FTK is the only female-run martial arts studio in San Francisco. Siboks Diandra and Liza, both fifth-degree black belts, have been studying and/or teaching Shaolin Kenpo Karate in Bernal Heights for most of their lives. Six years ago, they opened FTK Martial Arts Studio on the corner of Cortland and Andover. Today, their business is at risk as the building owner is reclaiming the space on August 1st. They are raising funds for their continued buildout and rent reserves.

FTK is the culmination of a lifelong friendship and a shared love of Shaolin Kenpo that began when Diandra and Liza were young girls. Today, they not only teach the time-honored tradition of Kenpo but also give students confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and the knowledge that with practice, patience, and hard work, all things are possible.

Finding themselves in the competitive martial arts environment of San Francisco, where families have 34 other studios to choose from, Siboks Liza and Diandra have worked hard to gain the respect of the male-dominated black belt establishment and to demonstrate that FTK Martial Arts makes a valuable contribution to the community. The Siboks offer family events, host birthday celebrations, run summer and winter break camps, teach self-defense, and participate in competitions so students can showcase what they have learned.

Sibok Fernandez and Sibok Thompson embody what it means to be a community and remind me every week why I love this City and our beloved Bernal Heights. Please help them continue in this work so that our community and kids can continue to benefit from the love they bring to the block.