O.C. Defensive Arts Instructors
Mr. Ken Utterback (3rd Dan)
Sensei Ken Utterback is the head instructor of O.C. Defensive Arts. He has
over twenty-five years experience as both a martial artist and teacher. He currently holds
the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Jiu-Jitsu and continues to train in a
variety of arts to ensure that he offers the most up-to-date training techniques.
Sensei Ken is a Certified Women's Self-Defense Instructor and contributing member
to several groups who promote Women?s Safety and Rape Prevention. He is also an active
participant and advocate for several community groups, church groups and corporations
to promote Personal Safety Awareness.
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.
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.
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 FriendsProfessor John M. Roe (7th Dan)
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. Professor
Roe holds a Seventh degree Black Belt in the System of Shaolin Kempo Jiu-Jitsu, and is at Black Belt
level in several popular styles. He is an Instructor's College honors graduate. Professor Roe is a
certified personal trainer and is University-educated in human resources development.
Mr. Steven G. Payne (4th Dan)
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)
Professor 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.
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