Jesse Barrons

Jesse began practicing Isshinryu karate with FSDC in 2012 and earned his Black Belt in December of 2019. He likes that Isshinryu emphasizes realistic fighting that can be used at any age. His favorite thing is that he and his daughter, Evelyn, tested for Black Belt together in 2019. He and Evelyn also tested for 2nd degree along with his son, Ethan, who tested for 1st degree in 2021.

Jesse has competed at numerous tournaments and won several trophies, including 1st place in weapons 3 times. He teaches lower ranking students, often young beginners (white belts and yellow belts), trying to pass on his enjoyment of the martial arts to the next generation. He participates in community activities with FSDC, 3 times at Light Up the Night, and in Novi parades 8 times, usually as part of the team carrying Tatsu, the 30-foot Chinese dragon, multiple times as head of the dragon.

Outside of karate, Jesse works a local senior center, designing and coordinating activities for residents. Previously, he worked as a director of a virtual high school. This school helps students who have struggled in traditional schools to earn their high school diplomas. Before that, Jesse was a long-time middle school teacher in Detroit. He is an active member of his church where he often teaches on Sundays. He is a member of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce and a past-president of the Waterford Rotary Club.