Our Instructors
Sensei Jony Martinez
He has been practicing Karate since he was a teenager, and represented Uruguay at international level.
His Passion for teaching kids and bringing the sport to a new different level is incomparable, time and dedication is paying off after many years.
He is the President and founder of ZBK Karate Team.
Shihan - Walter Arevalo
Sport Management & Administration by CIES/FIFA.
Also a college P.E. Instructor.
Shihan Walter is a 6th Degree black belt in karate Shotokan a former international referee and US karate coach. He is a member of International Martial Arts Association a director for IMA in South America. He currently speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English while learning Other languages to improve his radius of advising and development sports in other countries. ZBK is proud to have Shihan Walter as our advisor and mentor with that level of devotion to Karate-Do he support technically and mentoring our ZBK Long Beach and La Mirada Dojos.
Senpai Rony Vega
Started practicing Karate in 2008, he was practicing under Sensei Jony teachings inconsistently throughout the years due to personal life commitments, but he is fully back again since 2021.
His passion to teach kids, character and discipline brings a good balance to the school.
He is the Vice-President at ZBK Karate Team.
Sensei Matthew Sauers
He joined Sensei Jony Martinez and Zen Bushido Kan (ZBK) family in August of 2016, with his two daughters. His close to 6 years journey began with simply doing Karate for physical exercise, after year of inactivity. It has turned into an overall life change of mind, body and soul. Over the past years he has competed locally and nationally and come to understand the love he now has for both Karate as an art and sport. He has dedicated a great deal of time as a Senpai, helping train both young and old, and creating a path to dedication and perseverance that can be utilized for the rest of your life. Giving back to the community is of the upmost importance in life. Sensei Jony has created an environment that makes karate fun and enjoyable for all ages. He hopes to continue this journey with ZBK for years to come.
Sensei Kiarah Nolasco
She has been practicing Karate since 2012. Out of these years, a few have been dedicated to helping teach karate to other students. If parents or students have any questions, and Sensei Jony is not available she would gladly help. She will also help in tournaments and coach for some. She has competed and have been to tournaments like USA Open, a qualifier for nationals, and also have been to nationals. She may be one of the stricter sensei's but she tries her best to teach kids.
Sensei Evelyn Adan
She has been in karate for 12 years now. It has been a journey but it’s all worth it.
Karate has taught her many things like self defense, patience, discipline, and respect. This isn’t just a team, it’s a big family.
Sensei Ricky Jauregui
He has been practicing karate since April 2010. He is one of the oldest of the dojo and one of the first to reach Shodan for the school. He has a bachelor degree in Film and television from California State University Fullerton.
He has helped contribute to the growth of the dojo from the beginning.
Sensei Samuel Davila
Our most experienced Senpai, he has been practicing Karate since 1970's. He started practicing Tae Kwon Do, but quickly move to Shotokan JKA, then in 2004 he was a member of SKA, and lastly in 2018 he joined our school ZBK, since then he has been helping with the development of the children in our dojo in La Mirada.
Senpai Kevin Gonzalez
Kevin began his karate journey in 2015, quickly developing a deep passion for the sport. Over the years, his dedication and hard work has led him to compete at prestigious national and international events. In 2019, he participated in the U.S. Open Karate Championship, earning 2nd place in both kata and kumite, an achievement recognized on the U.S. Open website. His competitive career also includes participation in Nikkei Games, national competitions, and the Nacionales Conade 2022 in La Paz, Mexico.
To further refine his skills, Kevin has trained under renowned karate figures, attending seminars with Sakura Kokumai, Adam Kraus, Brian Hilliard, and Joseph Tolentino. Beyond competing, he is now pursuing a new role in the sport, officiating. In February 2025, he tested for a national judging certification, marking an important step in his journey to give back to the sport he loves. As both a competitor and aspiring judge, Kevin continues to embody dedication, discipline, and a deep respect for karate.