Our Instructors
Mr. Glenn Carder
Mr. Glenn Carder has been training in martial arts since 1979. He started his martial arts journey at age 10 where he was taught boxing and Judo with Head Instructor, Mr. Massarelli in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. At age 14, he trained at the Shaolin Kenpo Dojo under 8th Degree Black Belt, Mr. Eugene Gaudreau in Nashua, NH where he earned the rank of Apprentice. He continued his training in Chinese Kenpo under the instruction of 8th Degree Black Belt, Vic Nastasia, where he earned the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt in 1990.
In the early 90’s, he competed on the National Tournament Circuit, where he took 2nd place and was recognized nationally by the North American Sport Karate Association. During that time, Mr. Carder was training in Ju-jitsu, En Shu Do, Ed Parker Kempo, and Bushido. In January 2005, Mr. Carder earned his second 1st Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Kempo Karate under the direction of 7th Degree Black Belt, Mr. Hardley Soryz at the Martial Arts Training Institute in Harrisburg NC. He earned the rank of 2nd Degree in October 2006 and a few years later, 3rd Degree in April 2010. Also in April 2010, Mr. Carder earned a 1st Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Kobudo Cane.
In July 2015, Mr. Carder broadened his knowledge in martial arts and became a Certified Instructor in Tai Chi/ Qigong (a discipline directly related to Tai Chi) with Dayan Arts. In July of 2016, Mr. Carder purchased Goshin Retention Products (www.goshinproducts.com), a global martial arts supply company specializing in karate sticker rolls, patches, and retention-based postcards. In August 2017, he was inducted into the American Martial Arts Alliance (AMAA) Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In April 2018, Mr. Carder expanded his knowledge of Tai Chi/ Qigong by training in Wuhan, China with Grandmaster Chen and Sifu Shane Lear.
In May 2021, he expanded his weapon knowledge by earning a 1st degree Black Belt in Kobudo Nunchaku and in December 2021 earned a Certificate of Completion in Kobudo Bo/ staff. He was promoted to Chief Master Instructor in November 2021. In December 2022, he was awarded a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under Professor Paulo Mushu Elsimaani. Mr. Carder is currently an 8th degree Black Belt, awarded October 2025.
Mr. Carder has trained tens of thousands of children at Charlotte area public/ private/ charter schools. He is the owner and operator of numerous clubs with over 450 active students (children and adults), www.maticlubs.com. Mr. Carder also teaches Co-ed Personal Protection and Women’s Self-Defense Clinics at local, private, college, and corporate venues.
Mr. Dave Skolarus
Mr. Dave Skolarus, a retired Air Force Major, had a 46 year flying career in both the US Army and the Air Force, finishing his career flying high profile charters for NetJets. He has a broad instructor background teaching military and civilian commercial pilots and teaching and mentoring high school students in one of our poorest NC counties. Mr. Skolarus has studied under Mr. Glenn Carder since 2015 and has achieved a 1st Degree Black Belt in Shorinji Kempo Karate. In March 2018, after much training, he broadened his knowledge and became a Certified Instructor in Tai Chi/ Qigong with Dayan Arts. He earned his 2nd degree Black Belt in October 2020. He was one of the Weapons Program students training in Nunchaku, Bo/staff and successfully earned a 1st degree in Kobudo Nunchaku May 2021 and Certificate of Completion in Bo/ staff December 2021. He also received his 3rd degree Black Belt and 1st degree Black Belt in Kobudo Cane, April 2023. Mr. Skolarus is the Program Director/ Certified Instructor for MATI Clubs LLC. October 2023, he qualified and was promoted to Chief Instructor and 4th degree Black Belt. In October 2025 he qualified and was promoted to Master Instructor/ 5 th degree Black Belt.
Mr. Jay Myers
Mr. Jay Myers is a United States Marine Corps veteran and earned the rank of Sergeant. It was in the Marine Corps where he learned hand-to-hand combat techniques representing various martial arts styles. Following his service, Mr. Myers continued his training by studying Ed Parker Kenpo. In February of 2015, he began studying under Mr. Glenn Carder of MATI Clubs. In October 2017, he earned his 1st degree Black Belt in Shorinji Kempo Karate. He continued his training and was awarded his 2nd degree Black Belt and elevated to Certified Instructor in October 2019. After much training, Mr. Myers earned his 3rd degree Black Belt and 1st degree Black Belt in Kobudo Cane November 2021. In October 2025, Mr. Myers was promoted to Chief Instructor of the Evolution location in October 2025. Professionally, Mr. Myers retired in September 2025 as a Captain for the Charlotte Fire Department with 27 years of service. Mr. Myers has two sons Jack and Garrett who have been training side by side with him since they started with MATI Clubs. After much hard work and dedication, Mr. Myers and his sons earned their 4th degree Black Belt in February 2026 as well as Blue belt in BJJ under Paulo Mushu, Carlson Gracie Jr. Team.
Mr. Derrick Edwards
Mr. Derrick Edwards is a Site Development Manager for Ericsson and has a successful career for over 20 years building wireless networks across the United States. He also owns a successful Bail Bonds Company in Charlotte NC for over 10 yrs. Derrick made a promise that once his son Garrett achieved his 1st degree Black Belt, he would start karate with Mr. Carder. After much work and dedication, Mr. Edwards earned his 1st degree Black Belt in October 2017 and his 2nd degree Black Belt in April 2019. He was promoted to a MATI Clubs staff member in January 2019. In May 2021, he successfully tested for his 3rd degree Black Belt AS WELL AS a 1st degree Black Belt in Kobudo Cane AND Kobudo Nunchaku. In September 2021, Mr. Edwards opened at MATI Clubs @ Anson Co school location in his town with much success! In November 2021, he was promoted to Chief Instructor. He continues his training and received a certificate of completion in Kobudo Bo/staff Dec 2021. After lots of hard work, growing the Anson location, buying a building for the school, teaching many of the classes while working his full-time professional management job, he was promoted to 4th degree Black Belt October 2022. He earned and was promoted to Master Instructor, 5th degree Black Belt October 2024. One fun fact about Mr. Edwards is that he is a North Carolina native. He graduated from Independence High School and currently lives in Wadesboro NC.
Professor Paulo Elsimaani
Professor Paulo “Mushu” Elsimaani is a 6th degree Black Belt and World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ). He is the Head BJJ Professor/ Coach at CheckMat North Carolina. He started BJJ at 16 years old under Professor Rillion Gracie. Soon after Mushu moved to Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and began training with one of the Grandmasters, Carlson Gracie’s Black Belts, Fernando Pinduka. After many years of training and competing, he was rewarded with his Brown Belt and relocated to New York with his family. He continued his training with Roni Cardosa, an Alliance Black Belt under Fabio Gurgel. In 1999, he became a Certified BJJ Black Belt under Jacare Cavalcanti.
Objective/ Passion:
“To teach all of my students to become a good person, gain positive energy, build personal development, learn self-defense, and have an overall good life.”
“For my adults to enjoy learning this BJJ art form/ lifestyle and for the children to learn/ gain focus, discipline and respect for others.”
“Family and friendship are everything…we want to cultivate that type of atmosphere on the mat.”
Mr. Chris Strout
Mr. Chris Strout is a Senior Vice President at Bank of America and has been a MATI Instructor since November 2021. Mr. Strout began his martial arts journey in 2014 and earned his Shodan (1st Degree) Black Belt in traditional Okinawan karate in 2018. He began studying with Mr. Carder/ MATI Clubs the same year, earning his 1st Degree Black Belt in 2020 and 2nd Degree in 2021. After much work, he successfully earned his 3rd degree Black Belt and 1st degree Black Belt in Kobudo Cane October 2022. Also in October 2022, he was promoted to Certified Instructor. He is currently training for his 4th degree Black Belt. Mr. Strout has two sons in the program: Daniel and Ethan, both 1st Degree Black Belts. He is Lead Instructor of the Black Belt class on Monday evenings. Also, after much training, Mr. Strout earned his 4 th degree Black Belt as well as a Blue belt rank in BJJ in June 2024.
Mr. Mason Tortorelli
Mr. Mason Tortorelli started karate in the late summer of 2015 at 9 years old. He earned his 1st degree Black Belt in October 2018 and earned his 2nd degree Black Belt in April 2022. He was promoted to a MATI Clubs staff member in 2019 and was promoted to Certified Instructor in November 2021. He earned his 3rd degree Black Belt October 2023 and a 1st degree Black Belt in Kobudo Cane at the same time. Mr. Tortorelli co- leads classes on Thursdays and Leads on many Saturdays. His two biggest passions are martial arts and music. He is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is majoring in Music Performance.
Mr. Garrett Edwards
Mr. Garrett Edwards started with Mr. Carder the summer of 2011 at the MATI Clubs @ BCCA location. In April 2015, Mr. Edwards earned his 1st degree Black Belt and after much training earned his 2nd degree Black Belt in April 2018. In early 2019, he joined the Black Belt only weapons program. In May 2021, Mr. Edwards earned a 3rd degree Black Belt as well as a Black Belt in Kobudo Cane and Kobudo Nunchaku. In early September 2021, Mr. Edwards and his father, Derrick Edwards opened MATI Clubs @ Anson County. He still trains under Mr. Carder, and in November 2021 Mr. Edwards was promoted to Instructor. He continues his training and received a certificate of completion in Kobudo Bo/staff Dec 2021. After lots of hard work, running the operation with his father as well as teaching most of the classes at the Anson location, he was promoted to Certified Instructor/ 4th degree Black Belt October 2022. In October 2023, he qualified and was promoted to Chief Instructor. Mr. Edwards graduated from high school in May 2025 and has been homeschooling since the 2nd grade. He plans on being an entrepreneur in the future.
Mrs. Melissa Green
Melissa Green began her martial arts journey in October 2020. After much training and hard work, she earned her 1st degree Black Belt in April 2022. Soon after that, she was offered a staff position with MATI Clubs. She continued training and earned her 2nd degree Black Belt in April 2024. Mrs. Green is a Club/ Certified Instructor and is the Lead Instructor at three of the MATI Clubs locations. She also assists intermittently at the Evolution location. Mrs. Green is a NC Certified Teacher with over 17 years of classroom experience. Her daughter is also a Jr. Black Belt with MATI Clubs. She earned and was awarded her 3rd degree Black Belt as well as a 1st degree Black Belt in Cane, April 2025. She was promoted to Chief Instructor, October 2025. When she is not teaching, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and friends.
Mr. Ethan Atkinson
Mr. Ethan Atkinson began martial arts in the fall of 2015. In April 2018, he earned his 1st degree black belt. He earned his 2nd degree black belt in May 2021. He began training towards his 3rd degree black belt and 1st degree black belt in Kobudo Cane, which he earned in April of 2022. In August 2022, he began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training under Professor Paulo Mushu. In the Fall of 2022, he became a staff member and began training toward his 4th degree black belt. In June of 2024, he earned his 4th degree black belt in karate and blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In October of 2024, he was promoted to Certified Instructor. He is the Lead Instructor most Mondays and Fridays. Mr. Atkinson is currently pursuing Black Belt certification in Nunchaku. He is currently a senior at Jay M. Robinson High School, taking engineering and robotics classes, since he plans to go to college to become an engineer.
Mr. Nathan Fort
Mr. Nathan Fort began his martial arts training in 2017 and with much hard work/ dedication earned his 3rd degree Black Belt in 2025. He currently is training towards his 4th degree and a Blue belt in BJJ. He loves robotics and plans on pursuing a career in emergency medicine and become an ER doc. where he feels he can help people the most.
Miss Pramithi Upadhya
Miss Pramithi Upadhya began her karate journey with MATI Clubs in kindergarten. She joined the MATI Clubs staff team in 2022 and earned her 3rd-degree black belt in 2023. She is currently a Certified Instructor and is Lead Instructor on Wednesdays. Miss Upadhya currently is pursuing her 4 th degree Black Belt. In addition to martial arts, she runs track and cross country and volunteers at an animal shelter in her spare time.
Mr. Navin Babu
Mr. Navin Babu started his training in June 2013, and after overcoming many obstacles
earned his 1st degree Black Belt in October 2019. He would continue training and
eventually earn his second and third degree in October of 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Promoted to Certified Instructor in October 2024, Mr. Babu continued to expand his
achievements with hard work and dedication by earning his 4th degree Black Belt in February 2026 as well as Blue belt in BJJ under Paulo Mushu, Carlson Gracie Jr. Team.
Also, after many years he earned the amazing achievement, the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 10 BSA in August 2025. He currently is attending college.
Miss Prakruthi Upadhya
Miss Prakruthi Upadhya started her karate journey at the start of third grade. She earned her 3 rd Degree Black Belt and 1 st degree Black Belt in Cane, October 2023 and has been a part of Mati Clubs Staff since 2022. She was promoted to Certified Instructor, October 2024. She is Lead Instructor on Thursdays as well as assists when needed on other program days. Miss Upadhya is a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is studying Architecture. She is also a part of the Arts and Architecture Honors Program.
Mattew Liebler
Mattew Liebler is a first degree Black Belt and is the Club Instructor at the CCAC location. Matthew started his journey in karate when he was in elementary school. He currently attends the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. We are excited that he is part of our MATI Clubs organization.
Miss Caroline Fliegauf
Miss Caroline Fliegauf started her karate journey in 2018 at 6 years old. After much training and dedication, she was awarded her 3rd degree Black Belt in 2024 as well as a Black Belt in the weapon Cane. She runs track and she is learning German in her free time.
Mr. Will Fliegauf
Mr. Will Fliegauf started with MATI Clubs in 2013. He earned his 1st degree Black Belt October 2017. He continued his training and was promoted to 2nd degree October 2020, and 3rd degree in April 2022. In June 2024, he successfully tested for his 4th degree Black Belt and Blue belt in BJJ with Professor Paulo Mushu. Mr. Fliegauf is on Staff with MATI Clubs. In October 2024 he was promoted to Certified Instructor. He is also Lead Instructor on occasion on Mondays and Fridays. Mr. Fliegauf enjoys running and weightlifting and martial arts is a very important part of his life. He attends Cox Mill High School and plans to study Computer Science after high school.
Miss Sarah Hoke
Miss Sarah Hoke start at MATI Clubs in 2019 at 9 years old. She has worked very hard and achieved over the years a Black Belt in the weapons of Cane and Nunchaku. Recent notable was earning her 3rd degree Black Belt in October 2025. She joined Staff in 2023. She is a passionate Charlotte soccer fan.
Mr. Charan Kastala
Mr. Charan Kastala began his journey in 1st grade. He joined Staff in 2022 and earned his 3rd degree in April 2025. He volunteers with Breast Cancer Hub and loves concerts, art, and trading stocks. He will pursue a career in finance.
Miss Katelyn Noble
Miss Katelyn Noble began her martial arts journey in 2016. She has earned many achievements over the years and notably received her 3rd degree Black Belt in 2025. She has been part of MATI Clubs Staff since 2013. Her passion is singing in her school’s chorus and church’s worship team. She plans on pursuing a career in Data Science.
Mr. Shourvik Santi
Shourvik Aaryan Santi has been in karate since 2015 and been with the MATI Clubs family since 2018. He became Staff in 2022 and earned his 3rd degree Black Belt in 2025. He is currently pursuing his 4th degree Black Belt and Blue belt in BJJ. He aspires to become a commercial pilot and one day fly for Delta Airlines, his lifelong passion for aviation.
Mr. Athul Warrier
Athul Warrier began his martial arts journey with the MATI Clubs family in 2015, discovering a passion for karate that has driven him since that time to continue his journey. He became Staff in 2023 and in June 2025 earned his 4th degree Black Belt and Blue belt in BJJ. He aspires to become a biomedical neuroscientist and one day build and own a company of his own.
Mr. Jaycob Matias
Mr Jaycob Matias is a 4th degree Black Belt and a Blue belt in BJJ. He also has a first degree in the weapon, Cane. He started his journey in karate in 2015. He will be attending Eastern Florida State College in the Fall of 2026.
Mr. Drake Hillin
Drake Hillin is a 2nd degree Black Belt with MATI Clubs. He has been on Staff since 2024. He is a Senior at Cox Mill HS and is on the Varsity Wrestling Team. He assists teaching the Tuesday night Black Belt class.
Mr. Grant Gibson
Mr. Grant Gibson started his martial arts journey in 2012, joining MATI Clubs in 2015. He was a member of the first class to earn their 4th degree Black Belt based on curriculum rather than position. Not one to be stagnant, he continues to train and will earn his Black Belt in Nunchaku, April 2026. He is a Senior at JM Robinson High School and takes his course work via a community college allowing him to earn an associates degree concurrently when he earns his high school diploma.