Martial Arts Instructors Rancho Bernardo
CHANDLER SMITH
Head Instructor
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Chandler Smith has been training at SwiftKick Martial Arts for over 12 years. In his years at SwiftKick, Chandler has obtained the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt and holds the prestigious title of Head Instructor. In his free time Chandler enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He also enjoys writing and playing music.
“Chandler is a truly gifted teacher. He exudes a passion for coaching and care for each and every student. Chandler always brings a positive energy and unique creativity to classes. His ability to innovate fun drills for our students to learn martial arts has allowed him to develop some amazing experiences for kids in camps, special events, and weekly classes. Chandler leads by example in passionately pursuing continued personal growth through his commitment to his own martial arts training at SwiftKick. I am so proud to have Chandler as a valued member of Team SwiftKick.”
-Coach Cowell
PARKER SMITH
Senior Instructor
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Parker Smith has been training at SwiftKick Martial Arts for over 13 years. In his years at SwiftKick, Parker has obtained the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt and holds the prestigious title of Senior Instructor. In his free time Parker enjoys working on cars.
“Parker is an incredible martial artist and instructor. Parker is a hard worker; not a week goes by that he does not practice to improve his skills as a martial artist. His commitment to training has made him perhaps one of the most skilled boxers we have at SwiftKick. Not only is he an excellent martial artist, he is a gifted teacher. As a coach, Parker is patient, considerate, and funny. He absolutely loves the students he teaches and it shows in every class he instructs. If you’re ever having a down day, you can always count on Parker to make you laugh and be supportive.”
-Coach Cowell
MIKE APPEL
Advanced Instructor
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Mike Appel came to SwiftKick with an extensive martial arts and coaching background. In the five years he’s been with SwiftKick, Mike has obtained the rank of First Degree Black Belt and Lead Instructor at SwiftKick. Coach Mike primarily works with our Teen and Adult programs and oversees our specialized Forms and Weapons Program. When he’s not training or working, Coach Mike enjoys diving into psychological thrillers.
“Mike is an incredible martial artist and coach. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a lifestyle martial artist: he approaches his training and coaching with humility and constantly seeks opportunities to better himself. I truly appreciate Mike’s genuine passion for exploring, learning, and growing as a martial artist and individual. One thing I really love about Mike is his immense compassion for others. He brings this compassion with him to every class he coaches and in all his efforts to help SwiftKick provide an exceptional experience to our community.”
-Coach Cowell
LAURA MERILL
Advanced Instructor
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Laura Merrill started training at SwiftKick in 2011 after watching her son develop in Mr. Smith’s class. She earned her black belt in 2017. Laura coaches the after school programs (asp) and she most enjoys seeing the kids continue their training in the studio to strengthen their skills. Laura is a fourth generation Realtor with eXp Realty. She has been in the business for over 25 years.
“Laura rocks! That’s how I’d summarize Laura. She started out as an enthused parent of our program and soon after joined as one of the first members of our Champion Adult Program. She is committed to continually growing as a martial artist and person and I’m so proud of her journey in the martial arts. When Laura joined Team SwiftKick, I remember feeling so grateful for what she brings to our organization. She is brilliant, trustworthy, and reliable and has been a rock for me and our team throughout the ups and downs of running and operating a business; she always brings a positive energy and willingness to help and support however she can. I’m glad to have her on Team SwiftKick!”
-Coach Cowell
JOSHUA YOU
Lead Instructor
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Joshua has obtained the rank of First Degree Black Belt and Lead Instructor.
“I am so proud of Joshua’s journey as a martial artist and coach. Joshua has always been a standout student in the martial arts: he tackles challenges with tenacity, faces his fears head on, and always comes with an open mind and heart. Josh’s kind heart and consideration for others provided him with an excellent foundation to be a great coach. When Joshua first joined Team SwiftKick, I knew he had potential to be a remarkable instructor. At first, Josh struggled with owning this in his own mind but soon transformed into the wonderful teacher we all know him to be. Joshua is a valued member of Team SwiftKick and I love seeing him pass on what he’s learned to all the students at SwiftKick.”
-Coach Cowell
CORAL KOSIBA
Instructor
- Junior Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
NATHAN MILLER
Instructor
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
"Nathan is an inspiration as an individual and a martial artist. As a teenager, Nathan struggled with some debilitating health challenges that affected his entire life. Despite that, Nathan always had a positive attitude and expressed a drive to train and better himself. His tenacity to pursue goals in the face of obstacles is an amazing example of black belt perseverance. I'm thrilled to have Nathan on our coaching team as he provides not only great skills and coaching to our students, but real world examples of overcoming personal hardship."
-Coach Cowell
Martial Art Instructors Carlsbad
SAM TURPIN
Senior Instructor
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Sam Turpin has been training martial arts for 9 years and currently competes in BJJ, MMA and Muay Thai. He has a brown belt in Judo, a purple belt in BJJ and a 1st Degree Black Belt under Coach Cowell at SwiftKick Martial Arts. In his free time he likes to cook food and play music.
“Sam is an astounding martial artist, coach, and athlete. Sam has an unquenchable desire to improve himself as a martial artist and teacher on a daily basis. He is constantly seeking resources, training, and experiences to enhance his life as a martial artist. As a coach, Sam is innovative, results driven, approachable, caring, and also a ton of fun. Sam will bring up the energy and quality of every room he enters and I am thrilled to have him on Team SwiftKick and proud to have him overseeing our Carlsbad students helping develop the next generation of martial artists.”
-Coach Cowell
DAVID WELCHONS
Senior Instructor
- 3rd Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach David Welchons has been training at SwiftKick Martial Arts for over 17 years. In his years at SwiftKick, David has obtained the rank of 3nd Degree Black Belt and holds the prestigious title of Senior Instructor. In his free time David enjoys surfing, rock climbing, and camping.
“David was one of my very first students ever in Carlsbad. He actually started training with me in 2007 before I even officially established the Carlsbad program! David is a natural leader with an exceptional work ethic. His positivity is infectious and you cannot help but smile when he walks into the room. From the moment I met David I recognized his potential as a compassionate, influential leader. As his teacher, I was thrilled to see him develop a desire to coach and pass along what he has learned to future generations of martial arts students.”
-Coach Cowell
SARAH MCCANN PISCOPO
Lead Instructor
- 2nd Degree Black Belt
Coach Sarah came to SwiftKick with an extensive martial arts background. In the 8 years she’s been with SwiftKick, Sarah has occupied several important roles: Coach, New Members Coordinator, and now our Community Outreach Coordinator. Sarah has has participated in multiple Tae Kwon Do demo teams and holds a second degree black belt in that discipline. On her free time you can find her camping, hiking, watching baseball or cheering on the SDSU Aztec Football Team.
“One word comes to mind when I think of Sarah: All-Star. Sarah bravely takes on challenges and new endeavors and excels at them. I still remember one day speaking to Sarah around when she first started working with us and letting her know I thought she had what it takes to make a great New Members Coordinator in addition to being an Instructor with our team. She had not had any previous background in marketing and sales but boldly took on the position with great success: helping us grow our presence in the community and helping new families start their life changing journey in the martial arts. Sarah is a valued part of Team SwiftKick and continues to impress me in all she does.”
-Coach Cowell
PHILLIP CAVINESS
Lead Instructor
- 1st Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Phillip has been training at SwiftKick for over 14 years. In that time, he has obtained the rank of First Degree Black Belt and Lead Instructor.
“Phillip is an amazing student to work with. From his first day of class, Phillip showed discipline and focus in his training unlike any of his classmates. He takes his training very seriously and has developed into a gifted martial artist. Perhaps what has impressed me most about Phillip has been his development as an Instructor. By nature, Phillip is quiet and reserved. As an Instructor, Phillip has learned to command a class, get students to laugh and have fun while also teaching them how to be great martial artists.”
-Coach Cowell
OLIVIA PELTIER
Lead Instructor
- Junior Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Olivia Peltier has been training at Swiftkick Martial Arts for 8 years. After over a decade of training in MMA and Taekwondo, Olivia has obtained a junior black belt and the title of Lead Instructor. She plans to test for her first degree black belt in the summer of 2025. In her free time, Olivia enjoys directing, traveling, and vexing her brother with discussions of Shakespeare.
“Olivia is an incredible young lady, martial artist, and coach. She is mature beyond her years, incredibly smart, and a joy to be around. Olivia has been an excellent role model for girls in our program as a martial artist and instructor. In fact, teenage girls currently outnumber the boys in our program for martial arts and self-defense training! Olivia is an amazing coach and individual and I’m so grateful to have her on Team SwiftKick!”
-Coach Cowell
Martial Art Instructors Virtual Program
CHRIS WELCHONS
Head Instructor Virtual Program
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Chris Welchons has been training at SwiftKick Martial Arts for over 16 years. In his years at SwiftKick, Chris has obtained the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt and holds the prestigious title of Head Instructor. He enjoys doing just about anything outside, such as biking, running, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, and especially camping.
“Chris is one of my first students in Carlsbad. Chris exemplifies what it means to be a martial artist in all areas of his life. He is trustworthy, hard working, humble, and pursues excellence in all endeavors. Chris leads by example and is an excellent role model for our students and coaching team. He has played and continues to play an integral role in helping SwiftKick grow as an organization and carry out our mission to change lives through the power of martial arts and I am so proud to have Chris on Team SwiftKick.”
-Coach Cowell
RACHEL WELCHONS
Lead Instructor Virtual Program
- 2nd Degree Black Belt in Applied Martial Arts
Coach Rachel Welchons has been training at SwiftKick Martial Arts for over 16 years. In her years at SwiftKick, Rachel has obtained the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt and Senior Instructor. In her free time, Rachel enjoys knitting, quilting, horseback riding, and fishing.
"Rachel has always been a standout student. She has never let anything prevent her from accomplishing her goals. She lives perseverance and courage. I distinctly remember Rachel’s fear of sparring before she became a Junior Black Belt. At one point, she contemplated stopping martial arts altogether because of it. Now, she is one of the fiercest martial artists to spar and is the first woman to obtain the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt at SwiftKick Martial Arts. Rachel is an outstanding coach: loving, yet tough on the students in the right ways. She is such an incredible role model to the students she teaches. I’m so proud to have Rachel as a valued member of Team SwiftKick."
-Coach Cowell