Chief Instructor/Manager, Black Belt Sensei Dorene is a Black Belt in Shotokan and holds black belts in other martial arts since 1985. As as mother of two little boys, Dorene loves teaching kids, and brings fifteen years of management experience toward maintaining a happy, family friendly environment. She was the 1st place winner at the 2002 International Martial Arts Competition, and brings her competitive spirit to organizing the bi-annual All-School Tournament. "As an Instructor, using Sensei Dawn's teaching method called Positive Dialog Response gets extraordinary results in building confidence in my students. I love being part of a greater mission: To inspire self-esteem in every child!"
	School Manager Miss Barbara grew up as a dancer and now studies karate. Originally from Michigan, Barbara has a Bachelor's degree in Music (Vocal Performance), and an MFA in Drama, and has toured the USA and Europe performing in Broadway musicals. She brings a variety of life experience to her customer service skills at Karate Kids, and learns something from our students every day. Barbara has achieved her Purple Belt in Shotokan Karate.
	Assistant School Manager Miss Aimi is a Sociology Major at UCLA, is well organized, and enjoys helping people. Originally from Central California, Aimi is an avid hiker, plays on an intramural volleyball team, and is excited about learning karate at our weekly training! Her favorite part of working at Karate Kids is not only in supporting physical fitness, but helping children learn their life skills; such as, patience, focus, and respect.
	Instructor, Black Belt, Psychologist Dr. Bruce, is a licenced clinical psychologist, specializing in therapy, and testing with children and adolescents. Dr. Bruce has been practicing martial arts for over 25 years. After studying at Columbia University, University de Paris in France, he completed his doctoral dissertation at Pepperdine University. Dr. Bruce incorporated his love of martial arts in his doctoral dissertation, where he researched and wrote about the beneficail effects of martial arts practice. Dr. Bruce wholeheartedly embraces the Dawn Barnes Karate Kids philosophy, and practice of life skills training, and is honored to be a part of the team.
	Instructor, Black Belt Sensei Josh has been training in the martial arts for over 16 years, receiving his black belt at the age of 18. To say that Sensei Josh loves the martial arts is an understatement. Already experienced in both Shotokan and Ten Chi Kenpo, he also finds time to practice Kyokushin, Capoeira, Brazilian Jujitsu, and Judo! Sensei Josh believes that the Lifeskills he has developed on the mats, such as confidence, patience, and focus, carry over into his daily life. He is now proud to inspire the same Lifeskills in the children of Karate Kids! Osu!
	Instructor, Black Belt, and Customer Service Staff Sensei Lindsay is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and has been practicing Shotokan Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Filipino Martial Arts for over 14 years. In addition, she has served as Programming Coordinator at the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center in Lexington, KY, and participated in the CALCASA Conference sponsored by the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women. Sensei Lindsay is thrilled to pursue her life-long passions for martial arts and bettering the lives of children here at Dawn Barnes Karate Kids.
	Miss Meghan - Program Director for Karate Kitties. Meghan is a licensed preschool teacher, who brings years of experience to our Kitties program. As the mother of an eight year old who is currently enrolled in the Black Belt Club, Meghan is excited to work with Sensei Dawn to adapt the Karate Kids program for toddlers 20-36 months . "I believe that the idea of mind, body and spirit can positively influence young children for the rest of their lives." She looks forward to meeting new parents with little ones who will get to enjoy the Karate Kitties experience.
	Instructor, Black Belt, Sensei Chris hails from San Antonio, TX, where he started martial arts at age 10. In addition to Shotokan karate, he has years of experience in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Hapkido, making him a big fan of MMA. Sensei Chris has also toured the country as a stand-up comedian, and has performed for our troops overseas. A father of two boys, Sensei Chris believes that leading by example is the best way to teach children how to be their best.
	Instructor, Black Belt Sensei Alvin has been training in the martial arts since he was 16. A Black Belt in Shotokan Karate he also continues to train in Filipino Martial Arts and Brazilian Jujitsu. Sensei Alvin has over a decade of experience working in children's recreation and enrichment activities. He believes that the Martial Arts helps children develop into strong, confident adults. He is proud to share this gift with his own daughter and all the children at Dawn Barnes Karate Kids.
	Miss Kat, Customer Service Staff and Karate Kitties Instructor, has a life-long background in movement and teaching young children. As inspiring children is her passion, Kat currently attending Santa Monica City College and plans to transfer to CSULB, CSUN, or UCLA within the next year to finish school and get her Elementary Education degree. With previous experience in the martial arts, Miss Kat has recently completed training in the DBKK teaching method to become our newest Karate Kitties teacher!
	Customer Service Staff, Instructor, Black Belt Miss Mauri has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a passion for working with children. Born and raised in Redondo Beach, Miss Mauri is pursuing a career in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Occidental College. She is excited to be part of the Karate Kids family and always busy inspiring self-esteem and lifeskills in everyone she meets!
	Miss Anita, Customer Service Staff, is from Munich, Germany. She graduated from the University of Munich with a Bachelor’s of Social Work and a degree in Early Childhood Education. In addition to more than 10 years of experience working with children, Miss Anita has also practiced Shotokan Karate. She is excited to continue her martial arts training and become a teacher so she can motivate children to always try their best!
	Assistant Instructor, Black Belt Sensei Alex was just seven years old when he started karate at Dawn Barnes Karate Kids. He has been practicing Shotokan for ten years and earned his junior black belt in 2004. He is currently a student at Santa Monica High School. Besides being a student and a teacher, Alex is a talented artist and hip-hop dancer.
	Customer Service Staff, Mister Galen, graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Musical Theatre. An avid singer, actor, and dancer, he spent summers assisting in musical theatre camps for kids. A passionate sports fan, Galen can often be found at the beach. Excited to learn karate himself, Galen is happy to be surrounded by kids again and looks forward to helping nurture their passions.
	Miss Britney, Customer Service Staff, was born and raised in Upstate New York. She earned her B.S. in Psychology at Howard University and is currently working on her Masters in Counseling at Loyola Marymount University. It is her great desire to be an advocate for youth services and bring assistance to those truly in need. Miss Britney hopes to be an inspiring role model to all of the students at Karate Kids.