Our Team
Melody Shuman
Melody Shuman has over 20 years of experience in the Martial Arts. Melody earned her black belt in 1988 in New Orleans, and since then has achieved many accomplishments in her Martial Arts journey. She began working as a program director and instructor in Orlando, Florida at the age of 19. From there, Melody co-owned and operated 4 schools in south Florida for 6 years. During that time, she won the title of world champion and was a coach to one of the best competition teams in her organization with a combined total of 37 world champion titles amongst the entire team!
Melody also dedicated a lot of her time researching and developing some of the best method’s for teaching children. In 2000, Melody presented her first innovative program, the Little Ninjas (now referred to as Future Kidz), to the Martial Arts industry and today that program is operating in over 2,000 schools in 9 countries. This program opened up many doors for Melody and launched a new destination in her Martial Arts career, including a series of age-specific Martial Arts curriculums: The Future Kidz Prep Course (ages 3 & 4), The Future Kidz (ages 5 & 6), The Karate Kidz Zone Prep Course (ages 7 to 9), and The Karate Kidz Zone (ages 10 to 14).
Melody’s extensive consulting background includes a huge seminar demand, specifically her Children’s Martial Arts Instructor Certification Course, in which she has already certified hundreds of instructors worldwide. Melody also co-founded two internet consulting companies: Shuman Concepts, a Martial Arts consulting firm, and Concepts for Kidz, a children’s Martial Arts resource company. Both companies service hundreds of Martial Arts schools across 16 countries worldwide.
Melody resides in St. Petersburg Florida where she co-owns and operates On the Mat Martial Arts. Melody acts as the Chief Instructor and teaches daily. Melody also incorporates innovative ideas and concepts within the school which she utilizes as the platform for her resources in Shuman Concepts and Concepts for Kidz.
Melody plans to be a lifelong student on child development and psychology. Melody’s future goals include writing books for both children and adults. She also has plans to work outside of the Martial Arts industry with teachers and coach in other sports.
Jill Johnson
Jill Johnson is the President and co-founder of Shuman Concepts, Inc. and the Director of Operations and co-founder of On the Mat Martial Arts. Jill’s background includes business management and development in several business ventures, which she utilizes in her current roles within the Martial Arts industry. Jill works extensively with Martial Arts schools worldwide to provide them with consulting and support associated with business innovations and strategies. Jill also oversees the administrative end of On the Mat Martial Arts including student management and marketing.
Beyond her extensive business efforts within the Martial Arts industry, Jill is an avid supporter of charities, specifically with the WSPCA and Susan G. Komen Foundation. Jill also spearheads all of the On the Mat Martial Arts community involvement campaigns including an annual food drive for the Humane Society, annual toy drive for the Pinellas County school system, annual food drive for Pinellas County Food Bank, and annual toy drive for All Children’s Hospital. Jill is also a dedicated student in the kickboxing program at On the Mat Martial Arts.
Bryan Hudson
Originally from the Chicago area....Bryan Hudson
studied Advertising Design at the International Academy of Design in Chicago before moving to Tampa to finish his degree and obtain an additional Associates degree in Graphic Design from the International Academy of Design & Technology. He has over 13 years of experience in the design field and was "Senior Designer" for the National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA) for 6 years.
Bryan’s recent work includes the logo design of Shuman Concepts Karate Kidz Zone program; Website design of Shuman Concepts; and print design on various marketing tools used at the Shuman Concepts executive school, On the Mat Martial Arts.
Bryan was acquired by Shuman Concepts for his cutting-edge design skills and professionalism. He is currently the Creative Director for all Shuman Concepts material, staff photographer and customizes all Shuman Concepts marketing tools for its global members. You can hire Bryan for additional services through his company, Fishbone Creative, by contacting him at bryan@fishbonecreative.com.
Theresa Carpenter
Theresa has been part of the OTM staff for over 4 years and is also one of the first black belt graduates at On the Mat Martial Arts.
Theresa brings over 12 years of experience working with children and has been instrumental in Shuman Concepts' research and development of the age-specific programs. She has researched many of our programs and applies these techniques in the classes that she assists with everyday.
