While pursuing a Mass Communications degree from the University of South Florida, Schnell earned his 1st Black Belt in June of 1988. Schnell immediately became a staff instructor and developed a preschool program for 4 & 5 year old children and taught all the under rank classes. After graduating, Schnell earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt and took charge of the demonstration team, became an interview reporter on the cable show and opened a satellite program at the Willis S. Johns (Fossil Park) Recreation Center, the precursor to USA Karate’s second location.
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With the encouragement of his wife, Joanne and family, a new adventure began in 1995, Superkicks Family Martial Arts opened its doors. While growing the school, Schnell attended Karate College for six consecutive years and trained with Renzo Gracie, Jhoon Rhee, Benny Urquidez and, of course, Superfoot Bill Wallace. After one weekend training with Mr. Wallace, Schnell saw immediate increases in his flexibility, speed and timing. In 2006, Schnell earned his 6th Degree Black Belt under Superfoot and was also inducted in the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as “Instructor of the Year.”
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Presently, Schnell is a high school educator with Pinellas County schools teaching Digital Information Technology. Being true to his life's pursuit of teaching personal safety, he also teaches Cybersecurity 1, 2 & 3. His current assignment is at Lakewood High School in the county's premier STEM program, The Center for Advance Technologies (CAT). Here Schnell greets the incoming freshmen while preparing juniors and seniors to tackle their next challenges.
