Our Instructors!
All our instructors are professionals who have been developed to offer the highest quality instruction. Every member of our instructor team is approachable, caring, and possesses a true love for teaching martial arts. After taking just a few lessons, you will see why USA Karate is the choice for martial arts.
Founder Mike Tucker
Achievements:
7 TH DAN AKBBA
6 TH DAN TORITE-JITSU
6 TH DAN OKINAWAN KEMPO KARATE-DO
4 TH DAN RYU KYU KEMPO
3 RD DAN TAE KWON DO
1 ST DAN JUDO
1 ST DAN JU-JITSU
CERTIFIED MASTER INSTRUCTOR TORITE-JITSU
1996 HEAD OFFICIAL POLICE WORLD GAMES
1996 – 2001 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER OF
THE AMATEUR ORGANIZATION OF KARATE
1987-1990 GALVESTON COUNTY CORRECTIONAL OFFICER INSTRUCTOR
1986-1989 SAN JACINTO COLLEGE POLICE ACADEMY INSTRUCTOR
34 YEARS IN THE MARTIAL ARTS
OVER 25 YEARS WITH GRANDMASTER RICK MONEYMAKER
Mike Tucker started training in 1980 under Al Garza. Mr. Tucker was recognized 5 consecutive years as one of the top ten in Texas and as Rookie of the Year and Top Black Belt Fighter in 1985.
From 1985 to 1990, Mr. Tucker ran schools for Mr. Garza and helped create a unique Martial Arts and business system. In 1991, Mr. Tucker opened what is now USA Karate.
He was a 7th degree master level black belt under Rick Moneymaker and Tom Muncy, 8th degree Grandmaster in Okinawan kempo and tuite-jitsu. He also held a 4th degree black belt in Ryukyu Kempo under 9th degree Grandmaster George Dillman. Mr. Tucker earned a 3rd degree black belt in tae kwon do under Al Garza and a 1st degree black belt in judo and jiu-jitsu under Zdenek Matl. In 1999, Mr. Tucker was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the Master Instructor of the Year. Also in that year, Mr. Tucker was certified as a 5th Degree Black Belt in Torite-jitsu by the World and British Kempo Arts Federation, signed by 11 Masters and Grandmasters.
Mr. Tucker passed away in July of 2016. His instructors and staff continue his legacy of the martial arts.
Gabriel Vargas, MS
Title: Director
Rank: 5th Degree Blackbelt Tae Kwon Do
About:
Promoted to 5th degree black belt in tae kwon do under Mr. Mike Tucker in 2015, Mr. G Vargas has amassed over twenty years of experience in the martial arts. He is a third degree black belt in the kyu shin ryu jiu-jitsu system under Zdenek Matl. He was Certified Sandan on March 27th, 2017 in the World Wide Martial Arts Association. Gabriel currently trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has earned his blue belt under Professors Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes and Marcelo “Uirapuru” Azevedo at Gracie Barra Pearland.
In 2005, Mr. G Vargas was AOK state champion in team kata, alongside his twin brother, Emilio Vargas. In 2006, he won gold in the point fighting division. Gabriel’s goal is to gain experience competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments, specifically in the IBJJF.
Gabriel studied mathematics at the University of Houston while training and working on and off at the karate school. He graduated with a MS in mathematics in December 2014. It was during this time that he developed a love of teaching and instruction. He taught in the Pearland Independent School District for a period of time after graduation in early 2015. Mr. G Vargas earned a director’s certificate and is fully authorized to run a state-licensed school-age program.
Mr. G Vargas currently oversees all operations at USA Karate. He resides in Pearland, Texas.
Emilio Vargas, MA
Title: Site-Director
Rank: 5th Degree Blackbelt Tae Kwon Do
About:
Mr. Emilio Vargas was promoted to 5th degree black belt under Mr. Tucker in July of 2015. Early in his black belt career, he competed in several state-wide tournaments in the AOK (amateur organization of karate) and won over one hundred awards. He won state champion in team kata in 2005 and 2006. During his martial arts training, Emilio developed a passion for boxing. He competed in several local amateur boxing matches and won the Southeast Texas Regional Golden Gloves Champion in 2006.
In addition to excelling in martial arts and boxing, Emilio studied at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where he graduated with a MA in criminology in December 2017. He has presented research at conferences and earned his Child Care Administrator Occupational Certificate. Emilio is currently studying business and leadership at his alma mater.
Mr. E Vargas has a pivotal role at USA Karate as the site-director. Emilio will continue this role and hopes to eventually enter law enforcement.
Sean Gary
Title: Site-Director
Rank: 5th Degree Blackbelt Tae Kwon Do
About:
Mr. Gary began training in the martial arts in 1988, at the age of 7. He competed in many tournaments and was awarded “Competitor of the Year” in the state of Louisiana. In 2006, Sean competed and won gold in the team kata division in the AOK State Championships in Austin, Texas. He earned his 5th degree black belt under Mr. Tucker in 2015.
Mr. Gary is site-director of USA Karate – Pearland and has state-recognized credentials in the care of school-age students.
Mr. Gary is an accomplished musician and recording artist. USA Karate supports Mr. Gary’s passion for music and performance. He and his wife, Holly, share a daughter, Mazzy, whom he has begun to train in the martial arts.
Evan Bridges
Title: Instructor
Rank: 3rd Degree Blackbelt Tae Kwon Do
About:
Evan Bridges started training at USA Karate in when he was 6 years old. An active AOK competitor, Evan competed in the state championships three times. He was awarded over one hundred trophies and was promoted to third degree black belt by Mr. Tucker in July of 2015. He earned his black belt in the USA Karate Kobudo program in the same year.
Mr. Bridges is the lead Kobudo instructor and the lead mighty-mights instructor. He has over eight years of teaching experience.
He loves visiting his two nieces and nephew in Proctor, Texas.
Tony Guerra
Title: Instructor
Rank: 2nd Degree Blackbelt Tae Kwon Do
About:
Mr. Guerra has 13 years experience in martial arts, earning his third degree black belt in January of 2013. He has competed state-wide and qualified for the AOK state championships in 2006.
Tony started teaching at age 16 and has gained a vast experience teaching both children and adults.
During his training and instructing at USA Karate, Tony continues his education and hopes to earn a business degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Reggie Barton
Title: Instructor
Rank: 2nd Degree Blackbelt Tae Kwon Do
About:
Reggie was 21 when he started training and earned his second-degree black belt in August 2017. His five years of teaching and studying the martial arts has allowed him to pursue his love of self-defense and the philosophical aspects of karate.
Mr. Barton is an avid reader and is learning how to communicate effectively using American sign language. He enjoys cooking.
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