"I coach you because I care about you. I will also challenge you because I believe in you. I will hold you accountable and will expect your commitment when you stand in front of me and stand on these mats. I will teach you what you need to learn, not what you think you need to learn. Have faith in me and one day, it’ll all make sense and pay off. Are you ready to finally start learning?" - M.GOMEZ

Mr. Maurice A. Gomez Sr. has distinguished himself as an eminent figure in the martial arts community, earning global respect for his leadership, dedication, and exemplary skill. As a 4th Degree Black Belt in Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0, Mr. Gomez brings over four decades of comprehensive experience in Kenpo and diverse martial arts disciplines. His career includes serving as a Use of Force & Tactical Self Defense Instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department, where he contributed to their Law Enforcement Tactical Application Course Programs. Throughout his journey, he has shared his expertise with military personnel, law enforcement agencies, specialized security teams, and civilians. His approach to training is informed by real-world experiences and the collective wisdom of those he has mentored and collaborated with. Complementing his martial arts credentials, Mr. Gomez holds an educational background with master’s degrees in computer science and forensic psychology, pre-law & criminal justice

Mr. Gomez embarked on his journey in Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 in March 2013, simultaneously teaching and training in both Ed Parker's Kenpo and Kenpo 5.0. Recognizing the challenge of mastering two complex systems concurrently, he made the courageous decision to conclude his thirty-plus-year commitment to Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate. After earning his 4th Degree Black Belt under the esteemed 1st Generation Ed Parker Black Belt, Mr. Rich Hale.  In May 2016, Mr. Gomez fully dedicated himself to Kenpo 5.0. Although leaving a significant chapter behind was difficult, he embraced this new path with conviction, understanding its significance for his growth and future in martial arts. His accomplishments flourished, leading him to become a JSK 5.0 franchise school owner and to be recognized as one of the premier top instructors in the Jeff Speakman Kenpo 5.0 Association worldwide.

Currently mentored by 8th Degree Black Belt Antranig Anto Parseghian—a senior student and the highest-ranking black belt under Grand Master Jeff Speakman, the founder of Kenpo 5.0—Mr. Gomez continues to expand his knowledge and network. He has trained extensively with prominent Ed Parker's Kenpo black belts constantly seeking the guidance of those whose lineage traces directly to the legendary creator of American Kenpo, Mr. Edmund K. Parker Sr. His unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that both he and his students are continually inspired by Kenpo’s foremost leaders.

Since childhood, Mr. Gomez has been profoundly inspired by the discipline and philosophy of martial arts. Witnessing the mastery of Kenpo firsthand from American Kenpo Founder, Mr. Edmund K. Parker Sr., ignited a passion that set Mr. Gomez on a lifelong journey of learning, reading, and dedication. He went on to enroll at the headquarters of Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate Studio in Pasadena, CA, and also expanded his expertise by training in boxing, Muay Thai, and Filipino Martial Arts with Filipino Combat Systems under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo. This diverse background has equipped Mr. Gomez with an unparalleled breadth of tactical weapons training, which he conscientiously imparts to his students and law enforcement professionals. He continues to learn under Lakan Gil Rich Verdejo in Filipino Martial Arts and receives guidance in Muay Thai from Kru Ray Cole of Khanomtom Muay Thai.

His live instructor-led Women’s Self Defense Workshops have experienced rapid growth in both popularity and demand due to his in-depth knowledge and expertise. He has been featured on NBC, Univision and The Los Angeles Times. His work has also been recognized with an Official Certificate of Recognition by the California State Senate, 32nd District, for his passion and dedication to Women's Safety.

Notable Accomplishments