Mr. Farzad Khosrowpour (Mr. K) is the Chief Instructor at Journey Martial Arts. He is a 5th degree black belt in Taekwondo and has achieved a nationally certified Taekwondo professional training certification with the skills, and abilities required to lead group and personal training programs. He has placed in first through third places competing at various national and regional tournaments for many years.
Mr. K is certified in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling, Interval Fitness and Strength/conditioning, and has a black belt in Short Stick. He is CPR and First Aid certified. In addition to his Taekwondo, Yoga, Conditioning and interval training activities, Mr K enjoys soccer, football, and volleyball.
My Taekwondo journey started as a hobby just to get in shape and spend time with my family in a joint activity. Never imagined where this journey would take me - it just changed my life! I was overweight and, let me just say, not in good shape. I lost 60 pounds, a little at a time and stayed with it. My doctor told me “I don't know what you are doing, but keep doing whatever it is, it is working”. It's not just a fitness and health aspect. I have gained confidence, discipline, mental focus, and skills that last a lifetime. It's become my passion now, because what better feeling is there than to share the knowledge and benefits of what others have taught me with people in my community.
Mr. K is certified in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling, Interval Fitness and Strength/conditioning, and has a black belt in Short Stick. He is CPR and First Aid certified. In addition to his Taekwondo, Yoga, Conditioning and interval training activities, Mr K enjoys soccer, football, and volleyball.
My Taekwondo journey started as a hobby just to get in shape and spend time with my family in a joint activity. Never imagined where this journey would take me - it just changed my life! I was overweight and, let me just say, not in good shape. I lost 60 pounds, a little at a time and stayed with it. My doctor told me “I don't know what you are doing, but keep doing whatever it is, it is working”. It's not just a fitness and health aspect. I have gained confidence, discipline, mental focus, and skills that last a lifetime. It's become my passion now, because what better feeling is there than to share the knowledge and benefits of what others have taught me with people in my community.
Mr. Chen
He is currently a student at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. He likes taekwondo a lot and is currently a second Dan black belt. Mr. Chen likes math and biology, and has participated in team competitions like Science Olympiad. He likes to play the piano and guitar, though he is a beginner.
Mr. Chen spends his free time reading books and listening to music. He has been living in Austin for more than 4 years, and loves it here.
He is currently a student at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. He likes taekwondo a lot and is currently a second Dan black belt. Mr. Chen likes math and biology, and has participated in team competitions like Science Olympiad. He likes to play the piano and guitar, though he is a beginner.
Mr. Chen spends his free time reading books and listening to music. He has been living in Austin for more than 4 years, and loves it here.
Ms. Skinner
Ms. Skinner joined the Journey program back in 2016 because she knew that martial arts was an excellent way to build stamina and keep yourself healthy. While training in Taekwondo she found her skills from her other interests such as gymnastics, weapons, lifeguarding and even art could be put into helping others. Whether she is co-running the afterschool program or teaching classes, she feels great pride and joy when she sees her students learn.
When she is not at school, she's at school! Studying Chemistry to work in regulation and to teach students herself one day. If Ms. Skinner ever gets bored you can find her drawing, visiting comedy shows or doing something outside.
Ms. Skinner joined the Journey program back in 2016 because she knew that martial arts was an excellent way to build stamina and keep yourself healthy. While training in Taekwondo she found her skills from her other interests such as gymnastics, weapons, lifeguarding and even art could be put into helping others. Whether she is co-running the afterschool program or teaching classes, she feels great pride and joy when she sees her students learn.
When she is not at school, she's at school! Studying Chemistry to work in regulation and to teach students herself one day. If Ms. Skinner ever gets bored you can find her drawing, visiting comedy shows or doing something outside.
Ms. Zinni
Ms. Alice Zinni joined Journey when it opened in 2014. She is pleased to have recently earned her 2nd degree black belt.
Ms. Zinni discovered Tae Kwon Do later in life. She continually sings the praises of her training; better physical condition, improved memory, better balance and agility and faster reaction time. She enjoys the challenges and sense of accomplishment it brings.
She has two daughters, Alexis and Samantha, who are also black belts.
Ms. Zinni is a CPA by day and a martial artist by night!
Ms. Alice Zinni joined Journey when it opened in 2014. She is pleased to have recently earned her 2nd degree black belt.
Ms. Zinni discovered Tae Kwon Do later in life. She continually sings the praises of her training; better physical condition, improved memory, better balance and agility and faster reaction time. She enjoys the challenges and sense of accomplishment it brings.
She has two daughters, Alexis and Samantha, who are also black belts.
Ms. Zinni is a CPA by day and a martial artist by night!
Ms. McDonnald
Ms. Liz McDonnaldis currently training to earn her black belt. She also helps run the after school program and teaches fitness classes at Journey Martial Arts. She started her journey in October 2016, when her and her husband relocated to Austin. She used the opportunity to get back in shape and has lost close to 30 pounds and gained a ton of confidence in the process.
Growing up a multiple sport athlete. Liz loved all sports but Soccer was where she shined and went on to play Division-1. On the weekend, she can be found cheering on the Texas Longhorns or Dallas Cowboys. She also loves spending time outdoors with her dogs.
Ms. Liz McDonnaldis currently training to earn her black belt. She also helps run the after school program and teaches fitness classes at Journey Martial Arts. She started her journey in October 2016, when her and her husband relocated to Austin. She used the opportunity to get back in shape and has lost close to 30 pounds and gained a ton of confidence in the process.
Growing up a multiple sport athlete. Liz loved all sports but Soccer was where she shined and went on to play Division-1. On the weekend, she can be found cheering on the Texas Longhorns or Dallas Cowboys. She also loves spending time outdoors with her dogs.
Ms. Bolke
Melanie Bolke enrolled her 4-year old son in the Little Tigers program to help him develop coordination, confidence, and self-control. Two years later, she stepped on the mats to begin her own martial arts journey. A life-long learner, Melanie was eager to acquire the strength, agility, and skills to effectively practice Tae Kwon Do as an adult. Melanie has a love for leadership, and works as an executive communication coach and corporate facilitator by day. By night she enjoys teaching ninjas and is a self-proclaimed foodie.
“I was intimidated the first time I stepped on the mats. The other students seemed younger, more flexible, more coordinated – more everything. I feared push-ups and dreaded jumping jacks. I learned quickly, however, that I was not alone in my journey. Others welcomed me with encouragement and nobody judged me (that I know of!)
“Now I really enjoy the study and practice of martial arts – I look forward to the regular camaraderie in classes and welcome the rigorous workouts. My son and I have a blast training together and talking shop.
“As an instructor, I’m fueled by seeing progression not only in the students, but also in myself. A higher jump, a more accurate kick, better balance, a new self-defense skill – these aspects are all measures of improvement. I’m delighted to be a part of the leadership team – sharing my knowledge and experience with others, and seeking to make a positive difference in their journey.”
Melanie Bolke enrolled her 4-year old son in the Little Tigers program to help him develop coordination, confidence, and self-control. Two years later, she stepped on the mats to begin her own martial arts journey. A life-long learner, Melanie was eager to acquire the strength, agility, and skills to effectively practice Tae Kwon Do as an adult. Melanie has a love for leadership, and works as an executive communication coach and corporate facilitator by day. By night she enjoys teaching ninjas and is a self-proclaimed foodie.
“I was intimidated the first time I stepped on the mats. The other students seemed younger, more flexible, more coordinated – more everything. I feared push-ups and dreaded jumping jacks. I learned quickly, however, that I was not alone in my journey. Others welcomed me with encouragement and nobody judged me (that I know of!)
“Now I really enjoy the study and practice of martial arts – I look forward to the regular camaraderie in classes and welcome the rigorous workouts. My son and I have a blast training together and talking shop.
“As an instructor, I’m fueled by seeing progression not only in the students, but also in myself. A higher jump, a more accurate kick, better balance, a new self-defense skill – these aspects are all measures of improvement. I’m delighted to be a part of the leadership team – sharing my knowledge and experience with others, and seeking to make a positive difference in their journey.”
Ms. Bunn
"I made a great decision and joined classes at Journey in summer 2016."
Ms. Bunn's favorite part of martial arts is demonstrating forms and gaining confidence that results from self defense training. She enjoys getting hugs from and working with the Li'l Tigers, helping them learn the foundations that will give them a head-start as they age up into the kids classes.
Most recently she has joined the Hyper Pro demonstration team at Journey.
"I made a great decision and joined classes at Journey in summer 2016."
Ms. Bunn's favorite part of martial arts is demonstrating forms and gaining confidence that results from self defense training. She enjoys getting hugs from and working with the Li'l Tigers, helping them learn the foundations that will give them a head-start as they age up into the kids classes.
Most recently she has joined the Hyper Pro demonstration team at Journey.
