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Memorial Fund in honor of Grandmaster J. Michael AModeo |
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The Journey Fund |
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Lives touched by the journey... |
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Early days as an Instructor at the Kim Brothers Karate School In mid 1980’s |
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Opened Georgia Karate Academy in 1986 |
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Chief Instructor for Karate USA during the 1990’s |
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Trained the Karate USA Nightwalker Team |
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By Bill Childree: I am who I am today because of Grandmaster Amodeo. No other man had such a positive impact on my life or influenced its direction more. Our journey together lasted 20 years and ended much too soon. He inspired me to be my best and awakened a desire to share what I learned with others, never taking more than I give. He helped me find courage to face personal challenges from the outside world and within, teaching me about the strength inherent in weakness. He encouraged me to seize opportunities, giving me support and sound advice at critical cross-roads. He showed me what it means to be passionate about what you pursue, demonstrating his love for martial arts, music and for those people most important to him. He taught me about the meaning of life, and then about death. Looking back, kicking and punching were only the beginning of the lessons I learned from Grandmaster Amodeo. This exceptional person was teacher, mentor, friend, and father to me. His life continues to resonate through me, and I know that he is always with me in spirit.
Few realize the significance Grandmaster Amodeo had on the greater development of Taekwondo, especially in the Southeastern United States. He was a bold leader, pioneer for new ideas, catalyst and facilitator for change, trusted mediator bringing people with differences together for worthwhile causes, and even an advocate for victims of inequity. He led by example and was not shy to remind others that "actions speak louder than words". He touched thousands of lives and changed many.
It is my pleasure to make a donation to the journey fund which is grounded in the life work and teachings of Grandmaster Amodeo. I hope that others will be inspired by his story and give generously to support promising martial artists on their respective journeys.
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By Wayne Bishop: Grandmaster Michael Amodeo, or "Mr. A." as most of us called him, dedicated much of his life to his love of martial arts. He was indeed a true "master of the game," inspiring all of his students to reach their full potential in not only martial arts, but in life. Being quite a jack of all trades, he took an immense pride in whatever he embarked upon, a quality I've tried to emulate. |
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Grandmaster Amodeo did a demo at a camp for deaf children in Florida and met a new friend :) |
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Signing boards for students after a Promotion test…. |
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Opened Gateway Martial Arts in 2002 |
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Jessica competes in 2009 |
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Grandmaster Young Seon Seo and Master Brenda Seo with Grandmaster Amodeo |
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Kerry Salm receiving her 1st Poom Kukkiwon certificate. Below is a note from her parents. |
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Eddie Bonnell expressing his gratitude before leaving for college. |
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Gateway Martial Arts Demonstration Team |
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1992 World Famous Masters Demonstration for charity at the Doraville Arena |
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2004 |
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Mr. Dan Downey and Master Isaac Thomas with Grandmaster Amodeo |
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Cover story for Sports and Fitness ‘Masters of the Game’ in 1998 |
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By Master Denis Ogle Chief Instructor and Co-owner Gateway Martial Arts
Michael and I met at the start of his martial arts journey. We made mistakes together and learned together. He was 10 years older than me and his wisdom of business and people ( which he told in humorous stories ) helped guide me in my martial arts career. He showed determination, patience, wisdom, courtesy, respect and an indomitable spirit in all aspects of his life. He was my friend, my student and my teacher. What a pleasure it is to have had him in my life.
It’s one thing to know the way, it’s quite another to live it! |
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Grandmaster Amodeo’s favorite Cartoons |
