Meet the Teachers
The instructors at Blackbird Martial Arts all have extensive experience in the martial arts. Students who achieve dan grade (black belt rank) have the opportunity for instructor certification programs where they receive an extensive education on the effective training of junior students.
Nanadan
Ben Couch
Ben began training in Tae Kwon Do in 1984 and has been studying ever since. He holds dan grades (black belt ranks) in several martial arts including karate, tae kwon do, aikido, and aikijujutsu. He was awarded his nanadan rank (7th-degree black belt) in 2024.
Nidan
Androt Verdugo
Androt received his shodan (1st-degree black belt) and his assistant instructor license in 2021 after more than a decade of training. He received his nidan (2nd-degree black belt) in 2023. He also holds shodan rank in Shin Shin Ryu iaijutsu and an ikkyu in aikijujutsu.
Nidan
Alonzo Sanchez
Alonzo received his shodan (1st-degree black belt) and his assistant instructor license in karate in 2021 and his nidan (2nd-degree black belt) in 2023. He has trained in our karate art for over a decade.