Our Instructors
Master Sanchez
Grand Master Gerardo Sanchez
Founder & Head Instructor
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Grand Master Gerardo Sanchez embarked on his martial arts journey at a tender age, exploring various disciplines including Kung Fu, Karate, Tang Soo Do, and Tae Kuk Mu Sul. However, it was the profound philosophy of Taekwondo that captured his heart, leading him to dedicate himself to its practice from the age of 6.
Under the tutelage of Master Emilio Rodriguez Jimenez at Instituto Rodriguez de Tae Kwon Do in Tepatitlan de Morelos, Jalisco, Mexico, Grand Master Sanchez honed his skills and competed in numerous local, state, regional, and national championships.
In 1989, Grand Master Sanchez brought his passion for Taekwondo to the United States, continuing his training under the guidance of Grand Master Park from Korea. Recognized for his exceptional skill and dedication, he soon became Master Park's Head Instructor and achieved the rank of Junior 4th Dan Junior Master in 1995 under the esteemed Grand Master Jong H. Park. Later, in 2006, he attained his 5th Dan Certification under General Master Kang Ein Kim.
Throughout his training, Grand Master Sanchez's dedication to martial arts extended beyond Taekwondo, as he also trained in Kickboxing under former lightweight champion Billy Olsen. His commitment to education paralleled his martial arts journey, as he pursued a degree in Liberal Studies from Santa Rosa Junior College before transferring to Sonoma State University.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Grand Master Sanchez has been deeply involved in community service, particularly with the migrant education program. He provided academic support, translations, and martial arts classes to migrant families and their children, furthering his commitment to fostering a healthy and safe community environment. Additionally, he dedicated several summers to working in migrant camps throughout the state of California, from Shasta to San Diego, providing academic support, translations, and Taekwondo classes to migrant families and their children. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the California Mini-corps and the Migrant Education Office, furthering his commitment to fostering a healthy and safe community environment.
In 1999, Grand Master Sanchez founded Multicultural Taekwondo Institute in Santa Rosa, California, offering free programs to individuals of all ages in an area affected by violence, drugs, and gang activity. Renamed Cali Kicks Martial Arts in 2010, the studio has since become a home for hundreds of students, producing numerous national and international champions.
Grand Master Sanchez's dedication to community service extends beyond martial arts, as Cali Kicks has collaborated with the city of Santa Rosa on gang prevention events, neighborhood cleanups, health fairs, and more. His ultimate goal is to create a better, healthier, and safer community for all.
In June 2017, Grand Master Gerardo Sanchez attained his 7th Dan Black Belt under UTA Founder Grand Master Hyun K Choi and UTA President Yong Choi, further solidifying his expertise and leadership in the martial arts community.