Our Instructors & Staff Members

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Kenpo and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of DePalma's Team USA Martial Arts's instructors and other staff members, starting with Master Fred DePalma:

Master Fred DePalma  (Sr. Master 8th Degree)  Master DePalma has been teaching the martial arts since 1981 and running his own schools since 1986. Master DePalma is a former national champion with over 700 trophies and awards to his name. When asked what his greatest accomplishment was in the martial arts, he stated "I feel the best knowing that I am sharing part of me, my martial arts with others. Every time I hand a new belt to a student, from the youngest white belt to the highest black belt I feel I've accomplished my goals through their achievements." "It's not about what I've done. It's about what we can do for you." - Master Fred DePalma

Dan Gade  (Chief Instructor - 4th Degree)  Mr. Gade has been training in the Art of Kenpo under Master DePalma for over a decade. Mr. Gade trained and taught as Assistant Instructor from 1997-1999 at the Gilbert School, and has since taught in Mesa, Ahwatukee, and Red Mountain, where he was Manager for two years. He holds the title of Chief Instructor of DePalma's Team USA Martial Arts, and is currently Head Instructor and Manager of the Mesa Location. He is a devoted instructor and loves his students. "I don't just teach my students, but learn from them as well, as we all grow stronger and strive to be our personal best through perseverance and our indomitable spirit." - Dan Gade

Henry Calantog  (Chief Instructor - 4th Degree)  Known simply as Mr. C, he is the Chief Instructor of DePalma's Team USA Martial Arts and, along with Mrs. DePalma, oversees instructor development. He has been the Head Instructor of our Scottsdale Location for 8 years, and is currently the Head Instructor of our Desert Mountain Location. He has been a direct student of Master DePalmas for over a decade. An avid competitor, he has also coached several state and national champions. Amongst the instructors and students he is known for his enthusiasm, energy and motivation. He is a teacher first and foremost, and has dedicated his life to the personal development of others through the martial arts. "We don’t teach karate, we teach people." - Henry Calantog

Robin DePalma  (Sr. Head Instructor - 3rd Degree)  Robin DePalma has been training in the martial arts since 1997. She is currently the Manager of the Corporate Office and All School Advisor. She has previously held the positions of Program Director, Instructor and Head Instructor of the Higley location. She hopes to positively influence the life of every student she teaches. She loves the values the martial arts has to offer and hopes to develop each student into a great person. In addition to her martial arts profession she is also the Mother of two precious boys and the wife of Master DePalma. She enjoys living the martial arts with her husband and looks forward to the goals they have set for the future.

Chad Jones  (Sr. Head Instructor - 3rd Degree)  Chad Jones has been involved in martial arts for over 14 years. He holds a third degree black belt in Kenpo and a 3rd degree black belt in Chong Do Kwan Taekwon-Do. He loves teaching people and changing their lives in a positive way. He feels he is very fortunate to be able to make a career doing something he loves. "It's awesome to see people change and accomplish things by working so hard, and striving to be their best!" - Chad Jones

Chris Hatcher  (Sr. Head Instructor - 3rd Degree)  Mr. Hatcher is the Head Instructor of the Higley location. He has been studying martial arts since 1999, and instructing since 2001. Most recently, he was the 2005 MARRS State Champion for forms, and was a finalist at the Ocean State Nationals for Sparring in Rhode Island. Mr. Hatcher strives for excellence in all his students in Martial Arts and in the Community! "I will empower the community with Black Belt Excellence!" - Chris Hatcher

For more information about the DePalma's Team USA Martial Arts staff or training programs, please contact us at 480 892-3949 or by clicking here.