About Our Instructors

Master Michael Coles

Master Michael Coles began karate in 1968. He won his first tournament as a Gold Belt and was chosen to participate in a Martial Arts demonstration with the late, legendary Bruce Lee. Master Coles won first place in every tournament before reaching 1st degree Black Belt in 1970. He was promoted to 2nd degree Black Belt in 1972, and was ranked No. 1 in tournament competition in the light-weight category during the 1970s.

Master Coles began his professional Full-Contact Karate career in 1975. He amassed a record of 20 wins and only 2 losses before winning the U.S. Welter Weight title in 1979.

In addition, Master Coles served as sparring partner to World Champion boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.

He retired from Full Contact Karate in 1981 to become Vice President of the Jhoon Rhee Institute. In 1983, Master Coles began teaching self-defense techniques to many Members of the U.S. Congress and Senate and other notable Washingtonians.

Master Coles -- together with Master Joseph Drabkin -- founded the Bethesda Martial Arts Academy in October, 1994.

Master Joseph Drabkin

Master Joseph Drabkin began Judo in 1966 and Karate in 1968. He won First Place in all tournaments in which he competed as a Junior Brown and Black Belt. In 1979, Master Drabkin began Full Contact Karate in 1979 and became Light-Heavyweight World Champion Jeff Smith's sparring partner.

In 1984, Master Drabkin formed USA Karate, which developed a complete system of self-defense discipline and philosophy. He achieved Master Instructor level and began training Secret Service, FBI, and other law enforcement personnel.

In 1986, Master Drabkin created a complete series of self-defense techniques designed especially for women.

He was elected Chairman of the World Karate Boxing Association (W.K.B.A.) in 1987, and he promoted several US and world championship karate fights. He also trained 10 professional fighters from 1985-1988, as well as several national point-sparring tournament champions.

Elected to the U.S. Congressional Advisory Board in 1992, Master Drabkin has also served on the U.S. National Strategy Commission Leadership Board.

In 1994, Master Drabkin joined forces with Master Michael Coles and founded the Bethesda Martial Arts Academy.