Master Al Quiceno

In September of 2010, Master Al Quiceno will be celebrating his 30th year of training in the Martial Arts. A 6th degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Okinawan Karate, Master Al trained for the 1992 and 1996 Olympics under 1992 Olympic Gold Medallist Master Herb Perez. He has also been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and has been nominated as the TaeKwonDo Master of the year in both 2004 and 2005.

Master Al is the founder of his own Martial Arts system which he has named "Smart 1 Do" or "The Way Of The Smart Individual" which consist of Martial Arts and Body Conditioning training. It is based on basic kicking, punching, sweeping, grappling and pressure points, but most importantly: foot work. This new combination of exercise and martial arts is a reflection of Master Al Quiceno's two word fighting philosophy: "Distraction and Destruction"! It is simple for anyone to master and hard for any one who goes against it.

Master Al is also the Creator of his own Martial Arts TV show, "Martial Arts World", and has trained over 5,000 students ranging between the ages of 3 to 65 years old.

Master Bob Sacks

Master Sacks began training in the Martial arts at the age of 24 in 1988, in Astoria, Queens, under the instruction of Grand Master Tiger Kim, and his twin sons, the Tiger Twins. After the untimely death of Grand Master Kim, he continued his training with Master Kil Sung Won in Rockland County. In June of 2002, Master Sacks received his 3rd Dan Black Belt Certificate from the Kukkiwon. Master Sacks works as a Sales Engineer for Arista Air Conditioning in Long Island City, and lives in New City with his lovely wife Marcy, and two sons, Brian and Dean.

In 2004, he joined Panthers Martial Arts and tested for his 4th Degree Black Belt becoming the only Master at Panthers aside from Master Al Quiceno. Master Sacks has given and continues to give his time and love for the Martial Arts to most of the students here at Panthers. His humble ways and supportive attitude has helped Panthers grow in many ways. It is our honor to have him as part of our TaeKwonDo Family.

Carrie Quiceno

Carrie is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo who started her training at Panthers with Master Al Quiceno on October of 2001. She has represented Panthers in many TaeKwonDo tournaments, winning several gold medals in forms and board breaking. In addition, Carrie is also Master Al's wife and Panthers School Program Director / After School Program Coordinator.

Carrie has a severe heart murmur condition which makes her training extremely difficult, but she proves to us all that "Where There is a Will is Definitely a Way".

Cynthia Estevez

Cynthia Estevez is Master Al's beautiful and friendly 19 year old step daughter. She is currently a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo. She has been training for over 6 years and has been teaching for over 4 years. Winning over 30 medals, mostly gold, Cynthia works hard on her training. She enjoys instructing adults and children with a smile on her face. Both children and parents speak very well about her!

Amanda Cassara

Amanda Cassara is 16 years old and a Third degree black belt in Taekwondo. Amanda started her Martial Arts training in January of 2000 at the age of 7, making her one of Master Al's original students. She has been competing in tournaments since 2003 and has won several gold, silver & bronze medals. Amanda is also the Captain of Master Al's Dream Team. She loves training under Master Al and credits Taekwondo with helping her stay in great physical condition.