the Chesapeake when not working or teaching karate.

Pascal Gambardella - Instructor

Pascal J. Gambardella is a 3th Dan in Tae Kwon Do.  He earned his black belt (1st Dan) in 1999 under the instruction and guidance of Grand Master Neil V. McVoy.  Dr Gambardella was introduced to Karate in 1970 while serving with the US Army in Vietnam and joined the Studio of Korean Karate in 1980.

Ian James Fennell - Instructor

Ian Fennell grew up in a family that embraced karate as a family value.  He began training at the age of six along with his parents and one of his sisters, and is presently a 2nd Dan.  His values are honor and loyalty, and he remains close to his family.  He enjoys sailing and the company of good friends when not working or teaching karate.