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Raphael Velez
Grand Master, Founder
Head Instructor and Founder of Lake Ridge Family Martial Arts, LLC. – Started Martial Arts (TKD 1973, & TSD 1978) has over 45 years of training and 35 years of teaching. His background includes Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Karate, Filipino martial arts, and boxing. He is a two-time ISKA (International Sport Karate Association) World Champion in Lightweight Power Breaking and the only Triple Crown (U.S. Open World, North America, United States Champion) Power Breaking Champion. He holds 7 world ISKA titles. He has been televised on ESPN2 (2002-2010). In addition, he was a member of the World Martial Arts Team Bergamo Schick Quattro from 2000-2013 and was televised on Good Morning LA, and the Late-Night Show with David Letterman. GM Velez also holds the world record (2008) for the most concrete patio blocks broken by elbow strike. The record is 16 patio blocks (2x8x16). He has achieved a level of 7th degree Black Belt earning the title, Grand Master Instructor. He is the founder of the Lake Ridge Family Martial Arts, LLC in Woodbridge, Virginia. Also, he is Co-Founder of American Tang Soo Do Union. GM Velez main interest is teaching families, children and adults.
His undergraduate studies include degrees in General Science, Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor (A.S.), B.S. (Human Services) Psychology, M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to his relocation to Northern Virginia in 2010, he was employed by Yale University as a Research Assistance followed by Yale Psychiatric Hospital where his role was Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Alcohol Counselor. GM Velez has been a professional in the mental health care system for 25 years.
On 2019, GM Velez-Rivera was inducted into the Action Martial Arts Magazine & Hall of Honor (The Largest and One of the Most Prestigious & Elite Martial Arts Hall of Honor’s in the World) for his (Platinum Lifetime) Contributions of The Martial Arts and into the Masters of the Martial Arts at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City.
Meet our Instructors
Our skilled instructors are passionate about martial arts and committed to helping students of all ages and skill levels achieve their goals. They are highly trained and experienced, with a deep understanding of martial arts techniques and principles. They are dedicated to creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students can develop their skills, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.
Razvan Nae
Head Instructor (3rd Dan)
Master Nae is married and has a son, Eric, who also trains under GM Velez. Mr. Nae earned his 2nd degree black belt (Midnight Blue Ee Dan) in December 2020. He has been with the school from the start; therefore, training with GM Velez for about 7 years. He holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Andrew McCarthy, M.Ed
Head Instructor (3rd Dan)
Jamey Wyman, USMC
Assistant Instructor (2nd Dan)
Elizabeth Hernandez
Assistant Instructor (2nd Dan)
Nicholas Yow
Assistant Instructor (2nd Dan)
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