Our Instructors
Sifu Joe
Sifu Joe is a seasoned martial artist and longtime instructor whose foundation is a practical Kenpo style rooted in Greg Payne's blend of Shotokan, American, and Chinese Kenpo. He is a certified IKCA instructor. He was invited by Grandmasters Vic LeRoux and Chuck Sullivan to contribute to a summit on the art's future. Alongside his brother Joshua, he co-developed PUMA (Practical Unified Martial Arts). Sifu Joe's teaching emphasizes solid fundamentals, an open approach to applying motion, and spontaneity.
Greg Payne
Sifu Gre Payne traces his roots from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to New York City. His martial arts foundation spans Kodokan Judo, Goju-Ryu USA under Peter Urban, Shotokan Karate under Philip McCrae (4th Dan), and Chinese Kenpo Karate, in which he holds an 8th-degree black belt.
A U.S. Navy veteran and holder of a B.S. in Agronomical Studies from Northwest Missouri State University, he currently serves as a Corporate Executive Chef in the Federal Government. His lifelong dedication to the martial arts brings a deep, multi-disciplinary perspective to PUMA.
Master Zarate
Master Gabriel Zarate began his martial arts journey with Hapkido in 1970, accumulating over four decades on the martial path. A Mechanical Engineer and certified Project Manager, he has served as a self-defense instructor for the Armed Forces in Cali, Colombia and provided training to the Army and National Police of Ecuador. He is the founder of the Cheong Kyum Hapkido Association, with chapters established across Colombia and multiple U.S. cities. He holds the rank of 5th Dan in Hapkido. Master Zarate currently serves as Master Instructor of Hapkido within PUMA, bringing a lifetime of martial discipline and international experience to the association.