IMA North Fork Karate was started in November, 2005 by Sensei Rick McGavin in Paonia, Colorado. Work and family brought Sensei to the Western Slope in September, 2005 from Boulder, where he grew up. After 14 years of training in Louisville (he joined IMA in 1991), including 9 years of teaching, and 6 as a regional referee, Sensei wanted to expand the tradition to his new home town. He continues to train several times a month at the IMA headquarters in Louisville (honbu dojo), Colorado and improve his teaching techniques with extensive reading and consultations.
Sensei McGavin married Jennifer (McGavin) in 2006 and built the new dojo on Second Street in 2007. His jewelry workshop is in the back of the building as Rick McGavin has repaired and made custom jewelry for well over 30 years and has been a certified Master Jeweler for 15 years.
Jennifer McGavin received her first degree black belt in June 2010, the first student from NFK to do so and taking almost 5 years of constant training with her husband and Hanshi Madani at the honbu dojo. She teaches karate as well as works for About.com as the German Food Guide and runs 133 Liquor, also in Paonia.
The McGavins have no children of their own, but enjoy the hours they spend teaching them. At home, three hunting dogs keep them company and keep them active. Other hobbies are hiking, camping and cooking.
