Director Zak Barnes leads a Christ-centered training community devoted to building peacemakers and leaders. Drawing on over 27 years in martial arts—as a competitor, instructor, and program builder—Zak crafts a holistic pathway that develops students technically, athletically, and spiritually.
With a fourth degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate, blue belt in Brazilian jujitsu, and kickboxing background, Zak brings a wealth of knowledge to the academy. His focus is to build a holistic fighter from the ground up, making sure students have the knowledge to defend themselves when they leave Bryan College. Zak understands this unique avenue is a chance to build into students beyond the typical choice of sport.
Along with his work for the Bryan College Martial Arts Academy, Zak is a product engineer at Branch Technology in Chattanooga, TN. Helping push the bounds of 3D printing for the modern world. His work with Branch Technology has spanned across different countries. The creativity and drive that he has cultivated from Branch has led to the expansion of the Bryan College Martial Arts Academy and Park’s Isshinryu that he runs in downtown Dayton.
Zak and his wife Laura Barnes, a 2nd black belt in Isshinryu Karate, have expanded the kids and adults program at Park’s Isshinryu. Their heart behind this ministry is that kids and adults will find the freedom to build confidence, a community that will back them, and the opportunity to gain a skill that carries through all facets of life.
