ABOUT US

ELEVATING TKD
WITH POSITIVITY.

Action Tae Kwon Do & Cinematic Movement provides traditional martial arts training through a modern and high-energy curriculum taught by experienced certified instructors.

We are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, cultivating self-discipline, and strengthening the minds and bodies of students in an atmosphere of positive energy and respect. Our programs provide adults, teens, kids, and families with a uniquely rewarding training experience that pushes students to be the best version of themselves – not just in martial arts, but in every aspect of their lives.

Peter Iacangelo (Mr. Peter)

OWNER/MASTER INSTRUCTOR (Sabumnim)

Versatile. Precise. Entertaining.  A 4th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do under the tutelage of Master Simon Rhee, Peter Iacangelo is widely known for his incredible forms and intricate high kicks. His perseverance and learnings helped him rise to the top ranks of his sport quickly, earning a place on the United States Tae Kwon Do Junior Olympic Team, and later qualifying for the National Team. Prior to opening Action Tae Kwon Do & Cinematic Movement, Peter was the senior instructor for Simon Rhee Tae Kwon Do where he taught for nearly 30 years.

From the young age of six, martial arts taught Peter self-discipline as well as the rewards of competition. “It was always challenging for me, and I never got bored,” he explained. “I was like a sponge to learn the forms, the precision of the movements, and how it created balance for me physically and in my day-to-day life.”

His appreciation of the “art” of martial arts has helped him rack up multiple awards for his forms, but he has been equally drawn to the entertainment side of the sport as demonstrated by his time spent as Red Ranger on the live Power Rangers Tour and his repeated appearances doing stunts for notable TV and film productions. He has also expanded digitally by creating content for social media @stuntpete.

His love of teaching continues as brightly today as the first day he instructed students.

“Helping students find their path through Tae Kwon Do is some of the most rewarding moments in my life.”

– Peter Iacangelo

Our Instructors

  • Matt Ahmadi (Mr. Matt)

    INSTRUCTOR

    At a young age Matt Ahmadi was mesmerized by martial arts thanks to movies featuring some of the best, particularly Bruce Lee. He would spend hours imitating his moves – so much so that his parents enrolled him in tae kwon do classes to further his inspiration. Matt immediately responded to classes with David Parks, thoroughly absorbing the teachings and wanting to do more. He later trained at Billy Blanks TKD where he learned more "flashy" kicks and forms to add to his repertoire. Along the way he expanded his martial arts knowledge by also studying other disciplines including kung fu, Shotokan karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

    For the past 20+ years Matt perfected his tae kwon do skills under the guidance of the Best of the Best’s Master Simon Rhee. With Master Rhee he also fulfilled another passion as an instructor. Matt enjoys how martial arts techniques taught to a student not only furthers their personal abilities, but also has the unique potential to flow down from generation to generation. He believes that students can use those lessons learned and share them along within their family – something that is not only valuable in TKD but in life as well.

    Today, he brings his love of the sport to Action TKD, fostering tae kwon skills with young students making their own journey, as well as teaching through the generations with teens and adults.

  • Erica Arrias (Ms. Erica)

    INSTRUCTOR

    Erica Arrias has been a dedicated martial artist for more than a decade with rigorous training and guidance under Master Simon Rhee who helped shape her precision of movements and commitment to the meticulousness of martial arts that is carried through her teachings. A performer and athlete for more than 25 years, she began her TKD journey after a successful career in dance. An avid and accomplished dancer, she displayer her dance works nationally from California to New York, and even globally to destinations such as South Africa and the Czech Republic.

    Erica has been the recipient of numerous awards for her performance, choreography, creativity, and for her role model, leadership, and teaching skills. She holds a B.A. in Dance Choreography and World Art and Culture from UCLA.

    Her dance career also extended to Hollywood where she met her husband stunt coordinator Daniel Arrias. With her unique skill set, Erica made a natural progression to the stunt industry as well. Her fighting onscreen helped cement her passion for true martial arts, something she enjoys sharing with kids and adults alike today – whether the student is just starting out or continuing their journey.