About Our Instructors

The DoJANG

Chief Master Daniel Jackson

Owner – Kwan Jang Nim

“One’s truest character is established early in life. The challenge is to enrich what is good and to resist what is bad. As human beings, that is our obligation, and it shapes our world.”

Chief Master Daniel Jackson holds a 6th-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 5th-degree Black Belt in Karate.

With nearly 50 years of martial arts experience, he has trained under renowned masters such as Grand Master Ray Szuch, Grand Master Dan Sawyer, and Supreme Grand Master Joon Pyo Choi. In a true show of respect and dedication, Chief Master Jackson restarted his black belt journey while training for the 1988 Olympics under Supreme Grand Master Choi. He voluntarily removed his 2nd-degree black belt as a sign of humility. During this period, he lived, trained, and taught at Supreme Grand Master Choi’s dojo. On weekends, he maintained the facility and even cleaned his instructor’s car. Reflecting on this time, he fondly referred to himself as “the true Karate Kid.”

In addition to Karate and Taekwondo, Chief Master Jackson has studied various disciplines, including Judo, Kendo, Kali-Escrima, Kickboxing, Boxing, and Fencing. His passion for martial arts is evident in his lifelong commitment to passing on the essence of these practices to his students. In 2001, he opened his first school and developed his own martial arts system called Sa Moo Ryu/Snake Boxing. This system is a choreographed combat form designed to be performed at combat speed.

Furthermore, he founded the Gold Medal Dreams (GMD) program. This initiative offers students the opportunity to compete at Olympic levels. Chief Master Jackson always encourages his students to believe in their ability to achieve the unexpected. He often shares his personal philosophy with them, known as the 3H’s: stay Healthy in mind and body, stay Hungry for knowledge and growth, and stay Humble in all accomplishments.

The DoJANG

Master Matt Blanken

Master Instructor

Chief Master Jackson’s first student and first Black Belt, Master Matthew Blanken, began his martial arts journey in 2002. He achieved his 5th-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo in 2022. Since 2005, Blanken has expanded his expertise by studying Kali/Escrima/Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Jay Balajadia, as well as Kendo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, and Iaido.

Throughout his career, he has competed in numerous local, state, regional, national, and international tournaments, consistently earning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes. His journey as an instructor started in 2004 when he became a Taekwondo teacher. Today, Blanken continues to teach Taekwondo, Karate, and advanced-level classes, including Black Belt training and Weapons instruction.

Beyond his teaching role, he contributes his expertise to the Gold Medal Dreams program. In this capacity, Blanken offers advanced fighting strategies and techniques to help students excel in competition.

 

 

The DoJANG

Master Dan DeNuccio

Master Instructor

Beginning his martial arts journey in 2002, Master Dan DeNuccio holds a 5th-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and trained under Chief Master Jackson. Over the years, he has competed in numerous sparring competitions, including five appearances at the International U.S. Open, where he earned gold, silver, and bronze medals. Additionally, he has claimed several national and state titles throughout his competitive career.

As a specialist in Hapkido self-defense, Master DeNuccio serves as the head instructor for F.I.S.T. (First Instinct Street Tactics). He continually draws inspiration from watching his students develop martial arts knowledge and gain confidence. Regardless of age, each student’s progress motivates him, especially as they learn to defend themselves in any situation.

 

The DoJANG

Master Robert Passer-LeMaster

Master Instructor

In 2003, Master Robert Passer-LeMaster began his martial arts journey by training in the SamMooKwon system of Taekwondo under Chief Master Daniel Jackson at the Black Mountain Recreation Center in Henderson, Nevada. He earned his 1st-degree Black Belt in 2006 at the age of 18 and achieved his 5th-degree Black Belt in 2022. Additionally, he holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Throughout his career, Master Robert has competed in numerous Taekwondo competitions at local, state, regional, national, and international levels, consistently placing in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he instructs Taekwondo and Karate classes for toddlers, children, adults, and students with special needs. A strong emphasis on strength training and cardio ensures that his students maintain optimal health and develop the sparring skills essential for success.

 

The DoJANG

Celeste Hamner

Head Instructor

Celeste Hamner began her Taekwondo training under Chief Master Daniel Jackson in 2005 and has since earned a 4th-degree Black Belt. As a certified Kyroorugi coach through World Taekwondo, she also holds a Level 2 coaching certification from USA Taekwondo. Specializing in Olympic Taekwondo sparring, Celeste has been coaching the Gold Medal Dreams Taekwondo sparring team for over 10 years.

Throughout her martial arts career, she has coached and competed at local, state, regional, national, and international competitions. Notably, as a competitor, Celeste has earned silver and bronze medals at the US Open Taekwondo Championships.

 

Assistant Instructors

Marcelo Casillas - 3rd Dan in Taekwondo – 15 years experience

Marcelo Casillas

3rd Dan in Taekwondo – 15 years experience
Pamela Hormell -  3rd Dan in Taekwondo – 14 years experience

Pamela Hormell

3rd Dan in Taekwondo – 14 years experience
Alyssa Barile - 2nd Dan in Taekwondo – 9 years experience

Alyssa Barile

2nd Dan in Taekwondo – 9 years experience
Spencer Strickland - 1st Dan in Taekwondo – 5 years experience

Spencer Strickland

1st Dan in Taekwondo – 5 years experience

Current Job Openings

Job Title: Karate Instructor

Job Description:  The DoJANG is seeking a high energy, self-reliant Karate Instructor to teach students of all ages The Dojang’s established karate programs

About The DoJANG: The DoJANG has been in the Las Vegas valley for at least 21 years mostly serving the southeast side of Las Vegas and Henderson communities. Our disciplines are karate and taekwondo. We are also in the process of providing jiu jitsu in our school. Our way of teaching is holistic and traditional martial arts.

Requirements: Our instructors work independently, creating their own training techniques and strategies by incorporating The DoJANG’s agenda and requirements.

Qualifications: Must have at least 5 years of training/instructing in Karate and at least a Nidan black belt from a qualified school.

  • Creates challenging and fun lesson plans for each age group by meeting The DoJANG’s belt levels’ requirements
  • Able to provide individual attention to each student based on their skill level and needs
  • Adapt to different learning styles while demonstrating karate techniques and forms
  • Instruct Karate students on safe karate techniques and physical training regimens
  • Strong and clear communication skills
  • Capacity to motivate and inspire while upholding the core values of karate, such as discipline and self-control

Competitive hourly rates with additional incentives and bonuses. Please use link to send resume and other credentials.

Apply Here!

Job Title: Jiu Jitsu Instructor

Job Description: The DoJANG is seeking a high energy, self-reliant Jiu Jitsu Instructor to teach students of all ages jiu jitsu and to help establish a jiu jitsu program

About The DoJANG: The DoJANG has been in the Las Vegas valley for at least 21 years mostly serving the southeast side of Las Vegas and Henderson communities. Our disciplines are karate and taekwondo. We are seeking a Jiu Jitsu instructor who wants to help create and establish a jiu jitsu program with The DoJANG, a holistic and traditional martial arts school.

Requirements: Our instructors work independently, creating their own training techniques and strategies by incorporating The DoJANG’s agenda and requirements.

Qualifications: Must have at least 5 years of training/instructing in jiu jitsu and a black belt in jiu jitsu

  • Creates challenging and fun lesson plans for each age group by meeting The DoJANG’s belt levels’ requirements
  • Able to provide individual attention to each student based on their skill level and needs
  • Adapt to different learning styles while demonstrating jiu jitsu techniques and strategies
  • Instruct jiu jitsu students on safe jiu jitsu techniques and physical training regimens
  • Strong and clear communication skills
  • Capacity to motivate and inspire while upholding the core values of jiu jitsu, such as discipline and self-control

Competitive hourly rates with additional incentives and bonuses. Please use the link to send resume and other credentials.

Apply Here!

Free Trial Class!

New to martial arts? Try out any class for free and see how our unique approach to training can help you build confidence, fitness, and self-defense skills.

Affiliates

Gold Medal Dreams

Gold Medal Dreams program takes your training to the next level by teaching Olympic style competition.

This program prepares you to compete in state, national, and world level competitions. To participate in this program requires an invitation and a tryout from Chief Master Jackson (4x U.S. Open Medalist) and Level 2 Coach Celeste Hamner. Competition is full contact, and the sessions are intense.

Qualifications for this program are the following:

Proper mental attitude

Dedication – Good attendance and home practice

Commitment to yourself and your teammates

Participation in competitions and events

Purchase mandatory sparring gear

Minimum age requirement: 8 years old

Interested in an exciting and rewarding sparring experience? Fill out the form below!

Family Discount

Martial arts is better when shared! Sign up with your family and receive an extra discount on memberships for additional family members.

Military Discount!

We proudly support our military members and veterans. Enjoy 10% off your membership as our way of saying thank you for your service.

The DoJANG

Get Started Today

The DoJANG invites the Las Vegas Valley to practice martial arts in Henderson. Join us at the Pecos Legacy Center near CVS, just two miles north of I-215 and Pecos Road, Henderson.