Rising Phoenix Martial Arts


  • Home
  • Schedule
  • Programs
  • Instructors
  • Membership
  • Resources
  • University
  • Pro Shop

Instructors



Our Teaching Philosophy



A great teacher leads by example. The values that we instill in our students are the same virtues we strive to live by every day. Being a teacher is like tending a flame. It requires the right piece of wood at the right time. You don't want to start with the biggest logs. You start with the twigs and kindling, then gradually layer in the bigger branches. You have to be patient, or you'll put out the fire before it can get off the ground.


We have the same approach when working with students at Rising Phoenix Martial Arts. We start by building passion, then slowly applying rigor. Sometimes, we have to give a little nudge to get the bird out of the nest, but we do so at the right time--when the bird is ready to flying! We have seen some amazing accomplishments, both physically and mentally. Sometimes the person that walks away hardly resembles the person that came before--just as the phoenix rises from the ashes of its former self!



Staff



Our master-instructors are life-long practitioners with more than 50 years of experience between the two of them! They met in Korea while training and working in the martial arts and moved back to the states to start a school that combined the best of eastern and western philosophy.



Grandmaster John Olds



Director, Head Instructor



Grandmaster Olds has more than thirty years of martial arts experience and has taught for over two decades. He teaches the majority of the specialty, Intermediate, and Advanced classes.


Full Bio

Master Seonok Maeng



Senior Instructor



Master Seonok Maeng is a former professional taekwondo competitor and national champion. She teaches various classes on Tuesday.


Full Bio

Mr. Jesse Trader



Manager, Instructor



As the school Manager, Mr. Trader serves in many capacities, including enrollment and facility management. He leads classes, Mondays through Wednesdays.



Mr. Michael McDaniel



Instructor



Mr. McDaniel was one of our first black belts. As such, he has comprehensive knowledge of the curriculum. He leads classes on Thursdays and Fridays.



Ms. Christyna Reeves



Junior Instructor



Ms. Reeves experience working in childcare makes her an excellent teacher of children. She leads classes on Saturdays.



Rocky Garza



Assistant Manager, Assistant Instructor



Rocky is a great role model for the younger generation. As Assistant Manager, Rocky helps out with many of the daily operations. He also assists with class, Monday through Wednesday.



Zaid Zerouali



Assistant Instructor



Zaid demonstrates the grit and tenacity we look for in all of our practitioners. He assists with classes, Thursday through Saturday.



We bring great talent from around the country, as well as abroad, to teach at our facility via residency and seminar. Check out those instructors that have taught at Rising Phoenix Martial Arts in the past.


Emeritus Instructors



402 S. Old Highway 81
Kyle, TX 78640



risingphoenixtkd@gmail.com | 512.975.9520