California Karate Academy - The Owners

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Instructor - Julie Cornwell is a Minnesota native and her, along with her daughter Fiona, are two of CKA’s original students. In college, Julie majored in Latin and minored in Biology before she went off to live and work in Europe for the better part of a decade. She relocated to her husband’s home state of California in 2015.

Because of her upbringing, Julie participated in a variety of athletic and artistic endeavors such as ballet, tap, volleyball, tennis, basketball, and track.  Her interest in keeping physically fit lead her to studying Tae Kwon Do with her oldest daughter.

Julie enjoys being challenged mentally and physically and encourages other students to push themselves outside of their comfort zones. She is an excellent addition to our Tang Soo Do team and brings knowledge, expertise, and wisdom to our floor.

Instructor - Jennifer Volkman is one of the original students of CKA and is very proud to have earned her E Dan. Jen grew up in Indiana and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University where she met her husband, Dave. She and Dave are the parents of the amazing Natalie, and have lived in the San Diego area for over 15 years.

Diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in the Spring of 2013, Jen has worked hard to improve her physical well-being and her Tang Soo Do practice is a key component. She is now pursuing her Kyosa Nim designation (certified instructor). In addition to martials arts, she enjoys singing and is a member of the San Diego Harmonics Chorale.  Her other hobby is scrapbooking and vacations are spent scuba diving with her family. Tang Soo! 

Instructor - Aakash is a 22 year old certified instructor and second degree black belt. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Applied Mathematics, he has developed a deep appreciation for complex systems and their underlying mechanics, which is conveyed in how he practices Tang Soo Do.

Having trained in the art for over half his life, it represents more than the deep technical foundation he has built. It represents an overarching philosophy; an appreciation for how seemingly trivial details are the ones that separate respectable proficiency from genuine mastery.

He has a strong passion for sharing this philosophy with students at every level through the rich medium of Tang Soo Do. Whether working with beginners or advanced practitioners, he strives to create an environment that is both supportive and challenging, where students can build confidence by being pushed to achieve exceptional outcomes against any odds.

Instructor - Mr. Paul K. Tengan is a lifelong martial artist, experienced instructor, and decorated military veteran whose journey reflects an enduring commitment to discipline, service, and personal growth.

Mr. Tengan began studying Taekwondo at an early age in Seoul, South Korea, developing the discipline, respect, and perseverance that would guide his life. After moving to Maui, Hawaii, he trained in Aikido and earned a green belt in his early teens. A natural athlete, he also participated in basketball, baseball, volleyball, golf, soccer, and track and field.

During his career in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Tengan trained extensively in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), an integrated combat system drawing from disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga. He earned his MCMAP Black Belt in 2008. He also completed the Navy Instructor Training Course and earned qualifications as a Basic Instructor, Senior Instructor, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor within the Command, Control, and Communication (C3) community. At the Navy/Marine Corps Air Traffic Control Schoolhouse in Pensacola and during later overseas assignments, he trained and mentored Marines and Sailors while helping strengthen operational readiness. In 2024, he retired from the Marine Corps as a Master Gunnery Sergeant after 22 years of distinguished service.

Mr. Tengan returned to his martial arts roots at California Karate Academy in 2022, inspired by his son, Camden, and encouraged by Master Mikita’s welcoming approach. He soon began training alongside Camden and later his daughter, Juliet. Under the guidance of Master Mikita and Master Arango, he earned his Tang Soo Do Black Belt in 2025. From Seoul to military service and back to the dojang, Mr. Tengan’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of martial arts and a life lived with purpose, honor, and excellence.

Studio Manager (in training) - Monica is a Southern California native, dedicated mother of two, and a committed student on her journey toward earning her black belt. She was first drawn to California Karate Academy in the wake of COVID, seeking a positive environment where her children could rebuild social connections while developing discipline, strength, and confidence.

What began as an investment in her children quickly became a personal calling. After witnessing the growth, structure, and character development her kids were experiencing, Monica stepped onto the mat herself. Since then, she has become a consistent and focused practitioner, embodying the same values we aim to instill in every student.

As a Studio Manager in Training, Monica brings a grounded, family-first perspective to the Dojang. She understands firsthand what parents are looking for and plays a key role in creating a welcoming, supportive environment for both new and existing families.

Outside of the studio, Monica enjoys camping, exploring the outdoors, and sharing meals with family—especially Korean BBQ and sushi. Her commitment to growth, both for herself and for the families she serves, makes her an integral part of the CKA community.