Instructors
Meet Our Instructors
Mr. Joseph B Claycomb
Chief Instructor
Shihan Joseph Claycomb is a Certified Machida Karate Instructor as well as a 6th degree Black belt in Shotokan Karate, a 4th Dan in Kanzen Ryu Karate and a 4th Dan in Kobudo (Okinawan Weapons). Shihan Claycomb is also Certified Kickboxing Instructor.
He Began his martial arts journey at the age of seven and has trained internationally & locally and has been privileged to have trained with many high-ranking instructors and some of the best traditional martial artists in the world.
Currently Mr. Claycomb is under the direct tutelage of Master Toshiatsu Sasaki (8th Dan) who is the President of Japan Karate-do Maruyoshikai Organization. Mr. Claycomb has also studied a variety martial arts such as Kung Fu, Tae Kwon do, Judo, Boxing and Okinawan Karate Styles of Kanzen ryu, Shito ryu & Goju ryu.
As a Competitor, Mr. Claycomb has extensive experience at Local, Regional and International competition. He is a Former National Karate Team Coach of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Shihan Claycomb enjoys teaching practical NO NON-SENSE Self Defense Techniques with a Combative mentality in all of his classes. Currently, he is the Chief instructor at Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts in Fontana, CA 92336.
Mr. Tom Kusleika
Assistant Instructor
Sensei Kusleika is a veteran of 36 years of Karate. He is known for his caring touch and straight forward yet practical approach in his classes.
Mr. Kusleika was a collegiate wrestling competitor and coach during his academic years. He currently teaches our wrestling and grappling classes with a self defense and practical approach for those looking to enhance their overall combative skills and/or Karate for MMA abilities.
Sensei Tom also assists in many Karate classes and loves teaching our younger students and youth. As a school teacher and educator himself, he believes in the benefits of Martial arts physical training and how it helps students improve their academic abilities and success.
Xena Mohammad
Black Belt Instructor
Xena is a very accomplished black belt and seasoned competitor with over 13 years of training. She began her training with Shihan Claycomb at the age of 3 1/2. 8 years of consistent training later, She earned her Black belt rank in Japanese Karate from Japan under Shotokan Master Toshiatsu Sasaki - 8th dan. Currently, Xena is the lead Kid's Karate instructor. Our students love her spark, personality and energetic teaching style.
As a full time Honor student and a Chamber member in Orchestra, Her karate training has always given her a great confidence in herself and a positive direction.
Currently, She also trains at the Machida Karate Academy in Lomita CA under the close watch and tutelage of Sensei Lyoto and Chinzo Machida.
Her next goal is to earn recognition as a Machida Karate Blackbelt and certified instructor. Senpai Xena is an inspiration to other Young ladies in our dojo looking to excel in everything they aspire to be.
Michael Claycomb
Black Belt Instructor
As very accomplished black belt and seasoned competitor with over 13 years of training, Senpai Michael began his martial arts journey with Shihan Claycomb at the age of 3 1/2. After 8 years of consistent training and dedication, He earned his Black belt rank in Japanese Karate from Japan under Shotokan Master Toshiatsu Sasaki - 8th Dan.
Currently, Senpai Michael assists in teaching our Kid’s Karate programs. Our students love his personality, dynamic approach and positive energy.
With dedication and commitment to his academic success, Karate has always given him a positive direction and tremendous confidence. Currently, Senpai Michael also trains at the Machida Karate Academy in Lomita CA under the close watch and tutelage of Senseis Lyoto and Chinzo Machida.
His next goal is to earn recognition as Machida Karate Blackbelt and certified instructor and one day run his own academy and continue the Claycomb family tradition.
Reviews
My six year old son and I both take classes at Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts. Having been able to both observe and participate in the classes, I can say that the teaching is always superb and the curriculum is well scaffolded for all levels. Shihan Claycomb and Sensi Dion are always positive, providing corrective feedback and challenging their students to better their practice. Clearly, a lot of energy and thought has been put forth to create the space that is the dojo. It is well maintained, has up to date equipment and even has some artistic features reminiscent of Japanese architecture. Doing business with Claycomb Karate has always been straightforward and professional. Most importantly, the people and spirit of the dojo make coming to train an enjoyable experience. Everyone is there to better themselves and their karate practice and is supportive of one another. And the instructors definitely foster this attitude. I always feel energized and stronger after training at Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts!
Karate Kid
With so many martial arts schools out there, it may be difficult to choose where to go and sign up, especially if you don't know much about the arts and what to look for. If you seek a genuine school with teachers who truly know martial arts history of all origins and teach the disciplines while keeping all the old school values that you'd want, this is your place. Keep in mind, the physical attributes of what you'll learn is of course there, valuable martial arts training with masters who have a track record and background to provide all the traditional karate skills with the phenomenal elements of sport karate and beyond for a rich, well rounded and practical experience. Don't be surprised when you see world level athletes floating in and training. This is norm.
My son has been with this dojo since 6 years old and has learned so much. It is a family-oriented dojo! Must try them out! Mt son learned so much from self-disciplined to leadership but of course self-defense. Very traditional! Would recommend to anyone ages 5 and up.
Great dojo!
My daughter had a lot of fun learning martial arts here.
Excellent Academy of Martial Arts, and very Professional
My children "attending Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts'' and feel safe, with discipline, and happy.
Honor, Family, Respect, Courage
Great karate training for all ages. If you want to train hard and meet other students like you. Claycomb Academy of Materials Arts wants you. I love our Sensei's who teach you honor, courage, respect which increases your spirit by making effort. Our Shihan Joseph brings more to the Dojo than just another Karate club. I encourage you to bring your family and join us.
Great for kids!
The atmosphere is great, the staff attentive and my six year old is enjoying and building his confidence.
An example of what any martial art school should strive to be
First, As a martial artist for nearly 40 years & as an instructor for nearly 30 years, let's say I've been in more than a few dojo. The head instructor, Sensei Claycomb, has done everything possible to make his dojo accessible, well-equipped, safe and providing high caliber martial arts instruction. While there are schools that claim to teach a mish-mash of martial arts, this is not the case here. Sensei Claycomb energetically teaches his areas of expertise & his assistant instructors do the same. Additionally, he has other instructors present their skills to his students thus demonstrating his humility (doesn't need to appear that he knows it all). Finally, Sensei Claycomb is constantly researching & training to improve his own skills by training with other instructors, taking special seminars & maintaining personal & professional relationships with a wide array of martial artists.
Excellent Dojo
My son and I have been here about a year and have really enjoyed our time here. The facility is well thought out in its layout, with all the pads and bags needed for real work. The training floor is spacious and welcoming. My family and I have always felt at home here. From day one my experience has been very positive, with higher ranks always willing to help, and some really great, progressive, and applicable teaching from the head instructors. The curiculum offered gives a well rounded, multi faceted education in the many things that Karate has to offer, with practical application for self defense, grappling, and even traditional weapons. If you apply your self to what is being taught, you will gain some really effective and practical skills while improving your overall physical conditioning as well.
Great experience!
Had a wonderful experience! Friendly and caring staff, variety of techniques, uplifting and encouraging environment. Would still attend if I didn't live so far way. Highly recommend!
JUST AMAZING
I have been coming to this dojo for 2 years now and I just can't express how amazing this experience is. Not only do I get a fun workout, but i also learn Martial Arts doing it. The Facility is very clean and come with a multitude of equipment such as Heavy bags, pads, and much more! The instructors teaching the classes are excedingly phenomenal. I enjoy coming to the dojo and I have considered this place as a 2nd home. I wouldn't recommend anything else but this dojo.
Great Instructors, Workout and Training!
I've been training here at the Academy of Martial Arts for a few months now. Not only have I lost weight since I started (about 15lbs), but I am starting to feel myself getting stronger. The time spent in each class gives me a tremendous workout while learning self defense techniques that are based on traditional Shotokan, but with a more modern approach to real life practical application and defense. On Saturdays traditional Kata classes are taught. The Dojo is very clean, colorful, and attractive. It is well stocked with equipment such as heavy bags, pads, and gear. There is an assortment of weapons that students may choose to be trained in, and the entire workout area is covered with a padded flooring. It is very inviting and you immediately feel that you are in a dojo. I have found all the students from the youngest to oldest to be very respectful, curious, and friendly. And the Instructors Shihan Claycomb and Sensei Dionne to be wonderful instructors with their vast knowledge of Shotokan Karate, Judo, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, Grappling, and Sparring. Whether you are someone wanting a place to train for competitions, or whether you are someone like me who wants to continue to lose weight, get stronger and be more confident and in charge of my health and life, I couldn't recommend this facility enough.
Learn Martial Arts the Right Way
There is no one in the Martial Arts field more knowledgeable than Shihan Claycomb. He truly lives, eats, breathes, and researches all areas of the Art. The instructional hands on classes will more than support this statement and you will quickly learn, reguardless of the level you are currently at, that you have finally found a Dojo with no equal. You would expect someone with the expertise he has to be a much older instructor, but it is because Shihan Claycomb has spent most of his life emersed in the Arts you will be pleasently surprised to find a younger more vibrant instructor. I would never, never have anyone in my family study under anyone else.
Learn Martial Arts the Right Way
There is no one in the Martial Arts field more knowledgeable than Shihan Claycomb. He truly lives, eats, breathes, and researches all areas of the Art. The instructional hands on classes will more than support this statement and you will quickly learn, reguardless of the level you are currently at, that you have finally found a Dojo with no equal. You would expect someone with the expertise he has to be a much older instructor, but it is because Shihan Claycomb has spent most of his life emersed in the Arts you will be pleasently surprised to find a younger more vibrant instructor. I would never, never have anyone in my family study under anyone else.
Claycomb Academy of Martial Arts
This academy combines the art & discipline of Shotokan Karate with practical application of techniques learned (kata & kumite) to actual real life self defense situations. Students are well-rounded, They learn take downs, take down defense and other fighting skills. A very good example of this self defense philosophy will be Lyoto Machida - a very successful & champion UFC fighter.
Great for the beginner or expert to be introduced to a wide range of advanced techniques
What I love about this dojo is the "self-defence" mindset. The classes are geared toward techniques that will have the most success and effectiveness in a real-world setting. The foundation is based on the distance, timing and footwork of Karate, and blends all forms of mix martial arts. I think the karate, wrestling, and jiu jitsu techniques transcend what you can get in typical MMA class. We also learn through light-sparring sessions and hands-on drills. It's a great cardio workout. There was a time I lost 1 belt-size in 1 session.
High energy atmosphere of teamwork
My family and I have been practicing martial arts at this dojo for 3 years now. The instructors are highly skilled and excellent coaches who consistently motivate the students. They teach a variety of techniques in self defense and karate for all ages. I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in exploring martial arts, sparring or wrestling. They also have a yoga class and boot camp available in the attached upstairs studio.
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Mon: | 1:00pm - 9:00pm |
Tue: | 1:00pm - 9:00pm |
Wed: | 1:00pm - 9:00pm |
Thu: | 1:00pm - 9:00pm |
Fri: | 1:00pm - 8:00pm |
Sat: | Closed |
Sun: | Closed |
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