Instuctors

Jeff Schroder
Senior Professor of the Martial Arts

Jeff Schroder - 7th Degree Black Belt

Sifu Schroder has trained in Martial Arts since age 12. He began his training in Tokong Moosul under Grand Master Yi in 1982, where he earned his red belt before Master Yi returned to Korea. Sifu Schroder then began training in Chinese Kenpo in 1989 under Michael Abedin, earning his 2nd Degree Black Belt from the National Chinese Kenpo Karate Association in 1999.

In 2000, Sifu Schroder established the Chinese Kenpo Karate Association so that he could teach and develop his students to their fullest potential, free from political restraints.

Sifu Schroder branched out into American Kenpo Karate, training directly under Senior Professor John Sepulveda (10th Degree Black Belt) and founder of the American Kenpo Training Systems.

For the past 30 years, Sifu Schroder has continued his studies of Kung Fu under the direction of Grand Master Russell Shores, a 10th Degree Black Belt in Long Chi Quan. The instruction and training provided by Sifu Shores has been invaluable in seemlessly blending Chinese and American Kenpo with the core principles of Chinese Kung Fu.

In the early 2000s, Sifu Schroder started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has a passion for system, incorporating it into his curriculum.

Sifu Schroder is currently a Senior Professor of the Martial Arts (7th Degree Black Belt) and holds Black Belt ranks in Chinese Kenpo Karate, Lung Chi Quan Kung Fu and American Kenpo Karate.

Eager to learn and advance his fighting style, Sifu Schroder branched out into American Kenpo Karate. Training directly under Senior Professor John Sepulveda, founder of the American Kenpo Training Systems, He also has a passion for Jiu-Jitsu, incorporating Joe Morea’s fighting system into his curriculum.

Mr. Schroder took over Austin Kenpo Karate in 1997 and has developed it into the fun, energetic, disciplined school it is today. Mr. Schroder loves working with children and many of his advanced ranks began in the children’s program and have been training with him for over 10 years. In 2004, after many requests from his students who are also parents, he incorporated a youth program (ages 5- 7).

Although the children learn the same curriculum as the juniors and adults, the younger children have flourished under his tutelage. This is due to Sifu Schroder’s strict guidelines for the class, allowing only 25 students to be enrolled in the youth program at one time, unlike many of his competitors who allow 2 to 3 times that number. Children also need encouragement and discipline in order to develop their full potential; Sifu Schroder’s passion for teaching and his ability to relate to his students have made his curriculum a great success.

Trey Newton
Associate Professor of the Martial Arts

Trey Newton - 5th Degree Black Belt

Mr. Newton began his martial arts journey in 1991, earning his first Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo Karate under the instruction of Sifu Michael Abedin at Austin Kenpo Karate. Developed by the late Grand Master Ed Parker, Chinese Kenpo Karate integrates techniques from various Chinese Kung Fu styles with traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate. Mr. Newton's training encompassed material from the Chinese systems of Choy Li Fut, Hung Gar, and Chin Na, further deepening his knowledge of traditional martial arts.

In 2001, Mr. Newton expanded his expertise by studying American Kenpo Karate, initially under the instruction of Senior Master Brian Duffy and later under Professor John Sepulveda, a 10th Degree Black Belt and direct student of Senior Grand Master Parker. His dedication to the art of American Kenpo has allowed him the privilege of training with esteemed practitioners, including:

Sigung Steven LaBounty
Sibok Tom Kelly
Jeff Speakman
Mr. Dennis Conatser
Huk Planas

Continuing his commitment to martial arts, Mr. Newton actively studies American Kenpo and Chinese martial arts under the guidance of Sifu Russell Shores (10th Degree Black Belt, Long Chi Quan Kung Fu) and Sifu Jeff Schroder (7th Degree Black Belt, American Kenpo).

Currently a 5th Degree Black Belt, Mr. Newton holds Black Belt ranks in Chinese Kenpo Karate, American Kenpo Karate, and Long Chi Quan Kung Fu.

Beyond traditional training, Mr. Newton is dedicated to teaching the practicality of Kenpo in real-world self-defense scenarios. His instruction emphasizes adaptability, efficiency, and effectiveness in real-life confrontations, ensuring that students can defend themselves in a variety of situations—both inside and outside the ring. Through a combination of combat drills, scenario-based training, and situational awareness development, he prepares his students to apply Kenpo’s principles in everyday life. His approach not only hones technical skill but also builds confidence, discipline, and the ability to respond decisively under pressure.

Mr. Newton remains committed to empowering his students with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves and others, continuing his lifelong pursuit of martial arts excellence and practical self-defense training.