“It’s because every student feels seen by Derek and his teachers,” Maguire said. “He knows every single student and builds a personal connection with them.”
- Marin Independent Journal
MASTER DEREK BENTLEY
Derek is a Marin County native and has been practicing martial arts for over 25 years. He earned his first degree Black Belt at West America Tae Kwon Do in 1999. Since January 2000, Derek has taught at Taylor’s House of Karate, a school owned and operated by his family. Under the instruction of Daythan Taylor, a key instructor at the school, Derek earned his fourth degree black belt. As a teenager, Derek was ranked top four in the country in sparring. In 1998 he held the National Sparring Title. As part of Team Proper, he was ranked in Korean Traditional Forms and for Japanese Traditional Forms. Currently Derek teaches full time at Taylor’s House of Karate, teaching karate, cardio and self-defense classes. He also teaches CrossFit classes at Tamalpais CrossFit and karate for the kids at Redeemer Preschool.
Founding Members
-
Master Daythan Taylor is a Sixth Degree Black Belt, with over 40 years experience in the martial arts. This vast experience was key in the establishment of Taylor’s House of Karate. His skills in Tae Kwon Do and Karate afforded him the opportunity to train the teachers at the school, many of whom have won multiple championships and all are well respected in the community. His contributions to the training programs, fitness classes, testing formats and atmosphere of hard work, respect and discipline is felt on daily basis. Steve Willey, owner of Taylor’s House of Karate, says that Daythan Taylor’s contributions to the successful establishment of the school is immeasurable.
-
Junior Salientes started training at the age of 4 with his father. He holds a fifth degree black belt in Shorinji Kenpo. He also holds a fourth degree black belt in American Tae Kwon Do under Daythan Taylor. In 2008, Junior, along with Sensiei Sean Arceo, founded Team Proper with the vision of having a martial arts team competing in sparring and forms. The team is comprised of adults and youth with diverse cultures and backgrounds. The team currently includes martial artists from Mexico, Italy, Guatamala, and Ireland. Team Proper continues to be a dominating force in sports karate, traveling throughout the US and internationally. Team members all hold National and World rankings.
-
Nicole began martial arts in 1999, at the age of 19. She earned her 1st degree Black Belt in 2006 and received her 2nd degree three years later. Her First Place wins in 2009 include: 2009 National Black Belt League (NBL) Golden Gate Internationals – Korean and Japanese 18-29 Women’s Forms; 2009 NBL Pacific Jewel Nationals – Korean and Japanese 18-29 Women’s Forms; 2009 Bay Area Sport Karate Association (BASKA) Shark City Nationals – Korean and Japanese 18-29 Women’s Forms (Grand Champion); 2009 NBL Battle of the Champions – Korean and Japanese 18-29 Women’s Forms. Nicole is just returning to the karate school after a break to raise her two children.
OUR BLACK BELTS
Our instructors serve as mentors and role models, instilling not just the physical techniques but also the invaluable life skills that karate imparts. From the first day, students are encouraged to push their boundaries, to embrace challenges, and to emerge stronger and more focused in every aspect of life.
