Our Team

Owner/Instructor:

Marita Bower has many years of experience through her studies and work as a Prison Guard, Chief Probation Officer, Work Release Program Director, and Therapist.  She has worked with convicted felons, including sex offenders, in both correctional and community-based programs.  She also has experience assisting victims and their families. She served on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Regional Network for Intervention with Sex Offenders (MRNISO) from 1996 until 2014 and the Board of Directors for the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault from 2011 to 2014.   She is NOVA trained as part of the Indiana Crisis Response Team.  Marita has over 10 years of martial arts experience.  She is a 2nd degree black belt in Shorei Kai Karate from Adamson’s Karate Studios, Noblesville, and a 3rd degree blue belt in Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the Indianapolis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Carmel, where she is an Associate Instructor for the kids and women’s self-defense programs.  She is the first female instructor at the Academy.

“Bad” Guys:

To allow women to experience and practice using full physical force against an attacker, one of our trained “bad guys,” will subject themselves to strikes, kicks, and punches while wearing a padded protective suit.  Although fondly referred to as a “bad guy,”  both men have impressed me with their kindness, enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to help others.  Their caring natures and complete professionalism ease any awkwardness that may naturally be present during this type of training.

Marc Fickle is a 3rd degree black belt in Shorei Kai Karate at Adamson’s Karate Studio in Carmel, Indiana.  He and his wife, also a 2nd degree black belt, are the parents of 4 black belt martial artists!  Having three teenage daughters and a son, Sensei Fickle understands the importance of learning self-defense, especially for women.

Dewayne O’Connor is a  3rd degree blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  He is married with one daughter, and a son, who also trains in jiu jitsu.  Dewayne’s background as a Purdue football player and his caring and compassionate nature make him an excellent addition to our team