poradahistory

History of Porada's Karate

Porada Family

A family that kicks together, sticks together. That has been their family motto over the past 20 years. Focus and determination has kept their fire burning to learn and pass on their knowledge to others.

Prior to having children, Mr. Larry Porada trained in Judo and Goshin Jitsu at a local Punxsutawney school. His love for the martial arts was then passed onto his children. Larry and Jackie enrolled Renee (7) and Mike (6) into their first Isshrynru school. One year later, a new instructor took over the school. Larry, Renee and Mike then began their training in Shotokan Karate. Another year later, another new instructor took over the school. Goshin Jitsu Karate was their next style. At this time, the youngest Porada (3), Kevin began his training.

After four years, three styles, and close to black belt rank, when their Training in Tang Soo Do began. This was a style that had tradition and the family could feel that they had found their home. They began training under Grandmaster Joe Goss (of Johnstown, PA) and the ITF, with Grandmaster C.S. Kim (of Monroeville, PA) and have not looked any other way.

The Porada's ran their own school (Porada's Karate Club) in the upstairs of their garage at their home. Due to the children being so young, Mr. Porada put his training on hold to instruct and run the school and allowed his children the oppportunity to train. Renee was the first in the family to receive her black belt in 1991, Mike was soon to follow, and Larry and Kevin trailed right behind. Jackie was always there biggest fan as well as the Manager of the School.

The Porada's have been very successful since the beginning of their carreer, winning many state, national and World competitions. Mr. Porada took pride in training his children to be the very best. Renee recalls the early years of their training, "After coming home from school, we would have to sit down and complete our homework. At 5:00 when my father got home from work, it was time to go to our punching bag in our basement to train for an hour. Mike and I loved it. We could feel our strength and technique improving. Then we would go upstairs for dinner. Later in the evening, we then would go to our karate school for class. I would not trade that time for anything because it helped to focus me for the rest of my life! Even when i was older, I was so busy with my training and competition that i was not allowed to go to parties, and i am very thankful for that today because i am now a 4x world champion and positive role model for young children."

The Porada's now own Porada's Sport Club, which is a Martial Arst and Wellness Facility run by their family. They aim to teach their traditional martial arts amd wellness to the young and old of the surrounding areas to make a safer and healthier place for the future.

Larry Porada	Renee Porada	Mike Porada	Kevin Porada	Jackie Porada