Master-Guro Joe Abueg (1987)
"I started martial arts in 1973 at a local YMCA.  I have studied Tang Soo Do Karate, Arnis (Filipino Knife and Stick Fighting), and Kenpo Karate.  I was fortunate to study the art of Arnis under the direction of Master Narrie Babao in 1979.  I later trained with Master Dan Cepeda in the art of Kenpo about four years later.  I have found that Arnis and Kenpo are complementary arts that utilize different angles of attack, circular motion, speed, flow, and focus. 
 

Master-Guro Fred Cepeda (1980)                                       Started martial arts training in 1973 with Brian Adams for about six months.  He then followed his brother, Dan, to College Center Karate in 1974.  He received his black belt in 1980.  He also started Arnis De Mano training in the mid 1970's with Master Narrie Babao.  In 1981, he was promoted to the rank of Maestro along with his brother, Dan, and Guro Joe Abueg.
 

Sifu-Maestro Steve Eckberg (1981)
First real exposure to martial arts was learning Okinawan karate at USD in 1976..  Steve was introduced to Dan Cepeda and College Center Karate through George Lim in the summer of 1977.  Rudy Serrano was Steve's primary instructor and inspiration through brown belt.  By the time he had begun training for his Black Belt, Sifu Dan had taken the lead in his training.  Countless other instructors and senior students offered guidance, inspiration and the always necessary constructive criticism (Frank, Fred, Rudy and Jo to name a few) Receiving his Black Belt in August of 1981 was a dream come true and one of the most significant event in his life.  During the next 8 years, after receiving his black belt, Steve experimented with his martial arts training.  He practiced regularly with several karate schools of various styles, joined the 5^th Street Boxing Club and began to study Arnis under Maestro Joe.  Although never far from his heart, Steve discontinued his training in 1989.  Coming back to Cepeda Brothers last year, after a ten-year hiatus, was an emotional and joyful return.  Steve says; "My return to teaching and training is a gift from my children".   

Sifu Dan Strametz (1980)
Sifu Dan Strametz always wanted to take martial arts, especially after seeing my first Bruce Lee movie, "Fist of Fury".  The first day I walked into College Center Karate, it felt like home.  All these Black Belts, and me the lone white belt.  I knew if I made it through the first night, this was home.  Four years later, and a whole lot smarter, I received my Black Belt.  Through the years I managed to advance to one tip, then two, and finally in 1990, I received my Third Degree.  In 2000, he was awarded the rank of Sifu.   

Sifu Adrian Juarez (1986)
Senior Instructor Adrian Juarez joined Sifu Dan at College Center Karate when he was a student at Helix High School, where he played varsity baseball.  After graduation from Helix, Adrian served four years in the U.S. Army.  He resumed his training when Sifu Dan and Sifu Fred founded Cepeda Bros.  He received his Black Belt in August, 1986.  In 2000, he was awarded the rank of Sifu.  Both of Adrian's daughters, Athena and Analissa currently train at the studio.  Athena was promoted to Black Belt in 2001.

Sifu Tony Orlina (1989)
Sifu Tony Orlina joined Cepeda Bros. in January, 1985 at the age of 30.  After four years of consistent, uninterrupted training he was able to receive his Black Belt in August, 1989 together with his younger brother, Louie.  Tony loves to fish, but since his move to Ramona a new interest has taken most of his spare time.  He has traded in his fishing pole and boat for a horse and a saddle.  His friends and neighbors now refer to him as the "Kenpo Cowboy."  He now instructs at Sifu Jeff Martin's studio, Brand X, in Ramona.  He was promoted to the rank of Sifu in 2003.