Our Team of Instructors

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.

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.

I started martial arts in 2005 when I was 15 years old. My parents signed me up so I would be more active. The first time I watched a class, my mom asked me if I wanted to join and I answered yeah, sure. Whatever. Mr. Fariborz then said And I promise he will never speak to you like that again. That was 10 years ago. Over the years, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and forms have been my favorite areas of training; The former for its technical detail, and the latter for its variety and beauty.

Martial arts has always been my lifelong pursuit. I started at Team Karate Centers in 1997 when I was just four years old. At that point, enrolling wasnt much of a personal choice, but I guess its true that the habits we develop as young kids often stay with us for the rest of our lives. Since that time, I have experienced ups and downs in my training; I quit twice when I was younger, but I never stopped indefinitely and I always found my way back. In fact, each day I renew my commitment when I step through the doors of TKC.

I started martial arts when I was 10 years old much to my discontent. My mom wanted me to take lessons, although I had no initial interest. But once I finally started at Team Karate Centers, I fell in love with it. In October 2013, I earned my first degree black belt, and am a candidate to earn my second degree in October 2015.

My first experience in martial arts began at the age of 18 in 1973. I attended the Chuck Norris School in Los Angeles. I chose to enroll in martial arts because I knew that I was easily angered and needed to learn some self-control. Mr. Norris was not my primary instructor but taught class on a periodic basis. It was a great honor when he taught. I trained for about a year and headed off to college.

I started martial arts 6 years ago after spending a few years on the sidelines as the parent of a TKC student. One day, Mr. Fariborz asked me if I would train myself, and after my first class, I was hooked. Forms, kicks, and workouts later, I became a black belt candidate myself, and in 2011, I earned my first degree black belt alongside my son. In 2014, I earned my second degree. Being a student is one thing, but I never considered becoming an instructor until my teachers pointed out to me that I would be good at it. I joined the TKC instructor team not long ago, but I love to help any way I can, whether it be teaching classes, assisting with belt testings, or working with black belt candidates. I take great pride being a “success coach” every year to a group of black belt candidates that I get to guide along their journeys.

Although I took my first martial arts class while I was a freshman in college, my real introduction to martial arts was not until years later when my 2 1/2 year old son came to Team Karate Centers for a birthday party and subsequently began taking lessons. Hes 20 now, so weve een coming to TKC for over 18 years. My own training began shortly after his sometimes around the end of 2000 or 2001.

Mr. Faramarz, older brother to Mr. Fariborz, doesn’t care how old you are, what you look like, or what language you speak. It doesn’t matter to him where you are from or what belt you hold, if any at all. Mr. Faramarz cares about the essence of the being, the individual creature without which there is no real life. He speaks in clipped, precise words with an Iranian accent; his eyes show a quiet intensity. “Nothing is impossible,” he says, along with “Whatever you can conceive, you can achieve,” and he heartily agrees with Disney’s motto of “Dream the impossible dream.” His efficient demeanor provides a unique contrast to his deep contemplations.