Larry Byers is the founder of the SanShin Academy of Martial Arts and has been studying and teaching the martial arts since 1963. He has studied and continues to research the martial arts of: Kodokan and Yotsu style Judo, Tanabe Aikijutsu, Koppo Waza, Uechi Ryu/Ban Ying Ruan Karate, ShobuKan Goju Ryu Karate, GoJu / Shorin Ryu Karate, Hu Zhou Chinna, Kobujutsu, Baguazhang, Yang TaiChi Quan, and Guo Kong Xi's Huzanchin Quanshu. He has often traveled outside the U.S.A. to Europe and Asia.

Keith began his training in the martial arts in April of 1977 studying Sanshin Ryu Karate with Sensei Larry Abrams under the direction of Soke Larry Byers. Keith was awarded his Okudan rank in October of 1985. Keith has additional experiences in training with Kobujutsu black belt Jim Sutliff of the GoShin Do Shorin-Goju School from Syracuse, NY in the traditional Okinawan weapons: Bo, Sai, Tuifa, Nunchaku, Kama, Jo, and Kenshikibo. Keith has also trained with Mr. David Lowry of the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu and Judo with Mr. Tom Kune both of St. Louis. Keith continues to train and teach the art of Ban Ying Ruan Tiger Boxing. Keith is the Chief Instructor and Shihan.

Kelli's interest in martial arts started after completing a karate course for a PE credit in college, in which she earned her yellow belt. She explored options to continue her pursuit of the martial arts. However, she was unable to find a school to meet her needs. Approximately 10 years later she visited Shihan Goldberg's school. Liking what she saw, she joined. As a green belt, she began assisting Shihan Goldberg in teaching the children's class. In July 2003, she was awarded her Shodan black-belt. She continued to train with Shihan Goldberg, until his passing in 2006 and is now training and teaching under the instruction of Shihan Jakle.

As a music therapist and former teacher assistant for Special School District, Kelli has observed the similarities in academics and karate. Both involve following simple and complex directions, sequencing, fine and gross motor skills, and attention to task. Kelli has also noticed the rhythm of the art and how the use of music could possibly enhance the martial art experience. In studying for her Master's degree as well as co-treating with an occupational therapist that specializes in sensory integration, Kelli has noticed how the art could and can be used to meet the sensory needs of individuals with special needs. Studying for her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Kelli has seen the potential to utilize the art to help meet the behavioral needs of individuals as well. Having seen the benefits of both Martial Arts and Applied Behavior Analysis, and realizing the great potential of combining the two, Kelli hopes to use this knowledge and create a program at the Okinawan Martial Arts Academy, where this dream can come true.

Scott Olfe began training in the martial arts in 1979 studying Sanshin Ryu Karate from Sensei Larry Abrams under the direction of Soke Larry Byers. After reaching Green Belt he stopped training for approximately 10 years beginning again under Shihan Keith Jakle in 1990. Shihan Jakle had recommended he also train in Aikido under Dave Lowry. This training lasted 6 years in Shobukan Aikido. He also trained in Aikido under Sensei Irene Wellington of the West End Aikikai and Hsing-I under the instruction of Shifu Mark Kimzey. He has also trained in Qi Gong, Kobujutsu, and Ban Ying Ruan under Soke Larry Byers.

Scott has also participated in various seminars including those provided by: Simon Lailey sponsored by Soke Byers, Ellis Amdur, Hiroshi Ikeda, and Cyndy Hayashi. Scott currently holds the rank of Sandan under Shihan Jakle. He has been an assistant instructor to Shihan Jakle since 1994.