Ivan began studying Shotokan Karate with Sensei Jim Hood at the Houston Academy of Martial Arts in 1982. After moving with his family to California, he continued his study of Shotokan with Sensei Abe Belardo at The Way of Japan in Bakersfield. He later moved to Sacramento where he joined Cerezo’s Martial Arts and studied Shito Ryu Karate under Abe Cerezo until moving to Kerrville in 2023. He holds black belt ranks in both Shotokan and Shito Ryu Karate.

He began studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2021 at Waza BJJ in Elk Grove, CA with Coach Derek DiManno. He continues to study at Woodlands Jiu-Jitsu here in Kerrville with Coach Cody Wood.

In 1995 Ivan started a career as a police officer with the Stockton Police Department. He retired in 2022 at the rank of Captain. He was fortunate to have many assignments during his career including, Patrol, Gang Street Enforcement Team and SWAT. He studied, taught and has extensive experience applying knowledge and skills in several disciplines that he brings to his martial arts training and instruction. They include recognizing, analyzing and responding to high-risk situations, de-escalation, tactical communication, tactical decision making, use of force, ethics and leadership.

Ivan started teaching karate after earning his first black belt in 1985. He has been regularly teaching since 2008. In 2012 He started the karate program with the Stockton Police Youth Activities and taught classes there until 2020. During his police career he regularly gave classes to community groups on the topics of personal safety including surviving active shooter incidents.

In 2015 Ivan and his wife Van visited the Hill Country for a vacation. They fell in love with the area and returned several times before choosing Kerrville as the place to start this next chapter of their lives. They are excited to live here and for the opportunity to contribute to the outstanding quality of life this community enjoys.