Sensei Pete Hiltz began his martial arts studies in 1976. A 6^th degree blackbelt in Shorinjiryu Karatedo, as award by the Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai, based in New York, he has taught for over 27 years. In addition to his karate, he holds a blackbelt in Tomiki Aikido and is a graduate of federal personal protection and weapons courses. Sensei Pete won Third Place in Senior Blackbelt forms at the Annual International Shorinjiryu Shiai in New York City for 2000.  Sensei Pete holds a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins, and is employed by the Federal Government.

Sensei Pete is the Headmaster of the school, and is the originator of the Jodo of Ake no Myojo Budo.

Sensei Pete is the Publication Director of the Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai, an international association of Shorinjiryu schools.  The Kyokai is the largest organization of Shorinjiryu students and schools in the world.

Sempai Mark Rosenthal has studied martial arts at Morning Star Martial Arts since 2002 and has earned the rank of Shodan, First Degree Blackbelt. Sempai Mark earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, and is currently practicing at OrthoMD.

Sempai Mark has volunteered as a youth soccer and baseball coach, and has taught white water kayaking and archery. Currently, he volunteers as a teacher of orthopedic residents and fellows..