Our instructors - Santa Clara

*All of our Instructors at SMA are finger printed and have full background check before being hired on as part of our team of instructors at SMA*

Master D. Jorge Silva

Master instructor, D. Jorge Silva is a 5th degree black belt, certified by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (Headquarters for Tae Kwon Do in Kukkiwon, Korea), and has been practicing martial arts since May 2nd of 1987. He is eager to share what he has gained with his students of all ages. " I ate and slept Tae Kwon Do. I learned selfcontrol, patience, respect for others, courtesy...I learned to treat others the way you want to be treated, and to keep a positive attitude--not to give up in life--that there's nothing you can't do. Training in the martial arts has helped me develop self respect, respect for my family, and self control through my life to stay drug and gang free. It also has taught me the importance of being a role model for our kids by staying fit and healthy. I feel It is my obligation as a martial arts Master to help our kids understand and practice the importance of staying fit and eating healthy". Master Silva was recognized (10/14/06) by W.T.F. and Kukkiwon president Woo Kyu Uhm with a Diploma for his unlimited efforts of self sacrifice to bring about the development and popularization of Tae Kwon Do, as a result a great contribution to the promotion on Tae Kwon Do culture.

Master Ricardo Torres

Mr. Torres is a Kukkiwon certified 4th degree black belt. He also holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; a martial art that he trains in three days a week.

Mr. Torres started his martial arts training almost 15 years ago while attending UC Santa Cruz. At the time, Tae Kwon Do was offered as part of the University’s PE program by a local Tae Kwon Do Master that had his own private studio in the city. Discovering this information, Mr. Torres jumped on the opportunity straight away! This was the beginning of new way of life with many opportunities.

When the moment arrived to attend graduate school at San Jose State University, Master Silva was the only Master in the area that was happy and willing to work with Mr. Torres’ work and school schedule so he could continue training. Soon after joining Silva Tae Kwon Do in 2002, Mr. Torres began assisting and teaching classes as a red belt. The rest is history, and a future in the making, with Silva Martial Arts as a permanent home for Mr. Torres.

Mr. Torres enjoys teaching and seeing the progress that SMA students make over time, and sometimes right in front of his eyes!

Brian Hurst

Mr. Hurst is a Kukkiwon certified 3rd degree black belt.

He started his martial arts training in January 2002 while still at middle school in the Santa Clara School District. Although he was not looking for a studio at the time, a close friend had highly recommended Mr. Silva’s studio. Mr. Hurst tried a class at the studio, and was hooked instantly! Mr. Silva’s exciting teaching style, positive attitude, and raw Tae Kwon Do skills made a lasting impression.

“The studio has done so much for me in all areas of my life. It taught me discipline, self control, respect, and life skills. It has given me confidence in myself both mentally, and physically, and it has kept me modest as well. I have always been a good student at school, but the life skills I’ve learned at Silva Martial Arts have definitely helped me at school, at work, and in my personal life. In my time at the studio, I have learned important life skills like goal setting, public speaking, presenting, and work ethic. All of these skills and more have allowed me to have a high level of control over my life, and allow me to feel like I am able to create my own reality through hard work and dedication.

“I continue to learn and grow from teaching at the studio, and I look forward to seeing every one of my students achieve black belt. My favorite thing about teaching is the difference I am able to make in my students’ lives; both kids and adults. I see so much growth in all of them every month, and I’m very proud to be a part of their lives.

Roi Escalada

Mr. Escalada has been training with Silva Martial Arts since his early years of high school. He tested for his black belt in 2006. His brother Russell also achieved his black belt at our studio. Roi trains hard every week to prepare himself for competing in kyroogi (sparring) at tournaments, and always looks forward to tournament season.

He also is a full time student at San Jose State, where he is majoring in Kinesiology. He brings useful skills to the studio with this background; like injury prevention, healthy exercise and diet strategies, and how to properly tape joints.

Mrs. Gaby

“I joined TKD in 2007. Before my first class I was terrified, and after it I was exhausted!! As my ability to participate in class without feeling like passing out increased, I fell more and more in love with TKD; with the discipline, the strength, the coordination, and the general ability to defend myself. I also realized how good it was for my health (minus the bruises) and my self-perception. Not many people my age get to do what I do. I also found the support and care of the TKD family which was a huge unexpected bonus of joining Silva Martial Arts. I really enjoy working with my classmates and watching the progress made. It is very exciting!"

4 years after joining, Gaby proudly holds a black belt in TKD as well as a purple belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. She jokes that, “I still cannot catch or throw a dodgeball... but I make great cookies!”

Mrs. Nichole

Morgan Mrs. Morgan has been training with Silva Martial Arts since 2009 years now. She has been teaching the tiny tigers class since 2010. Outside of teaching at our studio, Nichole also teaches cooking, and arts and crafts classes for children. Her husband Josh, and two children Kylie and Ryan also train at our studio.

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