The Black Belts Behind Gilbert's Rising Martial Artists

Sensei Michael D’Aguanno is a lifelong martial artist who began his journey at the age of 5. 

Over the past 37 years, he has achieved multiple Black Belts in various styles which include:

He also trained in Jiu-Jitsu and currently holds the rank of Blue Belt under John Botello in the 10th Planet System.

Sensei Mike has also won many titles and awards including:

His passion is to help others achieve their potential in the martial arts by creating strong students, mentors, and leaders not only in the studio but also in the community. 

Sensei Mike created the Kaizen Academy of Martial Arts to help bring light to the positive benefits martial arts has on others and to the town in which he was born and raised.

Sensei Alyssa Hellner started her martial arts journey in 2015 when she was 10 and has been teaching since she was 14. 

Over the past 8 years, she has achieved two black belts in the following styles:

Sensei Alyssa holds the title of Grand Champion in the 18-29 women’s traditional forms division with the AZ Martial Arts Tournament Circuit and won first, second, and third place in studio tournaments in the past. 

Her passion is helping her students become the best version of themselves both in martial arts and in the community. She loves engaging young people in discussing life lessons while teaching martial arts. 

When she joined the Kaizen Academy of Martial Arts in 2020, she vowed to help others continuously improve themselves.

Senpai Eli Hart has studied Martial Arts for over 12 years, starting at the age of 5.

He has earned Black Belts in multiple styles including:

He has also competed in various tournaments and is a Certified Judge for The Arizona Martial Arts Tournament Circuit, which holds several tournaments in the State.

Senpai Eli began teaching in 2019. He is passionate about bringing the skills he has learned to a new generation of young martial artists and to teach them Life Skills and leadership abilities that will inspire his students to grow.

He’s been in martial arts since 2012

Started instructing 3 years ago

He loves bringing knowledge of martial arts to his students and watching them grow in their skills.