Mr. Schafer took his first karate lesson in 1982 through a Shotokan program at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. He tried several other programs throughout the years until beginning his continuous training with National Karate in 1992. He achieved his 1st Degree Black Belt in June of 1995, and began teaching shortly thereafter. He was promoted to 2nd Degree Black Belt in September, 1997. In 2003 he joined Master Thorn at The Edge Martial Arts, and was promoted to 3rd Degree Black Belt in December of that year. In March of 2008 schafer was promoted to the level of 4th Degree Black Belt under Master Thorn and Grand Master J. Pat Burleson.

Mr. Schafer has competed at all belt levels, and has placed 1st through 4th numerous times in sparring, weapons, and forms.

In 2010 Schafer won the Men's Black Belt Forms Grand Championship at the Central States Karate Championships.