Our story
Hanshi Robert Torres · Founder & Head Master Instructor
The story behind CMK
After decades of training under world-class masters and earning black belts across four martial arts systems, Hanshi Robert Torres recognized a gap in Los Angeles — not a lack of karate schools, but a shortage of academies that genuinely developed individuals.
While many schools offered karate classes focused solely on technique, few emphasized character development. Hanshi Torres set out to create something different — a dojo where the lessons learned in karate translate directly into stronger students, stronger families, and stronger futures.
That’s still the work today. Kicks and blocks are the vocabulary. The subject is how a young person carries themselves — and that is trained deliberately, class after class.
“I didn’t open Crescent Moon Karate just to teach karate classes. I created a space where individuals come to discover who they really are.”
Hanshi Robert Torres, Founder
Milestones
2008
The doors open
Crescent Moon Karate opens in Los Angeles with its first classes — for just 6 students.
2012
Best Martial Arts Program
Recognized by LA Parent Magazine.
2013
Excellence in Instruction
Los Angeles Award for excellence in martial arts instruction.
Today
100+ active students
Kids, teens, adults and whole families training on Pico Blvd in Mid-City.
For parents
Every parent wants their child to grow up confident, disciplined, resilient, and prepared for life’s challenges. But those qualities don’t develop overnight.
They develop through experiences. Through challenges. Through learning to try again when something becomes difficult.
At Crescent Moon Karate, we create an environment where children are encouraged, challenged, and supported as they grow. Whether your child is shy, energetic, struggling with focus, or simply ready for a new challenge, we help them take meaningful steps forward.
What training builds
Kicks and blocks are the vocabulary. The subject is how a young person carries themselves — and that is trained deliberately, class after class.
Core values
Students and families are part of a welcoming, supportive community.
Training develops physical skills alongside mental strength, confidence, resilience and character.
Honesty, transparency, authenticity and respect guide our interactions.
Students are encouraged to become positive examples and support others.
Progress comes through consistent effort, personal responsibility and meaningful achievement.
Our approach
Structured training, earned progress, personal attention and age-appropriate instruction — with every new student beginning one-on-one with a certified black belt before joining a group.
Structured training
Every class follows a form students can count on.
Earned progress
Rank is earned, never given.
Personal attention
Classes are capped at 12 students.
Age-appropriate
A four-year-old and a fifteen-year-old need different teaching. They get it.
The team
The book
Black Belt Mindset: A Guide for Parents
by S. Robert Torres — his teaching philosophy in book form, the same approach students meet in class.
Every meaningful achievement begins with the courage to take the first step. At Crescent Moon Karate, we’re ready to help your child begin that journey.
Start Your Child’s $19.99 Trial
