Instructional Excellence


Sensei Roe is the owner and Chief Instructor of the Martial Arts Academy, one of Orange County's top-rated martial arts schools. He is also the Headmaster for the Karate for Kids program of Chapman University in Orange. In addition, he is the Safety Director for children and staff at Valencia Elementary School in Laguna Hills. Sensei Roe holds a fourth degree Black Belt and is an Instructor's College honors graduate. Sensei Roe is a certified personal trainer and is university-educated in human resources development. Furthermore, Sensei Roe has been approved for community services, with a badge and clearance issued by the Orange County Sheriff's department. Sensei Roe has appeared in Inside Karate, Inside Kung-fu, and Karate Business magazines as well as in Martial Arts videos and training films. He is currently training both law enforcement and military personnel- including S.W.A.T. team and Special Forces members. Sensei Roe provides consulting for other martial arts school owners and instructors to update and improve their classes and training as well as their business practices. His students have been increasingly more successful, with several winning in international level competition. His students have also been featured in the Orange County Register, the Flight Jacket, the Scout, and the Saddleback Valley News. Sensei Roe has worked with D.A.R.E. and taught numerous classes on rape prevention and children's safety at local elementary, private, middle and high schools. He has also performed demos and taught self-defense clinics for the Boy Scouts and Kinderkare, as well as at Churches, Colleges and private schools throughout the Southland.


Instructor Maureen "Mo" Roe is an inspiration to all. At less than 100 lbs and 5'2" tall she is as fast and as strong as a leopard, which is her fighting style. She is particularly good with children, and tutors many of the Academy students in school. She is a College Professor in her spare time, with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a Master's and a BA in English literature. She is a Black Belt and certified to teach her own Karate program at Chapman University in Orange.


Instructor Urquidi is another dedicated and talented member of the instructional team at the Academy. With a consuming drive to perfect his techniques to the utmost, he sets a very high standard for all. He, like Maureen, is also a teacher, working at Capo Valley High School. Roderick is a Black Belt and a certified instructor.



Steve "Devil Dog" Payne is the absolute epitome of hard work, dedication and loyalty. He is a Master Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps, and is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton. Steve has won the Academy's "Semper Fi" award every year that he has been a student. He sets an example of self-discipline that few can match. A fierce competitor, Steve and his Black-Belt son Stefawn are frequently seen in the winners' circle at local and international competitions.


Mr. MacCleverty is the Martial Arts Academy's Senior student, being on of the first to join the Academy when it opened in 1992. He is a Fireman and a devoted father of two girls and a boy. His oldest daughter, Tara is also a student at the Academy. Mr. Macleverty is very community minded, and feels that by teaching the martial arts he is performing a tremendous service to the community.


Meaghan Murray.

Meaghan holds an Adult Black belt, and has been featured by the Orange County Register as one of the Southland's finest young Martial Artists. She frequently helps out with the youngest students, and can really motivate and inspire.


Stefawn Payne.

Stefawn holds an Adult Black Belt and is an intense and talanted competitor. He has won numerous awards in international competition. He, like Meaghan, often helps out with the younger students, and instills in them his love of the arts. His ambition is to be a Navy Seal.