I began my martial arts training in 1982 under the instruction of Sensei Ulysses Owens in Shorin-Ryu Karate and PKA Kickboxing.

My essential foundation in martial arts came from Sensei U.C. Sensei Owens is a great mixture of talent, ability, and kindness. From U.C., I learned what I consider makes a good martial artist: patience and humility. I have considered him the prototype for the instructor that I look to study with long term.
In the early 1990’s, I moved to Florida and began my study of Jeet Kune Do and Kali with Loren Bookbinder.

Loren’s teaching was excellent and as a stickler for details, he gave me a great love for training progressions and the ability to break down movement and how to train them intelligently so as to have each movement build on the next and really improve upon your technique and ability to apply technique.
In the early 2000’s, after graduating from university and relocating to Southern California, I started training at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts. To my great surprise, not only did I get the opportunity to train with Guro Dan Inosanto but also with Sifu Larry Hartsell who was a staff instructor at that time. Within a few months, I was asked to join Sifu Hartsell’s semi-private group and put in many hours both in Academy courses open to the public and with Sifu Hartsell.

Currently I am an instructor at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts teaching classes in Jeet Kune Do and Mixed Martial Arts as well as teaching the kids class once per week.
I hold instructor credentials in Jeet Kune Do under Guro Dan Inosanto and Sifu Larry Hartsell, Filipino Martial Arts under Guro Dan Inosanto, and Atillo Balintawak under Grand Master Crispulo Atillo.
I am available for both private/small group lessons and seminars. If you’re looking to book private lessons or a seminar, feel free to contact me at tim@timbecherer.com
