MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
GRANDMASTER THERESA LEE
Grandmaster Theresa Lee is a New York native and comes to us by way of Georgia. In New York she began her training at the age of 5 and a few years later earned her black belt. Living in Georgia she taught various martial arts enrichment programs for the Athens Montessori School and Union Point Elementary school while working at the University of Georgia. Grandmaster Lee is a SEAAU Forms Champion and has achieved the rank 7th Dan in Taekwondo and 4th Dan in Tang Soo Do. She has Black Belt Certifications under The Korea Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan, Kukkiwon, and United Tang Soo Do. Being one of nine black belts, her strong family influences have taught her why compassion, devotion, and patience are necessary in not only dealing with students, but with life in general.
MASTER JONATHAN FIGUEROA
Master Jonathan Figueroa is originally from Van Nuys (with a quick side trip to El Salvador during his formative years). It was here that his interest in martial arts kindled. Being a rambunctious child (i.e. getting into trouble way too often), clearly the next step was being enrolled in a Karate School- in this case, El Dragon Negro Karate school. Upon his return stateside, he was enrolled at Karate 4 Kids USA, and continued his martial arts study until actual studies took him to OTIS College of Art and Design. After studying, designing really pretty buildings and graduating with a B.F.A. in design, he returned to teaching at Karate 4 Kids USA. He earned first Dan Black Belt in 2007, cross trains in Muay Thai, and eventually reached his Master title, 4th Dan black belt, after many years of hard training and teaching. Master Figueroa continues teaching the same values of hard work and determination to his students.
WILL GILLESPIE
Mr. William “Billy” Gillespie began his Martial Arts journey following his then 10-year-old son Wil, who we know as Kyo Sa Nim Gillespie. He joined Karate 4 Kids USA through our Adult’s Victory Martial Arts program. Mr. Gillespie was one of the first black belt adult students in our community. One Class and he was hooked and enjoyed growing in his martial studies through Tang Soo Do with his son. He earned his 1st Dan in 2008 and is currently a 3rd Dan (3rd degree black belt). Mr. Gillespie enjoys sharing his love of Martial Arts with younger kids, teens and older kids, sometimes called adults.
OTHER INSTRUCTORS
MR. CARTER LEE
Mr. Carter Lee is a Bay Area born and raised kid who grew up a student of the martial arts since 2003 with experience in various disciplines such as JiuJitsu, Bang Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Kendo, Shotokan Karate, a black belt in Aikido and Hapkido, and now Tang Soo Do here at Karate 4 Kids USA. He holds a great passion and enjoyment in all things martial arts, from the mental, cultural, and spiritual philosophies and teachings to the entertainment and creative aspects. Martial arts has definitely become an important part of his life not just at home but in his career as well, where he is currently pursuing a career in Film and TV as a stunt performer. “I am very thankful and appreciative of the Instructors and Masters at Karate 4 Kids USA for respecting me and my years of martial arts experience and for allowing me this opportunity to learn, grow, and be a part of the great team of instructors and coaches here to build up and teach the younger generations the values of discipline, respect, confidence, focus, mental and body control, through martial arts.”
COACH BRIAN GARCIA
Coach Brian Garcia’s interest in martial arts began at an early age while growing up near the Japanese Valley Center & Dojo. He spent time observing students practice Karate, Kendo, Bushido, and Ninjutsu, dedicating his spare time to mastering every technique and exercise he could. Throughout his journey, Coach Brian has trained with enthusiasts in various disciplines, including Muay Thai, Kali, Aikido, Judo, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, various weapons, and martial philosophy. Beyond the dojo, he has a strong affinity for cooking and medicine. He enjoys developing new recipes and staying current with medical journals to support longevity and overall wellness. Coach Brian is grateful for the role martial arts plays in his life and is honored to continue improving and sharing his journey every day.
MR. ESTEBAN ALDANA
Mr. Esteban Aldana born and raised in Los Angeles has studied martial arts since the age of 13 and has a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo along with 3 years training in boxing. He is currently training to get a black belt in Tang Soo Do, but continues to train for his second degree in Taekwondo as well. He enjoys working with children and helping them progress through their training; prior to working at the Karate 4 Kids USA, he volunteered at the YMCA in Hollywood, teaching martial arts to children. He attended Pasadena City College and became an EMT but realized that was not the career for him and decided to follow his passion for cars and is attending LATTC to become an Automotive Technician and specialize in engines and forced induction.
MISS SAMYU PADISETTI
Bio Coming Soon
MR. RILEY GOLDMAN
Bio Coming Soon
MR. AARON KINSLEY
Bio Coming Soon
Mr. MYLES CYRUS
Bio Coming Soon
