Instructors
All of our instructors have studied and mastered forms of Martial Arts and/or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Hanshi Mike Palomo
Japanese Goju Ryu
9th Degree Black Belt
Black Belt Brazilian jiu jitsu
Bachelors Degree in Education
Multi World Champion
2x USA Martial Arts Hall of fame
3x Golden Greek Award
12x Instructor of the Year
Multi State Champion
Hanshi Mike Palomo started training in Japanese GoJu Ryu at 11 years old under Master Richard Dixon. This is where he discovered his love for the martial arts and hasn’t stopped training since. He has been training in Brazilian JiuJitsu for 13 years. As the lead instructor and owner, the goal of Hanshi is to create as many champions he can both in and out of the ring. Hanshi hopes to continue on his legacy through his two beautiful black belt daughters and his orange belt granddaughter.
Favorite quote, “I yell because I care.”
Kyoshi Danielle Dixon
Japanese Goju Ryu
7th Degree Black Belt
Bachelors Degree in Education
Multi NBL World Champion
3X Golden Greek
Multi State Champion
Kyoshi started her training under her father, Master Richard Dixon. She earned her black belt in 1989. During her martial arts career she has been associated with Richard Dixon Karate Club, Sherman Oaks Raiders, Team Leiker, Team Karl Kani, Team Outlaw, RCMA, and has found her home with Team Mongoose. Kyoshi has a son and black belt daughter who continues on her and her father’s legacy by continuing their education in the martial arts. Kyoshi assists in all aspects of teaching and creating future champions within the dojo.
Favorite quote, “Don’t give up when things are hard.”
Sensei Clarissa DeHoyas
Japanese Goju Ryu
6th Degree Blackbelt (Taekwondo)
2nd Degree Blackbelt (Kyokai)
Blackbelt (Goju Ryu)
Sensei Clarissa DeHoyos (Villanueva) started her martial arts career when she was six years old and has over 25 years of experience. Clarissa started with the ITF style (International Taekwondo Federation). Clarissa studied under Master Wayne Nguyen (9th Dan) and currently holds a 6th degree blackbelt in Taekwondo. Clarissa and her brother Sensei Marco Villanueva currently own and operate Team Tiger Martial Arts in McAllen Texas. After Clarissa received her blackbelt in Taekwondo, Clarissa began to study Okinawan Shorei-Ryu and Shaolin Kung Fu. Clarissa eventually found her passion in Okinawan Goju Ryu. Clarissa currently studies under Sensei Ramon Veras (Traditional Karate Center Sugarland Texas) and holds a 1st degree blackbelt in Goju Ryu and 2nd degree in Kyokai which is in the same family as Goju Ryu. Clarissa has experience in many traditional weapons such as the Kama (Instructor Mike Chaturantabut who is the creator of the XMA (Extreme Martial Arts) program) and the Nunchaku ( Instructor Master Wayne Nguyen who played the White Ninja the Chuck Norris movie Sidekicks). Clarissa has studied and performed in many countries such as Okinawa and Ireland. Clarissa has represented Team USA with the WKC (World Karate Commission) and has obtained many titles in the National Blackbelt League, TKO State Championships, World Karate Commission, PROMAC and NASKA Circuits. Clarissa is currently training for the USA Karate Championships for Team Trials to represent Team USA in the Premier League Karate Circuit. Clarissa has a passion for teaching and nothing brings more joy to her than to watch the children she teaches succeed in their martial arts career.
Favorite Quote: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fail” Confucius
Coach Leilani M. Castro
Blue Belt BJJ
Leilani M. Castro is a retired U. S. Army Veteran with 2 deployments to Afghanistan and other assignments that include 3 years as a United States Army Drill Sergeant.
Coach Leila uses the discipline she learned in the Army as well as hard work and dedication to help coach our students in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
Coach Leila began her BJJ training at Mongoose Martial Arts under the instruction of Mike Palomo in 2019. That same year, after dedicating herself to her training, Coach Leila entered as a wild card and won her first State Championship in Grappling at the TNT Grappling State Finals. Leila has gone on to win several TNT tournaments which include a Grand Champion win! Leila was also recruited to be a member of the nationally sponsored competition team “Team Gipsy” as a BJJ competitor.
Today, Coach Leila continues her training in BJJ and enjoys helping the next generation of BJJ students develop their skills. She has coached several students to TNT Grappling tournament wins and State Championships.
Favorite Quote: “Lead by example”