The Training Mat: Instructors

Instructors

Mark O'Dell
	Mr. O’Dell began training in White Tiger Kenpo in 1984. He is one of only a handful of students to achieve a Black Belt from his school and the only one to teach full time for over 23 years. He was awarded the student of the decade for 1990 through 2000. In addition to teaching thousands of men, women and children he has also been a guest speaker at rape prevention seminars and a consultant to the U.S. military in their development of a hand-to-hand training program. Mr. O’Dell has furthered his training by achieving a Black Belt in the Tracy system of Kenpo, learned Dogbrothers style of stickfighting under one of the original members of the Dogbrothers, Sifu Lester Griffen, trained under Mike Nagano in Kajukenbo, studied kickboxing under Lorenzo Rodriguez and title holder “Smokin” Joe Sarkissian, and learned the Jun Bao system under Grandmaster James Ibrao
He is a Certified Personal Trainer for 24 Hour Fitness and has certifications from APEX Fitness Group, ISSA (International Sports Science Association), the NCSF (National Council of Strength and Fitness), the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and in CPR. Over the years some of the greatest Martial Art Masters have taught seminars at his school. Mr. O’Dell has competed at the Long Beach International (2004), the International Chinese Koushu Championships in San Francisco (2001) and the Bok Fu Do Invitational (2003). He has also put his skills to the test at two of the Dogbrothers full contact stickfighting “Gathering of the Pack” and recently competed in kickboxing matches (3 – 0) despite being 38 years old. He has also tested his endurance and stamina by taking part in events such as the Vineman Half Triathlon and numerous long distant bike rides including “The Ride Around the Bear” (a 100 mile course that travels from the base of Big Bear across the top and down the other side), “The Markleeville Death Ride” (a 200 mile course through the Sierra Navadas consisting of five mountain passes), “The Grand Tour” in Malibu (200 miles) and “The Tour of Two Forests” (218 miles).

Mark Houston
	Mr Houston began training in White Tiger Kenpo in 1998. Mr. Houston’s dedication and work ethic became evident very early in his martial art training when he distinguished himself from other students by setting the record for the fastest progression in his school’s 30 year history. A record formally held by Mr. O’Dell. Mr. Houston is also a certified personal trainer, holding certifications from ISSA (International Sports Science Association), the NCSF (National Council of Strength and Fitness), and APEX. He is certified in CPR and is a licensed EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). He is currently working on undergraduate courses in order to transfer and begin work on his Ph.D. in Physical Therapy.
Mr. Houston has tested his skills in several kickboxing matches and at two full contact stickfighting matches hosted by the Dogbrothers. He has competed at the Long Beach International (2004), the International Chinese Koushu Championships in San Francisco (2001), the Bok Fu Do Invitational (2003) and “The Desert Rat” in Victorville (2004). Mr. Houston had the opportunity in 2004 to train directly with Bart Vale in Florida and in recent years under welterweight title holder “Smokin” Joe Sarkissian.

Jesse Marez
	Mr. Marez began his martial arts training in 1983. And in that time has achieved a 3rd Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a 1st Degree Black Belt in Champions Martial Arts and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. He has won National Forms Championships in the Pacific Rim/T.P.A. Tour, Won Fighting Championships in the I.M.A.C. He has extensive training in grappling and kickboxing and has students who have won Nationally Ranked Martial Arts and No-Gi Grappling Competitions, as well as local kickboxing championships. Mr. Marez coaches with and trains under All American Wrestler Harlan Kistler. He is one of only 3 certified Head Coaches under Mark Hatmaker in the Nation. Received Black Belt under Black Belt Hall of Fame Member Keith Hirabayashi Cooke, including training with Santos Flaniken, Arleme Limas, Steve Fisher and Ali Shah.Mr. Marez is a Licensed Clinical Child Therapist with an MSW and B. A. in Psychology. He has worked with children in sports for over 18 years and in clinical therapy for over seven years.
Mr. Marez is a Level 1 Certified Catch Wrestling through Jake Shannon and Scientific Wrestling. Among the legendary Catch Wrestlers Mr. Marez has trained with are Billy Robinson and Dick Cardinal. Mr. Marez has also coached, played and refereed State Cup Level Club Soccer. He was an all conference college soccer player and has played soccer in Europe. Certified Coach License in Folkstyle Wrestling under the American Sport Education Program and the California Interscholastic Federation and the Division of Human Kinetics.