Our Instructors & Staff Members

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Kung Fu and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of Shaolin Kempo Arts's instructors and other staff members, starting with Joey Larocque:

Joey Larocque (Headmaster - Fifth-Degree Black Belt) Sensei Joey Larocque is the Headmaster at Shaolin Kempo Arts. For further bio, please see Headmaster section of the Website

Lori Larocque (Program Director) Lori Larocque is the Program Director At Shaolin Kempo Arts. Lori is a First-Degree Black Belt and has been studying Martial Arts for eight years under the direct tutelage of Headmaster Joey Larocque. In addition to her traditional Martial Arts training, Lori attends and ocassionally teaches the Kickboxing classes offered at the studio. She has competed at various tournaments at several levels in both sparring and forms. Her resume to date includes a Degree in Dance, a short professional career as a Contemporary Dancer, and years of training in Classical Ballet. Most recently, her newest and greatest accomplishment is her title of "Mommy" to twin boys Ethan and Aidan Larocque.

Donna Yahr (Instructor) Donna Yahr is a 3rd degree black belt and has been studying the martial arts for 15 years. She started karate to learn self defense and as an exciting way to exercise both mind and body. Donna continues to study and enjoys learning something new each week. She believes that karate is the perfect whole body workout, developing physical strength, balance and mental focus. Donna is the mother of two daughters who are brown belts. Her favorite class to teach is the little ninjas because of their energy and enthusiasm. Donna also enjoys mt. biking, surfing, photography and playing the piano.

Bob Czarnowski (Instructor) Bob began studying Martial Arts around 1990 after returning from living in the himilayan kingdom of Nepal for seven years. During this time he was leading trekking expeditions and studying Buddhism. He began his Martial Arts journey as a student under Master Tracy Takaki at American Schools of Shao Lin Kempo. Bob recieved his black belt from 8th degree Master Robert Pearlswig in 1995. "Sensei Bob" claims Martial Arts is his Life. He has owned partnerships in two different schools and has completed a three year "Chief Instructors Training Program." When not in the dojo he works as a real estate investor and many nights can be found performing in San Diego coffee houses as a singer/songwriter.

Bill Lyon (Instructor) Bill Lyon began studying Martial Arts in seeking a new paradigm for both his physical and spiritual fitness. Bill enjoys Martial Arts for a fun and physical workout while learning practical skills both physical and mental, and having opportunities for personal growth in learning and teaching, with the bonus of gaining new friends and relationships. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Bill is well traveled. He has lived in Washington, New Mexico, Stuttgart (Germany), and Los Angeles and San Diego, California. Bill enjoys kayaking, surfing, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, playing guitar, and reading. Professionally, his background includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in nuclear engineering with an emphasis on research/development and computational modeling.

Alissa Korfin (Instructor) Alissa Korfin is a certified instructor at Shaolin Kempo Arts.

Chris Braden (Instructor) Chris Braden is a Certified Instructor at Shaolin Kempo Arts. Chris has been studing Karate for almost 10 years. He first started Karate when he was in the 3rd grade and he has studied with Sensei ever since then. He was promoted to the rank of Shodan Black Belt 1st Degree when he was 15. Shortly afterword he joined the Leadership team. He enjoys teaching all the young students and wants to help them acheive whatever dreams they desire. He very much enjoys being with the Dojo because they are family to him. When Chris is not at the Dojo he spends time exercising and taking long walks and being with other friends. He also enjoys performing arts such as acting, singing and dancing. His future plans are to become the best martial artist he can be and to become a professional actor.

Jennifer Jay (Instructor) Jennifer Jay is a 1st Degree Black Belt who began studying Martial Arts when her kids started. She had always wanted to study Martial Arts as a child, but never had the opportunity to do so until a few years ago. Jennifer enjoys Martial Arts for a fun and physical workout while learning knowledge and practical skills. She also does the Kickboxing class. Jennifer takes pride on being on the Leadership Team and enjoys using her skills to teach all the young students in the Tigers classes. Jennifer can be found at the dojo most of the days of the week. It's like a second home to her.

Brian Pelowski Brian Pelowski has numerous credentials and accomplishments. We will be updating this section shortly to detail them.

Jacob Cole Jacob Cole is a Certified Junior Leader at Shaolin Kempo Arts. He has been studying karate since he was 4 years old. He currently is student at Torrey Pines High School, where he focuses on math, science, and computer programming. Jacob enjoys assisting in the Young Tigers and Little Ninjas classes.

Andy Reeves (Assistant Instructor) Andy Reeves is a certified instructor at Shaolin Kempo Arts.

Michael Depinto (Assistant instructor) Michael Depinto is an Assistant instructor and part of our Leadership Team.

For more information about the Shaolin Kempo Arts staff or training programs, please contact us at 858-794-0022 or by clicking here.