executive directors
Master Mike Johnson
Master Mike Johnson began training in Taekwondo in 1981 and is now a 7th degree black belt under the Grandmaster’s Taekwondo Association. He has taught the accredited martial arts program at the University of Texas at Arlington since 1986. He teaches Women’s self defense, Co-Ed self defense, and is the advisor and head instructor for the University Martial Arts Association. Master Johnson has competed in tournaments all over the United States and has won over 100 trophies, medals, and 35 Grand Champion trophies. He won the Traditional Karate League Eagle Award as the top black belt men’s competitor six times. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and has lived in Arlington since 1980. He owns and runs the Texas Black Belt Academy with the help of his wife, Becky, and son, Josh. He is a member of Wyatt Drive Baptist Church in White Settlement.
Master David Kestenbaum
Master David Kestenbaum began training in Taekwondo at age 5 and is now a 5th degree Black Belt certified by the Kukkiwon world headquarters in Seoul, S. Korea, and the United States Taekwondo Grand Masters Society. At 24 he was recognized as one of the youngest Taekwondo Masters in the world. In his more than 20 years of studying Taekwondo, Master Kestenbaum has trained on two continents, and mentored under Grand Master Won Chik Park, Grand Master Roy Kurban, and Grand Master Martin Hall, 5 Masters, and numerous Olympic & National Team athletes. He has competed successfully in National & International competitions in both Karate & Olympic Style Taekwondo, winning multiple Texas State titles as well as U.S. and Canadian championships. In 2002 he was invited to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. With over 500 trophies & medals Master Kestenbaum continues to compete in the Texas Karate League where he has won over 25 Grand Championships in forms and sparring. A graduate of the University of Texas Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, Master Kestenbaum has trained athletes from youth to professional. He has a passion for Taekwondo, fitness, and for helping people reach their greatest potential.