Black Belts

Born in 1974 in Tehran, Iran. He holds a 5th Dan in Judo and self-defence martial arts and a 7th Dan in WHF Hapkido.

He is a member of the F1 Board of Directors and an official trainer of the Iranian Judo Federation, Secretary of the Legal Committee of the Judo Federation, and Senior Advisor to the Razm-Uran Institute, Iran. He began his sports career in 1999 and is a lawyer with a master's degree in law.

John Walsh is a dedicated martial artist and instructor whose journey in the martial arts has been defined by continuous study, personal development and a commitment to preserving and sharing traditional martial arts principles.

Since 2013, John has trained in Sin Moo Hapkido under Master Massan Ghorbani at Masters Temple, where he has developed a strong understanding of the art's principles, techniques and philosophy. Through years of dedicated practice he has gained experience in joint locking, throwing techniques, pressure-point applications, kicking methods, self-defence strategies, breathing exercises, meditation and the development of mind-body harmony. His training has instilled the core values of Sin Moo Hapkido, emphasising both effective martial skill and personal growth.

In addition to his Hapkido training, John holds a Brown Belt in Ming Chuan Kung Fu, further broadening his martial arts foundation. His experience in Kung Fu has contributed to his understanding of traditional striking methods, body mechanics, balance, coordination and the disciplined mindset required for martial arts excellence.

John has also become known for his involvement in power-breaking demonstrations, showcasing the application of speed, focus, precision, timing and mental determination. Through years of practice he has developed the ability to demonstrate the practical expression of martial arts power through various breaking techniques, reflecting both technical skill and dedication to training.

His martial arts studies encompass both the physical and philosophical aspects of traditional martial disciplines. He believes that martial arts should be a lifelong journey that develops character, respect, perseverance, self-control and a positive attitude toward personal challenges.

As both a practitioner and mentor, John is committed to helping students of all ages build confidence, improve fitness, develop practical self-defence skills and achieve their individual goals. His teaching philosophy focuses on creating a positive learning environment where students can progress at their own pace while maintaining the traditions and values that form the foundation of the martial arts.

Through years of training, continued education and practical experience, John Walsh remains dedicated to the advancement of traditional martial arts and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in both martial skill and personal development.

Sabomnim Miguel Florez brings more than 40 years of continuous martial arts experience, offering a complete curriculum in realistic self-defence rooted in traditional martial arts and adapted for the modern environment. His programme serves adults and children of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners seeking to enrich their martial arts background with effective, real-world Hapkido and Silat.

Sabomnim Florez began his training in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate in 1986 under Shihan Sudo Tanaka in Venezuela, competing in open tournaments against Taekwondo, Karate and Kung Fu practitioners. After relocating to the United States in late 1989 to pursue his Mechanical Engineering degree, he trained in USA Goju under Sensei Peter Urban while continuing to return to Venezuela to preserve his Okinawan lineage. He was awarded his Black Belt in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate in 2009 by Shihan Sudo Tanaka, followed by his Black Belt in USA Goju under Shihan Raymond Hermann, and currently holds the rank of 3rd Dan in USA Goju Karate, awarded by Shihan Raymond Hermann and Sensei Mike Hurley.

After moving to Florida in 2002, Sabomnim Florez began his Hapkido journey in 2005 under Grandmaster In Wan Kim. Hapkido, which translates as “The Way of Harmonizing Energy”, allowed him to elevate his martial arts to a higher level of joint locks, throws, striking and energy redirection, alongside the study of Gumdo (Korean sword). He currently holds a 5th Dan, the highest instructor level awarded by Grandmaster In Wan Kim.

Since 2018, Sabomnim Florez has intensively studied Silat Suffian Bela Diri from Brunei under Cikgu Maul Mornie, integrating its close-quarters, blade-aware and low-line principles into his realistic self-defence curriculum.

Beyond the mat, he has been a consistent practitioner of authentic traditional Yoga for twenty years, holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from NJIT with a concentration in Nuclear Physics, and has over 30 years of successful professional experience in the chemical industry.