Rising Phoenix Martial Arts


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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 60 years of experience between them! They met in Korea while training and working in taekwondo and moved back to the states to start a school that combined the best of eastern and western philosophy.



GM John Olds



Director, Head Instructor



GM Olds has more than thirty years of martial arts experience and has taught and trained all over the country and internationally.


Full Bio

Master Seonok Maeng



Senior Instructor



Master Seonok Maeng is a former professional taekwondo competitor and national champion with decades of experience.


Full Bio

Mr. Jesse Trader



Manager, Instructor



As the school Manager, Mr. Trader serves in many capacities, including enrollment and facility management.



Mr. Michael McDaniel



Instructor



Mr. McDaniel was one of our first students when we opened our doors here in Kyle. He was also one of our first black belts.



Ms. Christyna Reeves



Instructor



Ms. Reeves' experience working in childcare makes her an excellent teacher. She has also been training for many years.



Kristi Stotts



Junior Instructor



Kristi Stotts has been teaching yoga for many years. Combining this experience with her role as a middle school teacher, she is quickly becoming one of our best instructors.



Jude Willett



Junior Instructor



After training for many years, Jude has immerged as one of our top junior black belts. His eye for detail and respect and discipline have made him an exceptional leader on the floor.



Zaid Zerouali



Junior Instructor



Zaid is currently on leave due to an injury, but we are excited to see him back on the mats soon!



Emily Brightman



Junior Instructor



As a mother of one of our top Warriors students, Emily knows what it takes to raise diligent, respectful children. She transfers these skills to the floor assisting with and leading classes.



Ean Travis



Assistant



Ean's enthusiasm for the martial arts coupled with his years of experience in IT make him a valuable member of our team.



Alyssa Garza



Assistant



Few students have put in as many hours as Alyssa in such a relatively short time. This is the dedication and passion that exemplifies our instructors.



Matt McGray



Assistant



Matt's easy going nature and unflinching persistence in the face of adversity make him an ideal instructor of students of all ages and abilities.



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