O.C. Defensive Arts Instructors

Ken Utterback
Mr. Ken Utterback (3rd Dan)
Mr. Utterback is the Head Instructor for O.C. Defensive Arts and currently holds the rank of 3rd degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. He began his training in 1981 in the art of Tae Kwon Do and has had the opportunity to train in other styles and systems, which include Hapkido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ba Gua, Filipino Martial Arts, Kajukenbo, Close Quarter Combatives, Boxing and Muay Thai kickboxing. Mr. Utterback is a Certified Women's Self-Defense Instructor and is the Managing Director of all Self-Defense training programs.

Gregg Dyakon
Mr. Gregg Dyakon Sr. (1st Dan)
Mr. Dyakon began his study of Shaolin Kempo Karate in 2002 and was able to earn his black belt in 2007. Mr. Dyakon has shown his dedication to the martial arts by making the transition from student, to an excellent instructor. Mr. Dyakon is a Certified Women's Self-Defense Instructor and helps out with our childrens safety and defense programs. He is also very involved in the Laguna Niguel community with baseball and other activities. His desire is to work with the youth teaching them leadership, discipline and integrity while helping them to develop a love for the martial arts.


K. Dyakon
Ms. Kassandra Dyakon (1st Dan)
Ms. Dyakon started to study at the Martial Arts Academy in 2002 along with her father and brother. Kassie was awarded her Black Belt in January 2007 and has began to assist and teach in our kids classes in order to helps others progress. Kassie says that she can attribute an increase in confidence and determination due to her study of Marital Arts. Ms. Dyakon is also active in serving her community as part of a mother-daughter National Charity League, helping handicapped adults at the Shea Center.


K. Endo
Ms. Kathryn Endo - Green Belt
Ms. Endo is a Certified Instructor in our Women's Self-Defense program. She is a specialist in our Girls-On-Guard program and enjoys working with young girls, and giving them the tools needed to protect themselves. Kathryn also assists in teaching our kids classes.


Associates, Mentors and Friends

Professor John M. Roe (7th Dan)

John Roe
Professor John Roe is the owner and Headmaster of the Marial Arts Academy of Laguna Hills. Originally openned in 1992, the Academy became one of Orange County's top-rated martial arts schools. Mr. Roe has served as the Headmaster for the Karate for Kids program of Chapman University in Orange and for the Prentice Academy in Santa Ana for children with learning disabilities.


Mr. Steven G. Payne (4th Dan)

Steve Payne
Sensei Steven Payne is a retired United States Marine, Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9). Where he was also a Chief Instructor for the Staff Non Commission Officers Academy Advanced Course from 1992 to 1994 at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California. Sensei Payne has served with various marine units during his thirty total years of military service. Sensei Payne has studied Shaolin Kempo Karate Jiu-Jitsu since 1993. He presently holds the rank of Black Belt 4th Dan. Sensei Payne feels that all martial arts practitioners should practice and focus on the basics. He believes that your success begins with preparation, dedication, sincerity and integrity, no matter what your mission/goal in life may be. Sensei Payne often expresses, that practitioners should come to understand that “There are black belts, then there are Black Belts.”

Professor Joseph Pierro (8th Dan)

Joe Pierro
Master Pierro is the head of the International Shaolin Kempo Karate Association and an 8th degree black belt directly under Grand Master Fred Villari. Master Pierro also holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Sanryudo, 6th Degree Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu, 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is a Senior Instructor in Sanbusaku Iaijutsu.

OC Defensive Arts has enlisted the help of Master Pierro and the ISKKA to ensure that our lineage stays intact and that our material remains as it was originally taught through the Villari system.