Our Team of Instructors

Sensei Fariborz

Sensei Fariborz

Every black belt remembers the time when martial arts became a passion. It happened to me at age eight. My brother took me to see a Bruce Lee movie, and to this day I can close my eyes and feel the emotion that overwhelmed me as I watched the screen. At that moment I totally fell in love with the power of martial arts, but it would be many years before I found the physical and spiritual paths to black belt. Once I began that journey, however, the martial arts and the art of teaching became central element of my life.

Bill Null

Bill Null

Back in 1994 I was attending night school, and one of my classmates mentioned she was taking karate lessons nearby. It sounded like fun, and out of curiosity I stopped by and met Mr. Fariborz. I did not commit to lessons until two months later when three gang members tried to steal company merchandise from me. We yelled back and forth, and though no fighting ensued, I decided I needed to learn some self-defense just in case.
Sensei Robert

Sensei Robert

Sensei Abby

Sensei Abby

What is Sensei?

Misunderstood meaning: teacher
Actual meaning: guide

Why it matters: Because it’s composed of the roots sen (before) and sei (life), the literal translation of sensei is before in life Sensei Fariborz says. “A sensei is somebody who guides another person”. For example, if you went to climb a mountain, you’d probably need a guide. Why? Because the guide has climbed that mountain before, and he had made it.

Its the same thing with martial arts. The sensei was once at the same stage of training youre at, and he can show you the way up. If you understand what his role is, you will have a better idea of what you can expect from him and what he can expect from you.

Think of it this way: A sensei is behind you, pushing you forward, not standing in front of you pulling. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to progress.