Our Team
The Mentors: Highly Qualified Instructors and Dedicated Role Models
The dedicated team at DOTHAN MARTIAL ARTS BOOSTERS is the true engine of our success, comprised of highly qualified martial artists, passionate educators, and committed community members who bring a wealth of experience and a genuinely caring approach to every interaction.

Master John A. Chen
Chief Instructor and Program Director
Master Chen holds a 5th-degree Black Belt in his primary discipline and brings over twenty-five years of instructional experience, including serving for a decade as a physical education teacher and coach within the Dothan City School district, providing him with a profound understanding of child development and motivational psychology. His expertise is balanced by a deep, patient commitment to mentorship; he views the dojo as an opportunity to sculpt future leaders, emphasizing practical self-defense skills alongside ethical conduct and unwavering discipline. Master Chen personally oversees the curriculum design for all age groups, ensuring that the training is not only technically sound and safe but also progressively challenging, designed to maximize each student’s potential in a supportive, non-intimidating atmosphere. His calm demeanor, coupled with his high standards, sets the tone for the entire DMAB community, making him an invaluable guide on the journey of martial arts mastery.

Ms. Sarah R. Kelleher
Youth Program Coordinator and Instructor
Ms. Kelleher is a 3rd-degree Black Belt with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a specialization in developmental learning strategies for children aged five through twelve, ensuring that our foundational programs are developmentally appropriate and highly engaging for our youngest members. Her professional background gives her a unique ability to manage class dynamics with playful firmness, ensuring all children participate enthusiastically while adhering to the high standards of discipline expected in the dojo, utilizing techniques that foster positive self-talk and emotional regulation. She is particularly adept at teaching complex motor skills through fun, game-based drills, making the initial stages of martial arts training accessible and enjoyable. Ms. Kelleher is deeply committed to the anti-bullying component of our curriculum, regularly developing new scenarios and discussions that equip children with both the physical confidence and the verbal skills needed to navigate social challenges effectively and ethically.

Mr. David J. Perez
Adult and Advanced Training Specialist
A former competitive athlete and 4th-degree Black Belt, Mr. Perez leads our adult programs and advanced training tracks, specializing in performance conditioning, self-defense strategy, and technical refinement for senior ranks. His instructional style is focused and demanding, yet always supportive, challenging adult students to push past perceived limitations and achieve elite levels of physical fitness and technical precision. Mr. Perez holds certifications in exercise science and first aid, ensuring that all advanced training sessions are conducted with the utmost attention to safety and biomechanics. Beyond the physical training, he is a dedicated mentor who provides guidance on leadership skills, goal setting, and time management, recognizing that the disciplined life required to master martial arts provides a powerful framework for success in demanding professional careers. He is dedicated to creating a supportive, high-accountability environment for our most dedicated students.
COMMUNITY & ENGAGEMENT
The Booster Family: Strength Through Partnership and Participation
Community & Engagement are not mere supplementary activities but are fundamental pillars upon which DOTHAN MARTIAL ARTS BOOSTERS is built, recognizing that true organizational strength comes from deep, active partnerships with our families and the wider Dothan community. We actively cultivate a culture of involvement, viewing the parents and guardians of our students as essential partners in the character development journey, providing resources and opportunities for them to align the principles taught in the dojo with the expectations at home. This collaborative spirit extends outward through targeted community projects, joint events with local organizations, and a standing commitment to civic responsibility that ensures our presence in Dothan is a constant source of positive influence and support. By integrating our students and their families directly into this framework of active engagement, we teach them the profound value of contributing positively to their environment, transforming DMAB into a vital hub for connection and mutual upliftment.

Join Our Team
Build a Career of Impact: Opportunities to Inspire and Mentor
DOTHAN MARTIAL ARTS BOOSTERS offers deeply rewarding career opportunities for passionate, qualified individuals who are dedicated to making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of children and adults through the discipline of martial arts. We are consistently looking to expand our team of high-caliber instructors and dedicated administrative staff who are not just seeking a job, but a vocation—a chance to serve as positive role models, mentors, and educators in a mission-driven organization. Working with DMAB means joining a professional, high-accountability environment where excellence is the expectation, and personal growth is as essential for our staff as it is for our students. We provide opportunities for advanced training, certification, and leadership development, ensuring that our team members are constantly sharpening their skills and advancing their careers within the martial arts and non-profit sectors.
Career Opportunities
Instructor and Administrative Roles in a Growing Organization
We offer a diverse range of Career Opportunities spanning both the instructional and administrative arms of our organization, all dedicated to supporting the core mission of character development through martial arts. Potential roles include, but are not limited to, certified Martial Arts Instructors for our various age-specific programs (Tiny Tigers, Juniors, Teens, Adults), requiring high-level technical skill and proven experience in positive youth mentorship. We also seek Assistant Instructors who can support lead instructors and gain valuable classroom management experience under mentorship, providing a clear pathway for advancement. On the administrative side, we frequently have openings for Front Desk Staff and Administrative Assistants to help manage our enrollment, scheduling, and community communications. All roles emphasize a deep commitment to our organizational values of integrity, respect, and community, and we are committed to providing competitive compensation and a supportive working environment for all our valuable team members.

