Family Self Defense Centers, FSDC, has been providing instruction in Isshinryu Karate since 1992. Its roots began in a small room at the VFW Hall in Highland, MI, moving to a 3400-square-foot facility, also in Highland, in 1995. In 2008, FSDC began a wonderful partnership with the City of Novi, moving the school to its current location, the prestigious Novi Civic Center for its classes, tournaments, and black belt testing.

Chosen as one of the “Top Five Isshinryu Dojos in the Country” by the National Isshinryu Karate Hall of Fame Board in 1999, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, FSDC promotes a “family friendly” atmosphere for all ages and abilities in the study of traditional Isshinryu Karate and Okinawan weaponry. The school also boasts more than 20 black belts who train and teach at the school along with many national champion students who serve as certified teaching assistants. Over the past 30 years, FSDC students have amassed thousands of trophies at local and national tournaments and hundreds of national recognition awards.

FSDC promotes community involvement, participating in many city events throughout the year, including the Memorial Day Parade, various city-wide festivals and the holiday extravaganza, Light Up the Night.

The founder of the school, Grand Master “Z” Szelap, a 9th degree Grand Master Black Belt in Isshinryu and inductee into the Isshinryu Hall of Fame in 2016, has been teaching for more than 40 years. Co-Owner Master Chris Szelap, an 8th degree Black Belt, joined FSDC in 1995, instructing for more than 30 years. Both have been certified by the world-renowned Cooper Institute and were chosen “Top Contributors” nationally for their instruction of Isshinryu Karate three times each, along with several National nominations for Male and Female National Instructors of the year. Most recently in 2016, Master Z received the Top Master Sensei in the Country award in 2012 and 2014, and both Master Z and Ms. Chris were nominated top five in the same category in 2014. In 2012, Ms. Chris was inducted into the Midwest Women’s Martial Arts Hall of Fame, becoming a charter member of this organization.

FSDC partners with the City of Novi Parks and Rec to bring Novi residents and those in the surrounding communities affordable, authentic, family-friendly Isshinryu karate instruction. Register for classes at: www.cityofnovi.org