Meet the Instructors at QC Family Martial Arts

Chief- Master Jan Butler

6th Degree Black Belt,
 Master Instructor at QC Family Martial Arts

 Master Jan Butler started his martial arts journey as a talented young wrestler for Orion High School. Immediately following high school, he began taking classes at a local Karate dojo. Then, he discovered Kuk Sool. Working his way through the ranks, he became a 1st Degree and decided to open a school. Thus began his passion for teaching students of all ages and skill level. While teaching Kuk Sool, Master Jan was constantly finding ways to improve upon techniques, and even started using his wrestling background to begin learning and teaching grappling. Along the way, Master Jan began studying Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and other throwing and grappling styles of martial arts to use in his teachings. In 2005, Master Jan and fellow masters of Kuk Sool took a trip to Seoul, Korea for the Kuk Sool World Championships. After that, Master Jan started travelling to Southeastern Asian countries and discovered several styles of martial arts, including Silat, which he believed to be highly effective. Eventually, Master Jan transformed his school into what has now become QC Family Martial Arts. Combining his experience of grappling, Korean martial arts, and Indonesian martial arts, Master Jan has created a system that doesn't depend on a person's size or strength. Some other major accomplishments of Master Jan include training The 95th Battalion WMD National Guard in California, resulting in him receiving The California Medal of Commendation. He was also inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Orion High School Hall of Fame.

Master Paulena Khaw- Butler

5th Degree Black Belt, Instructor

Master Paulena began learning martial arts in her native country of Malaysia. She took Goshin- Ryu Karate and reached the rank of Black Belt. Later, she studied Shaolin Kung- Fu in Penang, Malaysia. After moving to the United States on a sports scholarship to the University of Eastern Michigan for Tennis, she moved to the Quad Cities and learned about Kuk Sool. She was taught under Master Jan Butler, and showed much skill and talent in competition. She was invited to join the Mu In (Warrior Club), which included her and only two other students of Kuk Sool. Master Paulena also received The California Medal of Commendation when she travelled to California with Master Jan and helped train the 95th Battalion WMD National Guard. She recently reached the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt and currently helps instruct classes alongside Master Jan Butler. 

Assistant Instructors

These students currently hold the title of 1st Degree Black Belt and above.
​They have all contributed much to the students and families that are a part of the QC Family Martial Arts group.

Garet Crouse

2nd Degree Black Belt, Assistant Instructor
Garet Crouse began learning Kuk Sool from Master Jan Butler at age 8. He has always been very respectful to his instructors and peers when inside and outside of the dojang. He received his Black Belt in 2016 and his 2nd Degree Black Belt in 2019. He currently attends the University of Iowa and is studying to become a Physical Therapist. Master Jan frequently refers to him as one of his best students and a great example for younger students to look up to.

Captain Joe Newberry

2nd Degree Black Belt, Assistant Instructor
Joe Newberry is a 2nd Degree Black Belt that has also trained under Master Jan. He is someone that Master Jan can rely on to help run the school, and has great insights about martial arts. He has shown a strong ability to help students understand techniques at a higher level and has great leadership skills. ​

Jerry Wolking
(On right)

1st Degree Black Belt, Assistant Instructor
Jerry Wolking is an incredible people's person. He is very handy around the school and even helped set up the current QC Family Martial Arts location. He is a great student of Master Jan and puts a lot of time and effort into his martial arts. Many children look up to him, giving him the nickname "Big Jerry" because of his height!

Visiting Instructors

These Instructors and Masters have played an important role in QC Family Martial Art's history.
They also attend and teach at the Annual Seminar.

Master Frank D'Amato
(on left)

7th Degree Black Belt
Teacher of Master Jan
​Resides: Nevada

Master Kathy Donnelly

5th Degree Black Belt
Instructor: Master Jan
Resides: Colorado

Chuck Voutselas
​(on right)

4rd Degree Black Belt
Instructors: Master Frank and Master Jan 
Resides: California