Meet our Staff!
Legacy Martial Arts is a family-run business where we believe that martial arts is about more than just physical strength. Our teachers strive to empower their students and instill in them important life skills such as self-discipline, respect and problem-solving.
Sensei Jenna Garcia
3rd Degree in Shotokan Karate
Jenna Garcia is the proud owner and head instructor of this martial arts studio. They started on their martial arts journey at 10 years old, in a self defense and sparring focused school. As a teen they branched off into traditional Shotokan and Muay Thai. Continuing to train in Shotokan they earned their 1st degree in March of 2018, followed by their 2nd degree in June of 2020. They have over 20 years of martial arts training and teaching experience. They currently hold the rank of 3rd degree under 8th degree black belt Master Eric San Jose.
Head Instructor
Favorite Kata : Gojushiho Dai
Sensei Jessica Layburn
2nd Degree in Shotokan Karate
Jessica Layburn began her martial arts training at 5 years old, learning the basics of grappling and karate. After transitioning to traditional Shotokan and earning her first degree black belt at 17, she began competing in local and national tournaments, earning multiple Top 10 and World Champion titles in weapons forms and open hand kata. With over 17 years of experience, she received her second degree in October 2016, and continues to be a positive influence to her students and many others.
Little Legacies & Kids karate instructor
Favorite Kata: Gankaku
Sensei Sean Mittelmann
2nd Degree in Shotokan Karate
Sean Mittelmann started martial arts at the age of 8 in Shotokan karate. He worked diligently for the next 8 years until he earned his first degree black belt. Sean has over 15 years of martial arts training as well as 5 years of teaching. . He also trains in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and BJJ in Legacy's MMA program. Sean is attending Hofstra's Occupational Therapy program and aspires to apply the knowledge from school into his martial arts training and teaching.
Kids Class & Adult Class Instructor
Favorite Kata: Bassai Dai
Sensei Rob Garcia
1st Degree in Shotokan Karate
Robert Garcia started his martial arts journey long before any of our other instructors. It all started with his love for martial arts films, and that guided him to training on his own. As a teen he trained at Miyazaki-do and continued his own personal training. He shared that love of martial arts with his child, Sensei Jenna! He then began to pursue Shotokan karate as well as Muay Thai and Brazilian Jujitsu. While competing he took first place in both fighting and forms. Earning his first degree in 2018 he has continued his training and expanding his knowledge with every martial artist he meets. Overall Sensei Rob has 30+ years of martial arts training.
Kids Karate, Adult Karate & Muay Thai instructor
Favorite Kata: Meikyo
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