The Instructors and Staff at Karate Works Training Academy
Our instructors at Karate Works Training Academy in Benbrook, TX have spent many years devoted to training in Karate and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors at our martial arts school.
Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. They firmly believe that the martial arts helps to build children's self-esteem, self-control, and helps to form moral character in children (and adults alike)! As this transformation takes place, you will see the student much happier and content with life.
Mike Gunnlaugsson (IV Dan, Founder)
Mr. Gunnlaugsson serves as the Master Instructor (Sabumnim) and owner of Karate Works. He has trained in the Martial Arts for over 25 years and has been teaching for 20 years.
He has trained in various arts over the years including: Akido, Brazilian JuJitsu, Kickboxing, Kung Fu San-Su, and Tae Kwon Do. Mr. Gunnlaugsson was the 1983 California State Sparring Champion in his division and has earned many awards and accreditation for his Martial Arts skills.
He has always been very involved in civic organizations, serving on boards and committees for the betterment of his community.
In the 1990's Mr. Gunnlaugsson developed a Martial Arts program for The Boys and Girls Club in his home town of Chula Vista, California. During that time he spear-headed a $10,000 renovation project at that facility and served as the director of the 1st annual Boys and Girls Club Regional Martial Arts Tournament. He was also selected as a member of the Elite Martial Arts Demonstration Team that performed in Sweden. On that trip the team presented Angelholm, Sweden a proclamation that made it a sister city to Chula Vista and set up a student exchange program.
He moved from Chula Vista in 2001 to open Karate Works in Benbrook, Texas.
"Mastery of physical skills is necessary to advance in the Martial Arts. More important however, is to instill values, specifically the tenants of Tae Kwon Do (Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit, and Modesty) into one's daily life. This is essential for true Black Belt excellence and a meaningful, peaceful life."
- Mike Gunnlaugsson
Jacob Holcomb (III Dan / Head Instructor)
Jacob has had a strong relationship to the Karate Works Family for over 10 years. With over 20 years of Martial Arts experience, he brings a whole new level of knowledge and insight to the school. In his many years of training, he has studied traditional Karate, Boxing, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Judo and Jiu Jitsu as well as holding a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
"Don't be afraid to train hard; training is a forge. The harder you pound on steel, the stronger and sharper it becomes."
- Jacob Holcomb
GREG PFITZNER (II DAN / Head INSTRUCTOR)
Greg has studied Tae Kwon Do and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu right here at Karate Works for the past 10 years. He has a passion for helping others and enjoys sharing his knowledge of the martial arts. With this in mind, his goal is for everyone to feel a part of something special at our studio!