Meet the Legend Who Lead Us
At Legends Karate, our instructors are more than black belts — they’re mentors, role models, and lifelong learners who care deeply about every student’s journey. With years of training under respected Grandmasters and recognition in the Kenpo Karate Hall of Fame, our team brings world-class expertise to every class.
But what truly sets them apart is their heart. Whether they’re helping a child build confidence, guiding a teen through challenge, or supporting an adult in mastering self-defense, our instructors are committed to helping each student grow stronger — inside and out.
They teach with purpose, lead with respect, and believe in every student’s potential to become a Legend.
Brad Zimerman
Brad has been practicing Karate for 50+ years. This extensive time training earned him an 8th Degree Black Belt under our Grandmaster, Bill Boyd. Brad brings in a deep passion to pass down all the skills he’s learned to his students and make a difference in the world. He loves to help people feel more confident in themselves on the mat and in their ability to stand up for themselves. Every day of teaching Brad makes sure to help students with their own personal goals and finds ways to improve their quality of life. As he continues to provide life changing instruction to students, Brad wants to show them that anything is possible with hard work and to never give up – even when things get hard.
Brendan Boyd
Brendan Boyd has come up through the Legends Karate lineage and martial arts. His journey was inspired by watching his dad, Grandmaster Bill Boyd, train and become one of the most skilled karate practitioners in the area. He trained under him as well as Frank Rogers and Brad Zimmerman. Now, as a 7th Degree Black Belt with 20+ years of training, Brendan strives to instill lifelong discipline through martial arts training. He enjoys watching his students gain the confidence and skills to defend themselves and overcome life’s challenges.
Drew Boyd
Drew has trained under multiple Legends Karate (his father and brother) instructors to reach high levels in karate. The 5th Degree Black Belt has been on the mats for 15+ years under his father and Grandmaster Bill Boyd and his brother and Brendan Boyd. He was inspired by Brendan’s early years in karate and quickly followed suit. Drew loves to see the steady progression of his students lesson by lesson and celebrating with them and their families as they master new techniques. This pushes him to help students learn to defend themselves and find themselves in the art.
Abby Beasley
Abby has trained under Master Brad Zimerman for the past eight years, earning her 2nd Degree Brown Belt through patience, precision, and a deep commitment to truly understanding each technique. She excels in long-form katas and traditional bo staff kata, and comes from a strong Kenpo lineage—her father is a 3rd Degree Black Belt and her mother a 1st Degree Black Belt. Alongside her martial arts background, Abby brings 16 years of gymnastics experience and currently coaches young athletes, giving her a rare blend of technical skill, body awareness, and teaching expertise.
Her combined experience in karate and youth instruction makes her an exceptional fit for students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. While Abby holds herself to the highest standard of perfection, she teaches with patience, empathy, and a clear understanding that every student learns at their own pace and in their own way. Her goal is to help each student build confidence, master fundamentals, and enjoy the journey of martial arts.
Jimmy McKenzie
James brings a strong background in certified personal training, nutrition coaching, and functional movement, with three years of hands-on experience working both in person and as an online coach. His approach emphasizes proper technique, injury prevention, and sustainable progress—meeting every client exactly where they are and building programs that support their goals, abilities, and lifestyle. Whether someone is new to fitness or returning after time away, James creates a motivating, supportive environment that makes training both challenging and enjoyable.
James also brings a long history of working with children, teens, and adults, drawing from his experience as a Boys & Girls Club counselor and early childhood educator. This background gives him the ability to connect with clients of all ages and learning styles. He works confidently with everyone from young athletes building foundational strength to seniors looking to improve mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. His goal is to help every client move better, feel stronger, and build lasting confidence through safe, effective training
Charles Urban
Charles has been practicing Yang-style Tai Chi for more than 34 years, beginning his journey at just 16 years old. What started as a way to support his mother through health challenges quickly grew into a lifelong passion for movement, balance, and internal martial arts.
At 19, Charles moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he began studying traditional long-form Tai Chi under a master instructor who trained in the mountains of Taiwan before immigrating to the United States in the 1970s. That teacher’s deep knowledge and calm, disciplined approach shaped the foundation of Charles’ practice.
About ten years ago, Charles relocated to St. Louis and continued expanding his martial arts experience. Alongside Tai Chi, he explored Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and Jiu-Jitsu. Eventually, he discovered Tracy’s Karate in Kirkwood — the former sister studio to Legends Karate — where he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate under Joe Talbot, later achieving his 2nd Degree as well.
Even while training in harder, faster arts, Charles never lost sight of Tai Chi’s internal power. A few years ago, he felt called to share the art that shaped his life began a class at Tracy’s in Kirkwood. After learning about Legends Karate and resonating with our values, he reached out to bring authentic Tai Chi to our community.
With decades of experience, a deep respect for lineage, and a patient, grounded teaching style, Charles embodies the philosophy passed down from his own instructor: “No problem.” What that means — and how it transforms your practice — is something you’ll have to experience in class.
Brandon Kelly
Brandon began his martial arts journey training in the art of Kenpo Karate under Grand Master Bill Boyd in 2017. He later continued his development under Instructor Brendan and Grand Master Brad, allowing him to combine the knowledge and experience of multiple instructors into a well-rounded and effective teaching style.
Notably, Brandon was recognized as one of Grand Master Bill Boyd’s fastest students to earn his Black Belt. He currently holds the rank of Second Degree Black Belt (Nidan) in Kenpo Karate and also holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Outside of martial arts, Brandon has been a licensed security officer for over a decade, bringing real-world experience and situational awareness into his self-defense instruction. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer, where—much like in karate—he focuses on helping individuals reach their highest potential in fitness, strength, and nutrition.
At this point in his life, Brandon is dedicated to helping others achieve their best in fitness and self-defense, guiding students to become confident, disciplined, and capable in everything they do.
Matt McKenzie
Matt first began his martial arts journey at Tracy’s Karate in Maryland Heights in the early 1990s. As a quiet, nerdy kid who faced constant bullying, his parents searched for something that would help him protect himself and build real confidence. They found an ad for Tracy’s, and shortly after, Matt began training under Master Brad Zimerman — a relationship that would shape the rest of his life.
Through years of dedicated training, Matt found not only strength and skill, but also mentorship and stability. After the tragic loss of his brother in 1997, Brad became far more than an instructor. Matt earned his Black Belt in 1998 and continued working toward his 2nd Degree before answering another calling: service to his country.
In 1999, Matt joined the Missouri National Guard as Military Police. Before and after 9/11, he spent many years on active duty, deploying to Kosovo and later to Iraq following the invasion. After returning from Iraq in 2009, he continued serving full‑time with the National Guard until retiring from the Army in 2021, completing 22 years of service.
Around this time, life came full circle — Matt’s own daughter began taking lessons from the same instructor who had once changed his life. With the health of Grand Master Bill Boyd declining, Matt made the decision to step in and ensure the legacy of the school would continue. In 2025, he took over Tracy’s Karate and renamed it Legends Karate, honoring the past while building a new future.
Today, Matt is committed to preserving the high‑quality, lineage‑driven instruction that has made the studio one of the most respected martial arts schools in St. Louis since the 1980s. Under the Legends Karate name, he continues the tradition of teaching practical self‑defense, strong character, and the confidence that shaped his own life.
Proudly Serving Maryland Heights & St. Louis Families
Legends Karate is located near Westport off Page Ave. in Maryland Heights, making it easy for families from Creve Coeur, Bridgeton, Chesterfield, and the greater St. Louis area to train with us. Our studio is designed to be welcoming, convenient, and accessible for students of all ages and abilities.
2374A Schuetz Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Click below to start your Free Lesson today!
Want more information before getting started? Click below.
Pages
Location
Intersection of Schuetz Rd. and Page ave. in Maryland Heights.
Info@LegendsKarate.com
Hours
Monday: 3:00 – 9:00pm
Tuesday: 3:00 – 9:00pm
Wednesday: 3:00 – 9:00pm
Thursday: 3:00 – 9:00pm
Friday: 3:00 – 9:00pm
Saturday: 1:00 – 7:00pm
Sunday: Closed