Alexey Petrov,
Head Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt
Alexey Petrov is a 5th degree black belt who has over 20 years of experience in the Martial Arts. Alexey became interested in the Martial Arts after moving to the United States from Moscow, Russia when he was 14 years old. Although Alexey holds a Computer Science degree and worked successfully as a software engineer in two of the top 4 accounting firms, his passion has always remained for Martial Arts. In October 2006, Alexey and his wife Rhonda, opened Westchase Impact Martial Arts located in Tampa, Florida. Alexey’s goal is to provide his students with the finest martial arts experience possible.
Inspiration
My wife, Rhonda. Without her love and support, none of this would be possible. Thank You Baby.
On Being A Warrior
Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn't even be there,
Eighty are just targets,
Nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them,
for they make the battle.
Ah, but the one,
One is a warrior,
And he will bring the others back.
--Heraclitus
Instructors
Mike Mast
Mr. Mast has been a friend, mentor, and instructor. I have to thank him for everything that I have achieved in my Martial Arts career.
John Burns
Mr. Burns is the one who introduced me to Martial Arts in a small Church club and gave me my very first teaching lessons.
Grand Master Robert H. Hardin
GM Hardin, the best Marial Arts technician in the world, had a tremendous impact on my Martial Arts skills.
Grand Master Scott McNeely
GM Scott McNeely is one of the best martial artist in the world. He was not only the inspiration to my Taekwondo growth but also a great instructor. He and Grand Master Nam Tae Hi certified me to my 5th degree Black Belt level in 2006.
Mike Lee Kanarek
Mike Lee has a unique combination of real battle experience from the Israeli Special Forces, various martial arts experience, and the ability to teach, which makes him the best self-defense instructor you will ever find.
Hero
My father, Aleksander Petrov-Agatov. Being a Russian dissident, he spent most of his life in Siberian camps, but he never gave up and his spirit was not shattered. He was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. He was a selfless public servant who committed his life for the greater good of his country. One of my goals in life is to live up to his image.
Education
B.S. Computer Information Systems, Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
Notable Martial Arts Accomplishments
Team USA Sparring Gold Medalist Champion 2006
National Taekwondo Champion 2001
Martial Artist of the Year 1999
Full Contact Kickboxing Champion 1999
Instructor of the Year 1998
Certified Haganah Instructor
__________________________________________________________________
Dan Rawlings,
Muay Thai Instructor
Certified Muay Thai instructor with championship fight experience and 10 years teaching experience.
__________________________________________________________________
Marc Lubowiecki,
Assistant Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Marc Lubowiecki started his Taekwondo journey in 2005, when his daughter enrolled in her first Martial arts class. Rather than bringing her to class and sitting on the side watching, he decided to join in. He hasn’t looked back since. When his 1st school closed a year later, Marc found his Martial Arts home at Westchase Impact Martial Arts, and signed up as the very first student. He has since become a fixture at the studio, working his way up through the ranks to earn his 2nd degree black belt. You will find Marc in the studio weeknights and most Saturdays in the family classes, as well as the teens & adults classes. His interests include martial arts, cooking, reading and USF football.
__________________________________________________________________
Rhonda Petrov,
Director of Operations
Mrs. Petrov is the driving force behind Impact Martial Arts. Her hobbies include writing, reading, painting, traveling and spending time with her family. When she is not at the studio she spends time working her online business and taking care of her family.