Click on picture of an instructor to find out more about them.
Master Ingrid Katzberg
Name: Master Ingrid Katzberg Position: Instructor, Founder Martial Arts Credentials: 5th Degree Black Belt
Reason You Started Martial Arts: Always loved fighting sports, especially after watching rocky.
Words to Live By: “Although we have, in theory, abolished human slavery, recognized women's rights, and stopped child labor, we continue to enslave other species who, if we simply pay attention, show quite clearly that they experience parental love, pain, and the desire for freedom, just as we do”. -Ingrid Newkirk
Other Hobbies: Kayaking, Craft painting / Projects, Reading
Favorite Technique: Front Kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: The best and most rewarding job I could ever have. You are surrounded by people who are always striving to be their best.
Sensei Chris Hanna
Name: Sensei Chris Hanna Position: Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 3rd Degree Black Belt
Reason You Started Martial Arts:To train and motivate my children. Inspired by Bruce Lee.
Words to Live By: “Feed it and it will grow”.
Other Hobbies: Boating and skiing
Favorite Technique: Spinning back kick, sweeps
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: It’s very cool, you get to meet lots of people, all ages. As an instructor you become a mentor to some, a role model to others, you draw inspiration from everyone and share with all. It makes me a better person. Being fit is a great feeling.
Sensei Joel Zapata
Name: Sensei Joel Zapata Position: Instructor / Fight Team Coach Martial Arts Credentials: 3rd Degree Black Belt
Reason You Started Martial Arts:3rd Degree Black Belt.
Words to Live By: Respect, Love, Honesty, Humility, Integrity, Courage.
Other Hobbies: Soccer, Basketball
Favorite Technique: Spinning back kick, Round kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: Great environment, Friendly people. It’s great to train after a long day of work.
Sensei Anita Katzberg
Name: Sensei Anita Katzberg Position: Head Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 3rd Degree Black Belt
Reason You Started Martial Arts: I chaperoned my little sister to Japan for her fight. I was so impressed when she walked out, I saw so much determination in a powerful, strong and skilled woman. At the same time, she was such kind and soft lady, I was truly inspired. I also joined for fitness and to lose weight.
Words to Live By: Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Discipline.
“you have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you!!” -John Bunyan
Other Hobbies: Reading, movies, tennis, music, spending time with pets, sewing, dancing
Favorite Technique: Spinning Back Kick, Side Kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: Rewarding and empowering. One can change peoples lives by educating them on attitude, confidence and setting goals.
Sensei Sia Kaskamanidis
Name: Sensei Sia Kaskamanidis Position: Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 3rd Degree Black Belt. Been Training for almost 20 years, teaching for 13 years. Competed in 8 tournaments. Competed in 5 ring fights.
Reason You Started Martial Arts: To be less shy. To challenge myself. To learn that I am worthy.
Words to Live By: “Seek your purpose to live and never stop. In the process you will motivate others to do the same”.
Other Hobbies: Reading books that are inspiring. Road trips that are adventurous. Renovations. Spending time and walking my new dog.
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: It does not feel like work. It is like getting paid doing a hobby. Seeing the positive impact, it has on people inspires me to never stop working. Serving the public to empower them through our program is so rewarding I feel complete. I cannot imagine not doing this.
Sensei Shirin Dordar
Name: Sensei Shirin Dordar Position: Instructor, Personal Trainer, Cardio Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 3rd Degree Black Belt, she has earned multiple gold medals from full contact Karate fights. She is the representative for all female SKF martial artists in Iran.
Reason You Started Martial Arts: When we are young our visions are quite different from wen we are older. Though I have been on an amazing journey from the age of 15, I haven’t put faith in number when it comes to age. I am very much deeply involved in my journey and this has made me very confident in who I am and what I have to share with everyone.
As in most sports, I believe that there is a championship in life. Considering how frequently we encounter obstacles that require courage, self-discipline, self confidence, knowledge and will power, it is a process of victories and defeats. We all want victories in our lives, so we should learn to face the obstacles that lay before us without hesitation. Of course I started martial arts at the age of 15 under the influence and instruction of my brothers, Grand Master Farhad Dordar and Master Farid Dordar!
Words to Live By: “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream. Not only plan, but also dream”.
Other Hobbies: Weight lifting, rock climbing, professional make up artist and hair dresser, salsa dancing, playing musical instrument’s, hiking, bicycling, swimming.
Favorite Technique: Jump Side Kick, Spinning Hook Kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: Every day I get to meet fantastic kids and adults who are seeking something. Its different for everyone to improve their lives. I keep track of student’s attendance and every individuals progress in their training. Everyone here is like family to me.
Angela Oldknow
Name: Angela Oldknow Position: Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: Low-Black Belt
Reason You Started Martial Arts: I wanted my (at the time) 6-year-old son in martial arts. I found both my 3-year-old and I could also train at the same time.
Words to Live By: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!”.
Other Hobbies: Soccer, Gaelic Football, Cycling, Trail running
Favorite Technique: Helicopter Kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: Energizing! No matter what kind of day I’ve had, as soon as I walk in the door, I’m excited to see everyone here, see their improvements, see what their goals are and what they want to work on.
Sharon Taylor
Name: Sharon Taylor Position: Cardio Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 2nd Degree Black Belt, Champions student for 17 years
Reason You Started Martial Arts: Fitness
Words to Live By: “kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” -Mark Twain
Other Hobbies: Music, Running, Reading, Pina Coladas, getting caught in the rain.
Favorite Technique: Spinning Hook Kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: You make great friends and are inspired by many students & peers.
Kristina Farkasova
Name: Kristina Farkasova Position: Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 1st Degree Black Belt (AI3)
Reason You Started Martial Arts: I was inspired after watching a family friends testing. I have loved Martial Arts ever since my first intro lesson. I defiantly feel at my best when I am training.
Words to Live By: “Your mind is stronger than your body. Even when the body wants to give up, the mind never gives up.”
Other Hobbies: Running, Singing, Travelling & spending time with my family and dogs.
Favorite Technique: Side Kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: I get to work alongside some of my best friends and mentors. There are always new things to learn.
Matthew Cotton
Name: Matthew Cotton Position: Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: Blue Belt, 6 Years training in Mauy Thai Kickboxing & Pankration. 3 Years Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Reason You Started Martial Arts: Ninja Turtles
Words to Live By: “Be careful of your thoughts when you are alone & be careful of your words when you are with people”
“All you need is love”.
Favorite Technique: Cross Collar Choke
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: It’s a sanctuary, Everything outside, problems/ stresses Disappear and I find peace of mind, fun & good people.
Sean Lindsay
Name: Sean Lindsay Position: Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: Purple Belt, Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association
Reason You Started Martial Arts: To improve my health and better myself as a person
Words to Live By: “it doesn’t matter if you are a champion on the mats if you are not a champion in your life.” -Saulo Ribeiro
Other Hobbies: Travelling, Cycling
Favorite Technique: Bow and Arrow Choke
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: It is nothing short of a privilege to be able to share jiu-jitsu with people.
Sensei Steve Read
Name: Sensei Steve Read Position: Sparring Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 2nd Degree Black Belt, 15 Years of experience. 3x Gold medalist SKF 1x Gold Medalist Sport Jujitsu
Reason You Started Martial Arts: To stay fit and have fun competing in competitive sport.
Words to Live By: “Do anything with passion and amazing results will follow”.
Other Hobbies: Playing with my 2 beautiful girls and watching superhero movies
Favorite Technique: Superman Punch, spinning hook kick is a close second
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: Fun and exciting to see each student make amazing strides in their training.
Sir Irveen Estrella
Name: Sir Irveen Estrella Position: Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 1st Degree Black Belt
Reason You Started Martial Arts: Change myself and push beyond my limits.
Words to Live By: “Trust the journey”.
Other Hobbies: Basketball
Favorite Technique: Jump Spinning Hook Kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School:I have to opportunity to see our students grow daily. whether if they want to be more confident, stronger, or even become a better individual. Is always a pleasure to see people grow.
Sensei Tonya Wheatley
Name: Sensei Tonya Wheatley Position: Cardio Instructor Martial Arts Credentials: 2nd Degree Black Belt
Reason You Started Martial Arts: Originally I came for share the art week with a friend, then I was instantly hooked on the idea of being a 2nd degree black belt like the instructors. I never thought of just being a black belt…2nd degree was always my main goal.
Words to Live By: “You are only as strong as you allow yourself to be, never get discouraged, never give up, because consistency & dedication are the keys to success and your courage will fight your fears”.
Other Hobbies: Hiking, running, traveling, doing anything I haven’t done before.
Favorite Technique: Spinning back kick
What It’s Like Working In A Martial Arts School: It’s amazing to be surrounded by surrounded by like-minded motivated people…This isn’t a place of work though its my home away from and people here are my second family.