Meet Our Instructors
Delaware Bushido Academy is located in the heart of Smyrna De where Sensei Howard Steele has served the Middletown, Smyrna and Dover area as a Martial Arts instructor for over 23 yearsOur Head Instructor
Howard Steele began his martial arts journey in 1989, In the Okinawan art of Isshinryu Karatedo. Under the tutelage of GrandMaster Reese Rigby, at the Dover Isshinryu Karate Club in Downtown Dover De., later known as Rigby’s Karate Academy, he earned his Black belt in 1993.
After receiving his black belt and after years of teaching in the Master’s dojo he opened his own school in 2001.
Sensei Steele remains a student of GrandMaster Rigby and was most recently promoted to the rank of Master Level, 7th degree Red and White belt in December 2018.
A loyal member and representative of the Okinawa Isshinryu Karate and Kobudo Association for over 30 years, he was most recently named Director of Operations for the OIKKA.
Along with earning the teaching title of Kyoshi or professor, Master Steele was also inducted into the Class of 2022 , coveted Isshinryu Hall of Fame.
His study of Jiu Jitsu, like many others, began immediately after the first UFC, in 1993.
However, it wouldn’t be until much later in 2001 that his formal study began.
After years of study under various instructors, including legendary Gracie Jiu Jitsu® Master Royce Gracie, Mr. Steele earned his Black belt.
He was advanced to black belt by world renowned Jiu Jitsu instructor, Master Pedro Sauer and most recently earned his first degree from Rener and Ryron Gracie.
Now he proudly represents the Gracie Family and their art as a Gracie University® Certified training Center owner and Head Instructor.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu® Instructors
Sam Malinky
Assistant Instructor (Probationary)
Blue Belt
Certified Gracie Combatives® and Gracie Bullyproof®
Nick Arndt
Head Assistant Instructor
Purple Belt
Certified Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof® and Gracie Mastercycle®
Greg Yourek
Assistant Instructor
Purple Belt
Certified Gracie Combatives®, Gracie Bullyproof® and Gracie Mastercycle®
Jennifer Steele
Head Assistant Instructor
Purple Belt
Certified Gracie Women Empowered®
Lisa Coaliron
Assistant Instructor
Blue Belt
Certified Gracie Women Empowered®
Al Garcia
Assistant Instructor
Brown Belt
Currently enrolled in Gracie Instructor certification
Joey Coleman
Assistant Instructor
Brown Belt
Currently enrolled in Gracie Instructor certification
Isshinryu Karatedo Instructors
Mr. Jim Gooch
Assistant Instructor
5th degree Black Belt
Renshi Nick Arndt
Head Assistant Instructor
5th degree Black Belt
Mrs. Lee Arndt
Assistant Instructor
6th degree Black Belt
Mr. Matt Buchholtz
Assistant Instructor
4TH degree Black Belt
Ms. Zoey Lucas
Assistant Instructor (Youth)
1st degree Black Belt