Francis Pineda

Francis Pineda started taking Tae Kwon Do lessons over two decades ago at the Jhoon Rhee Institute in Marlow Heiths in Maryland. He was an under average student and fat, but soon became a good student and martial artist and lost weight. He grew so good, he went to become an instructor. After 5 years he earned his black belt under Master Michael Coles. Francis is now a 4th degree black belt and General of America's Best Karate in Phoenix, AZ. A Jhoon Rhee affiliate. Some students of his are part of the best fighters in the world, for example, Carmichael Simon who was on WMAC-Masters. Francis himself was in the top ten in NASKA for four years with people such as Hakim Alston, Willie Johnson, Shah Alston and Jon Valera. Now he is a coordinator and director for many martial arts tournaments. He was also rated in the top ten in NBL. This was between 1991-1995. Besides in sports, Francis also excelled in school, studying in Biology and Psychology. This was on the University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was also the Captain of the Maryland Sports Karate Team