About Us

Grandmaster Janes'  journey in martial arts began in February of 1970 with World Champion AlGene Caraulia. In a little over two years, he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt (in December of 1972). In June of 1973, he was hired by Gene Wyka to teach in one of the oldest martial arts organizations in the Midwest, the Chicago Judo and Karate Centers.

In 1976, The Cleveland Karate Institute developed into an International Organization and Grand Master Caraulia hired Grandmaster Janes to manage and direct karate operations of the Cleveland Karate Institute. Finding a real passion in teaching students of all ages, in 1979 he opened up the Karate Institute of Mentor and by 1992 became an independent school owner.

Grandmaster Janes speaks openly about feeling very fortunate to have received many Hall of Fame honors throughout his martial arts career, amongst his many other achievement. 

Some of these include:

• 8th Degree Black Belt
• The International Kickboxing and Karate Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio
• Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association, Pittsburg, PA
• Ohio PKC Hall of Fame
• Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors
• The Circle of Masters
• The World Head of Family of Council

Grand Master Mercedes Janes, 7th Degree Black Belt

Her road to Black Belt began in 1981 when Grand Master Mercedes decided to take martial arts lessons with her husband, Grand Master Dennis Janes, at the Mentor Karate Institute. Through her years as martial arts competitor and instructor, Grand Master Mercedes had the opportunity to meet and train with some of America's top martial artists, such as: Ernie Reyes, Joe Lewis and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, the legendary karate and kickboxing champions, as well as Mark and Jim Graden, founders of NAPMA.

Grand Master Mercedes claims the biggest highlight of her career was meeting Chuck Norris at the Karate Institute of America Black Belt Test in 1983! These are the people that have inspired and motivated her to continue with training and teaching the martial arts.

One of her favorite duties at the Mentor Karate Institute is to head the Leadership program. Through various continuing educational experiences with many industry leaders like Nick Kokinos (EFC founder), John Graden (NAPMA and cardioKarate/Fitness Kickboxing founder) and Melody Shuman Pre School Skillz Martial Arts program, she's developed high level communication skills so she can convey newfound knowledge to the instructor team. We are proud to say that our martial arts instructor staff are among the best in Ohio!

Awards and special recognition:

• 2007 Master Instructor Certificate
• 2012 World Karate Union Hall of Fame Master of the Year
• 2019 Ohio PKC Black Belt Hall of Fame