Cory Schafer earned his black belt in Wado-Ryu Karate in 1982. While successfully establishing himself as a martial arts competitor and kickboxing trainer his interests moved towards officiating. During his tenure as the chief official and arbitrator for the FAME (Florida Affiliated Martial Arts Events) tournament circuit, he began working his way through the certification levels as a kickboxing official. By the mid 1980's Cory had earned his "A" level judging certification, necessary to officiate professional world title events.

Moving on to serve as an ISKA (International Sport Karate and Kickboxing Association) Event Representative at both the national and international levels he also earned his certification as a kickboxing referee. With growing experience and a solid reputation his opportunities grew in conjunction with the expansion of the sport itself.

While further developing his role as a kickboxing official, Schafer continued to teach martial arts regularly at his professional studio, and expand his involvement in sport karate as director of the US OPEN World Martial Arts Championships, largely recognized as one of the world's most prestigious martial arts competitions.

After gaining years of experience in all aspects of officiating, Schafer was asked to become the chairman of the ISKA Official's Certification program. He instituted a new certification protocols and led seminars and clinics often coordinated with some of the world's highest profile events.

Since 1990, Schafer has presided over world title contests held throughout North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. In early 1997 he was offered, and accepted the position as President of the ISKA. Since taking office he has combined his passion, business acumen and tireless effort to help fairly and safely advance combat sports and competitive martial arts.

In 1999, when the prestigious K-1 corporation opened their operation in North America Cory was asked to participate as their rules director and chief official. He developed an officials' certification program for both judges and referees and helped institute changes in procedures that are used today, both here in America and on the K-1 world tour.

2005 marked the launch of the World Combat League. This project combines the excitement of a martial arts combat sport with a unique team and league presentation format. It is the embodiment of a vision created and nurtured for over thirty years by the worlds' top martial arts media icon; Chuck Norris. Cory Schafer was selected by Mr. Norris to be the WCL Commissioner, supervising the regulation of the sport and consulting on all aspects of league operation.

Mr. Schafer is also the Rules Director for STRIKEFORCE MMA who made history with its' "Shamrock vs. Gracie" event, the first sanctioned mixed martial arts fight card in California state history. STRIKEFORCE currently airs MMA programming on NBC and SHOWTIME premium television network.

Despite his extensive international involvement in the regulation of competitive martial arts and combat sports Cory, now a fourth degree black belt still teaches regularly and supervises the instructional staff at the World Martial Arts Center.

Nick Shobe earned his black belt in Wado-Ryu Karate in 2009. He began his martial arts career at age 14 studying Kenpo Karate while living in Las Vegas, NV, attaining the rank of green belt, the top intermediate ranking in that system. Upon moving to Gainesville in 2003, he started as a white belt studying under Sensei Sawyer and Sensei Schafer at the World Martial Arts Center.

Nick has assisted in the running of the U.S. Open World Martial Arts Championships in Orlando, FL for the past three years, including coordinating the staging behind the curtain for the Night of Champions in 2010, as well as competing in 2008 and 2009.

He has three years experience teaching in the children’s program and began teaching the adult program upon attaining his black belt. Currently Nick is the Head Instructor under Mr. Schafer for all karate programs at the Center.

In addition to his martial arts training and teaching, Nick is completing a bachelor’s degree in political science, specializing in international relations, at the University of Florida.