Learn About Our Professional San Diego Martial Arts Staff
All martial arts instructors at American Family Kenpo Karate in San Diego, CA are trained to ensure that our martial arts classes are safe, effective and fun.
Our martial arts San Diego instructors and instructor assistants are all required to complete an intensive martial arts leadership training prior to teaching or assisting in the classroom. During these martial arts training classes, the focus is on more than just teaching martial arts skills. Instructors also learn how to work with all students, tailoring their martial arts teaching methods to fit the individual child. Emphasis is put on encouragement and positive correction.
More About Our San Diego Martial Arts Instructors
Our martial arts instructors are committed to teaching the physical skills of martial arts while applying attitude-shaping exercises aimed at bringing out the best character and physical potential in each student. Through weekly martial arts training, instructors advance their own martial art and educational knowledge to become even more effective martial arts teachers.
The San Diego Martial Arts instructors are required to maintain their personal level of martial arts knowledge. They are expected to take class on a regular basis and test at least once per year.
Our instructors include:
Master Willy Steele -- 8th. Degree Master and 1st Generation Ed Parker Black Belt.
Mr. Steele began studying in 1972, receiving his first degree black belt from the International Kenpo Karate Association in 1976 with Jeff English as his instructor.
In 1974, with Jeff English and Danny Laxson, they opened up Chinese Kenpo Karate, located in La Mesa, Ca. The school would later become an Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate School. This is where he met and became a student of Mr. Parker’s.
After receiving his black belt, he went out into the world to practice and teach the art. In 1981, he crossed paths with Jim Mitchell, and began teaching at his El Cajon studio. By 1984, he was teaching at the Parker's Studio in Lemon Grove. This is where he met Mr. Gary Wilson, and watched him come up through the ranks.
At that time, he once again became very involved as a student of Mr. Parker’s, staying close until Mr. Parker's death in December, 1990. During that time, he was promoted to 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree black belt by Mr. Parker as his instructor.
Master Willy Steele is a first generation black belt on the Kenpo family tree. He currently holds the rank of 7th degree black belt and is a student of Grand Master Dave Hebler, whom he met in 1974. This relationship continues today.
Gary Wilson -- 6th. Degree Black Belt and 2nd Generation Ed Parker Black Belt
Mr. Wilson began his studies of Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate in January 1986, at Lemon Grove Kenpo Karate. Under the direct supervision of Darby Lee Darrow, a 4th degree Kenpo Black belt in the Ed Parker's system.
He has also studied such styles as Aikido, and Brazilian Jujutsu for approximately four years and several other systems. He achieved his first-degree black belt on June 12, 1993, from the International Kenpo Karate Association under the direction of Darby Lee Darrow.
In 1994, Mr. Wilson, started a company called California Self-Defense Courses, where he taught women's self defense. Mr. Wilson taught these courses all over southern California until December 1997.
Mr. Wilson opened his first commercial karate school on September 15,1997 called American Family Kenpo Karate, located at 6788 University Avenue in San Diego, where he taught American Kenpo Karate and Self-Defense courses and seminars to men, women and children. He also has had private lessons for men, women & children at their businesses, churches and homes.
In July 1996, Mr. Wilson began studying directly under Professor Willy Steele, a first generation Ed Parker Kenpo Black Belt. Subsequently, Professor Willy Steele promoted him to 5th degree Black belt in 2002.
In October 2004, Mr. Wilson moved his school to a much larger facility a few blocks down the street at 6525 University Avenue. Mr. Wilson was promoted to 6 th degree black belt by 8 th degree black belt, Senior Professor Willy Steele on May 20,2006.
Gary Wilson is a second generation Ed Parker black belt. He feels that martial arts is not just a hobby or a business; it is a way of life to which he takes very seriously. Instructor Robert Hisquierdo. 4th. Degree Black Belt 2nd Generation Ed Parker Black Belt Born 6-21-1944. Began training in Mr. Ed Parker’s Kenpo karate in 1982 under Master Darby Lee Darrow. 1st degree black – 1989 2nd degree black – 1990 3rd degree – 2003- promoted by Mr. Gary Wilson 4th degree - May 20, 2006 Instructor Joeseph Marilou 3rd. Degree Black Belt 2nd Generation Ed Parker Black Belt.
List of all School Instructors:
Joseph Marilou - 3rd. Degree Black Belt
Patrick Binarao - 1st Degree Black Belt
Tom Arensberg - 2nd Brown Belt
Richard Mange - 2nd Brown Belt
Tony Goodwin - 3rd Brown Belt
Peter Ontiverous - 2nd Brown Belt
Adult Jr. Instructors:
Sky Goodwin - Green Belt
Steven Polido - ½ Green Belt
Child Jr. Instructors:
Reyna Hisquierdo - Green Belt
Matthew Tolliver - ½ Blue Belt
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