Mr. Yazhari started his martial training at an early age in the late 1970’s under the tutelage of Grand Master Fred Villari’s black belts at the then called United Studios of Self Defense in Millbury, Massachusetts. There he received instruction in the art of Shaolin Kempo Karate. While pursuing his Bachelor’s degree, he also practiced Praying Mantis Kung-Fu to enhance his lower body strength and to promote better cardiovascular health.
Mr. Yazhari migrated from Massachusetts to Texas in the early 1990s (to pursue professional opportunities) and was very fortunate to meet and train with Grand Master Henry Childers (10th Dan Tracy’s Kenpo) starting in the early February of 2001. Under the direct tutelage of this world-class martial artist and Hall of Fame inductee, he has learned advanced concepts of Kenpo and has been exposed to the applications of Arnis, and Small Circle Jujitsu.
Mr. Yazhari was greatly inspired by Grand Master Childers and his vast knowledge of Kenpo, Small Circle Jujitsu, Arnis, and Judo. He desired to elevate his martial arts literacy and competence by concurrently pursuing other martial arts that complement his command of Kenpo. He joined the well renowned Karl Geis Ryu Dojo and has been fortunate to have been given the opportunity to train with other world-class martial artists at a Dojo that has produced Judo Olympic Gold Medalists. Here he focused on advanced Aikido concepts such as balance-breaking, interception of trajectory, joint manipulation, foot strike timing, and Ukemi. He also studied and practiced KGR Judo (Ne Waza, Ashi Waza, and Goshin Jutsu) to help him better handle opponents at extremely close range and on the ground. Finally, he has focused heavily on the art of the Japanese 52” stick, to obtain a very solid understanding of the concepts and applications of the Jo stick in real life self defense.
With decades of experience, thousands of mat hours, and countless seminars attended, he takes pride in his accomplishments and that of other individuals he imparts his knowledge to. Mr. Yazhari was an invited presenter at the 2024 “Middle Tennessee Martial Arts Seminar” as well as the 2026 international “Karl Geis Ryu Aikido Clinic” in Houston, Texas.
The governing body of the Yudanshakai inducted Mr. Yazhari to the Kenpo International Hall of Fame during the bi-annual International Gathering of Eagles in St. Louis Missouri on August 1st, 2026. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Gold Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of Leadership and dedication to the Kenpo Martial Arts Community.
He considers himself a martial arts historian and an avid collector of Kenpo, Judo, Aikido and JoJutsu historical facts. He is a member of the Kenpo Arts Alliance Board of Directors, and currently holds the following Dan ranks and coaching certifications:
- Tracy’s Kenpo – Yondan (4rd Degree Blackbelt)
- KiHara Aikido – Godan (5th Degree Blackbelt)
- SMR JoJutsu – Sandan (3rd Degree Blackbelt)
- KGR Judo – Shodan (1st Degree Blackbelt)
- United States Judo Association (USJA) – Shodan (1st Degree Blackbelt)
- US Center for Disease Control – Concussion Training for Coaches
- US Center for SafeSport – SafeSport Trained (Core)
- US Center for SafeSport – Recognizing and Reporting Misconduct
- US Center for SafeSport – Preventing Misconduct
- US Center for SafeSport – Creating a Positive Sport Environment
Mr. Yazhari is the Senior VP of Information Technology at Optimum Consultancy Services, LLC – The IT partner of choice for Kenpo Arts Alliance. With headquarters in Houston, Texas and presence throughout North America, Optimum offers award-winning IT solutions, custom apps, AI integration, process automation, RPA, business intelligence, project management, web design, and professional staffing services to commercial, state, and federal entities throughout the United States and Canada.
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