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Chief Instructor: Jordan Penman
Jordan began in the Martial Arts at 5 years old, learning here and there from his father who was a 3rd Degree Black Belt in “American Kenpo”. Because of him, Jordan developed a strong interest in, and respect for, the Martial Arts at a very young age. He has been engaged in athletic pursuits his entire life, whether Biking, Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Basketball or Martial Arts, he’s always active. Over the years he’s trained and dabbled in a variety of martial disciplines, including Karate, Iai, Arnis, Jiu-Jitsu, Qi-gong, and finally Shao-lin Kempo, which he’s been teaching for over 12 years now. Jordan has also studied sculpture, photography, architecture, jewelry design, music, glass blowing, and 16 years of ceramics.
The physical workout combined with the tireless pursuit of self improvement is what drew Jordan to the Martial Arts as a student, and the overwhelming desire to pass on what has had a tremendous positive impact on his life is what drew him to instructing.
Jordan opened the San Rafael location for United Studios of Self Defense in July of 2000 with the help of his instructor, Nicolas Pommier. In December 2002, Jordan was awarded “Instructor of the Year” for northern California by his instructors and Professor Mattera. Jordan was tested for, and promoted to, 3rd Degree Black Belt in 2006 in China. His rank was recognized by Shi Yongxin, 33rd Abbot of the Shaolin Temple.
The only thing I love as much as learning is teaching. As a teacher I succeed when others succeed.
Jordan-
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Senior Instructor: Anthony Melendez
Anthony has been training in Shaolin Kempo since 2000, and has been an Instructor at USSD San Rafael for almost 7 years. Anthony is constantly thinking of new ways to keep lessons and classes fun and exciting while instilling discipline and hard work in both the San Rafael and San Anselmo dojos. Anthony loves being a part of the dojo and participating in tournaments, fund-raisers, and seminars. His hobbies are snow boarding, weight lifting, running, and fire arms training, but the martial arts is his greatest passion. Anthony grew up in San Rafael and Novato and graduated Novato High School, class of ‘02. He now attends College of Marin to get his associates degree, and is constantly training to be a better instructor and martial artist.
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Assistant Instructor: Daniel Fickbohm
Daniel started training in Shaolin Kempo in 2003 under Sensei Jordan. In 2006, Dan traveled with United Studios on the Return to China trip. Soon thereafter, he began training at the USSD Instructor's Academy, a program to train instructors. Dan is currently studying Physical Education working toward an Associate of Science in Physical Education as well as studying for his American Council of Exercise, Personal Trainer Certification. His passion for Shaolin Kempo has helped him gain self confidence and focus to combat his Attention Deficit Disorder. In his spare time Daniel enjoys geocaching and being outdoors. He grew up in San Rafael, where he still resides, graduating from Terra Linda High School, class of ‘06.
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Student Instructor: Armenak Chobanian
Armenak started training in the San Rafael dojo when he was 12 years old, and has been teaching since he was 15. Martial arts has improved Armenak’s flexibility, and given him self-respect and confidence, as well as teaching him self-defense. Armenak enjoys the outdoors, and often goes camping and fly fishing. Born and raised in San Rafael, he is currently a senior at Terra Linda High School.
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Student Instructor: Irina Rabkina
Irina began training at USSD San Rafael in 2004. She began assisting with classes a few years later. Irina enjoys seeing an improvement in her students both physically and mentally. Outside the dojo, Irina is a student at Terra Linda High School, where she is a member of the Mock Trial team. She is also an attorney and Advisory Board Chair of the Marin County Youth Court.
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