4Leaders Martial Arts

4Leaders Martial Arts offers Little Champions for ages 3–5, Youth Martial Arts for ages 6–12, Teen & Adult Martial Arts for ages 13+, and Family Martial Arts. The program includes martial arts instruction, self-defense, fitness, focus, discipline, leadership skills, confidence, balance, body control, listening, communication, and follow-through on directions.

Programs

• Little Champions — Ages 3–5 · Intro to martial arts for kids ages 3 to 5; builds coordination, focus, listening, confidence, balance, body control, and ability to follow directions.
• Youth Martial Arts — Ages 6–12 · Helps kids build confidence, stay active, learn self-defense, improve focus and discipline, and grow into strong leaders.
• Teen & Adult Martial Arts — Ages 13+ · Built to challenge and empower; focuses on fitness, self-defense, leadership skills, strength, endurance, focus, confidence, integrity, discipline, and purpose.
• Family Martial Arts — Parent and child class for families to connect, stay active, and build confidence side by side while improving focus, discipline, self-defense, communication, healthier habits, and lasting memories.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old

About the provider

Sergio Cardenas is the Founder and Head Master Instructor, and Jennifer Buckman is the Lead Master Instructor. Cardenas opened his first martial arts studio in San Juan Capistrano in 2003 and has more than 40 years of martial arts experience. He is a 6th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with a bronze medal at the World Championships and multiple medals at the Pan American Games. Buckman is a 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and has trained since 2012. The mission of 4Leaders Martial Arts is to help students become strong, confident leaders through disciplined training and core values like respect, focus, and integrity.

The program uses a values-based belt progression system. Each belt is tied to a specific character trait that students must understand, practice, and live out. Advancement is based on skill and on showing maturity, effort, and mindset.

Last updated October 28, 2026.