Sensei Vince Velez
Owner and Chief Instructor, Sensei Vince has been actively teaching Martial Arts for over 30 years. He believes that to be a great Martial Artist, one should be well rounded, dedicated to improving one’s self, and have the ability to pass on these skills to others.
6th degree Masters Black Belt Kempo Karate
Black Belt Machado Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu
– 2001 BWIBC Region 2 Full Contact Karate Kumite Championship
– 2001 US Open International 1st Place Kumite Champion
– 2001 International Karate Championships 1st Place (Weapons)
– 2006 United Martial Arts Grand Champion
– Placed in many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournaments
Andreya Garcia
Andreya is a 4tth Dan instructor who has been training at United martial arts/mata for 18 years. Teaching since 2012, Andreya has trained students of all ages and abilities implementing discipline with proper form while building their confidence, strength, and fighting agility. With a strict curriculum, she remains creative with fun and interactive drills, leading to rapid improvement in her students’ technique. Her experience has gotten her 2nd place in Kata and 1st in Kumate, but her number one reward in Shoalin Kempo is her students.
Andreya has also found success with training children and adults on the spectrum through private lessons that cater to each individual’s specific learning pace.
Along with training students, she also works in the Architecture field, executing many design elements for the dojo. She loves the family atmosphere of United martial arts and deicates her Saturdays teaching children’s sparring, advanced classes, and private lessons.
James Palmer
I started my karate journey later in life compared to most of my contemporaries. My love of martial arts started like most people, with Bruce lee movies. The first time I saw Enter the Dragon. I knew instantly that I wanted to take kung fu classes.
I did practice in a few different styles but never got far and that always bothered me that I didn’t finish.
Then my youngest daughter, Maddie wanted to take karate classes. I signed her up and watched her grow stronger and more confident. So, at the ripe old age of 43, I started training in Shaolin Kempo karate and I never looked back. I have been a student and later an instructor in a system of martial arts that is effective at self-defense and developing my mind, body and spirit. I have been involved in this style for the past 16 years and have achieved the rank of 4th degree Black Belt. Shaolin Kempo karate will always be a lifetime pursuit of mastering this style. I invite you to start the next chapter of your life as a student of Shaolin Kempo Karate.
Ed Rodriguez
Sensei Ed started karate at age 9 and is experienced in Ninjitsu Shinobi-Akban, Taekwondo/Korean karate 3rd Dan, Shaolin Kempo Shodan, Black Karate Federation member. Shotokan Brown Belt, Weapons expert.
“I love Karate, it teaches a way to be a better person, it made my life stronger, and enabled me to deal with life in a positive way. What I have learned from my training, is to teach others, so I can pass down kindness and skills for everyday life, to stand strong of mind, body and spirit as one, and to never fear, and be ready for any situation life brings you. To master and teach not only self defense, but goodness in life.”
Jayden Moreno
Has been training in martial arts since 2016, starting
when he was just five years old. He earned his junior black belt in 2019
and his adult black belt in 2022. At 13 years old he’s a second-degree
black belt, thanks to years of training and learning from his
Instructor, Master Vince Velez.
In the dojo, he’s known for helping out younger students as he assists
with leading classes and training individuals, showing that martial arts
is valuable and also fun to learn. Outside of training, Jayden enjoys
basketball, football, and volleyball.
Mischa Hershfield
Mischa, at eight years old, had cycled through several sports and hadn’t enjoyed any of them – until she started training at United Martial Arts.
“I fell in love with being trained in karate because of how rewarding it was to learn and practice techniques, as well as meeting lots of other kids who I could befriend. I loved teaching it just as much. Personally, I believe karate is a perfect sport for any kid.”
Nathan Seto
Nathan is a high school student and first-degree black belt in Kempo Karate, began his martial arts journey in 2016. He is passionate about the dojo community, where he enjoys mentoring kids, helping them improve their skills, and building strong connections. Outside of karate, Nathan is a dedicated athlete, competing in both cross country and track, where he applies the discipline and focus he’s gained from martial arts to all aspects of his life.