Red Dragon Karate Studio a Diamond Bar Institution

When Mohamad and Amanda Jahanvash first met in the 1980s, he was an instructor and she was the receptionist at Red Dragon Karate in Upland.

“The owner also owned a studio in Diamond Bar, and he decided that he wanted to sell the Diamond Bar location and asked if Mohamad wanted to have his own business,” Amanda said. “He did and purchased Red Dragon Karate in Diamond Bar on May 30,1985. It was our first studio. Mohamad was 23 and I was 18, and we were not yet married.” 

Twenty six years later, the Jahanvash family owns an additional studio in Phillips Ranch, and have brought their three children into the business: Ava is a 3rd degree black belt, instructor, and junior at the University of La Verne; Shahin is also a 3rd degree black belt, studio manager, and a junior at Diamond Bar High; and Alec is a 1st degree black belt and a sixth grader at Chaparral Middle School. 

“The most rewarding thing is that we get to do this as a family,” Amanda said.

The American form of karate taught at Red Dragon is a combination of many styles, with the base Judo. Mohamad has been training in martial arts for 35 years, and is an 8th degree Master Instructor. He and his students travel all over the country to compete, and on average he attends 35 to 46 competitions every year. In addition to competing, Mohamad directs and coordinates many major events around the United States, and along with Amanda is promoting next year's Compete International Martial Arts Championship.

“All of the Red Dragon instructors are are black belt professionals,” Amanda said. “Their energy, enthusiasm, helpfulness and friendliness are proof that our program works. Parents enrolling children and teens are reassured to know that classes are conducted by instructors who expect best behavior, uphold rule, and provide continuous supervision. They strive daily to be the best they can be and they’re dedicated to passing along that special quality of assurance and achievement to every student.”

When students come to Red Dragon Karate, they are instilled with the values of respect, discipline, confidence and self-reliance.

“We provide an atmosphere of unity and family that extends out to our  community,” Amanda said. “Those who study and train at Red Dragon Karate enjoy the additional benefits of improved health, a new body awareness and a sense of accomplishment that comes from learning something truly worthwhile.”

What they learn at the studio also carries over to academics.

“Because a structure of respect is built into martial arts, children develop the ability to listen, learn, and achieve,” Amanda said. “This proves to be an excellent reinforcement of study techniques for school. Our goal is to create an atmosphere of success and accomplishments, making sure all students feel great about themselves as they make their journey towards black belt.”

The Jahanvash family is proud to be part of the Diamond Bar community, and has been honored by the City Council twice: in 2010, the studio received Business of the Month in July, and was recognized for 25 years of business.

“We have enjoyed being a part of the growth of Diamond Bar from an unincorporated part of L.A. County to the great city it is today,” Amanda said. “We participated in the Diamond Bar Ranch Festival every year of its existence. We had a booth, performed and I was on the Board of Directors for three years. We have also participated in every City of Diamond Bar Birthday Party since the first. We plan to be a part of Diamond Bar for the next 25 years.”