Hey Luke!
First off, i want to commend you for taking on a web design project, and then be open enough to listen to critiques. Honestly, web design is so hard, mostly for the reason that everyone has their own idea of what websites should look like. Some people like insanely clean and are into minimalism, while others prefer things that have flash or have grunge etc etc. Basically, you really can only go with what you personally like haha! Cool thing is you have a lot of support on here that is offering great advice to layout and such
*yay!* i just thought i'd throw my two cents in, in response to Dalton Davis's post:
"for some reason my Chrome didnt show that first comment I made.
BTW im not trying to be bitter or mean I think its an awesome website!
I feel like the entire website needs an updated look. I think the old scroll and old school paper DOES fit the karate theme but I dont think its very updated.
The look could use a new updated look.
Plus the content is too scattered and hard to find. the side bar to the left is confusing because there is another bar right by it.
Just my opinion. Not trying to make a decision for you. But I like the theme. I feel like the big thing is that it needs to be updated along with today's websites."
And correct me if i'm wrong Dalton haha, but i think when he is talking about updating the look, he just means putting things in that make it look cleaner. You already were heading in the right direction with the buttons that you added up at the top, that's more inline with what websites consist of, where the navigation point is either up at the top, or off to the left of the page, rarely is it seen on both sides (because, you know, we're human, and easily confused haha)
i'm attaching just a quick idea of maybe a layout that you'd like to consider to make it less cluttered.
i understand that you want to show your certifications and such, but it's not necessary to put it on the front of the page, you can always make a tab up at the top that leads people to a page that is specifically attesting to your certifications
(in case you get more) then you wont have to worry about trying to maneuver all the stuff around on your front page to make everything fit. overall, it'll be less stressful for you haha! and i'm all about making life easier! again, this is just an example of what you COULD do, not that you have to. it's just my personal take on it lol! hope it helps!