Instructors
All of our instructors have years of Martial Arts and/or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and teaching experience.
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.”
Coach Leilani M. Castro
purple 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”