Master Rio Altaie is a 4th degree (Dan) Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, 2nd degree in Hapkido and has been certified by Grand Master Hwang Kee, the founder of Korean Tang Soo Do in Seoul, Korea. (Letter from Grand Master Hwang Kee to Master Rio Altaie)

Mr. Altaie has been certified as a self-defense instructor by Carlson Gracie Jr. and in Cardio Kick Boxing by NAPMA. He has been a practitioner for over fifteen years and also holds ranks in Tae Kwon Do and Jiu-Jitsu.

Mr. Altaie also is the founder and chief certifying official of the bureau of Arbitrators, Referees and Judges (BARJ). During his time as a teacher and a student, he has learned what makes a successful martial art program: a fun, non-threatening environment with an emphasis on positive character traits and good, strong self-defense techniques. Mr. Altaie is delighted to share his knowledge and love of martial arts, and looks forward to molding the youth of Martial Arts the right way. "Master Altaie is an extraordinary martial artist and a great all around person, he earned his place in martial arts history" stated KKO president Louis Velazquez. He is our choice for January 2003.