Master Graves founded Phoenix Black Belt Academy Dubai in 2011. She is a member of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, and has grown to become one of the largest and most respected martial arts schools in the UAE. Master Graves was raised in Iraq and Denmark, speaks English, Arabic, and Danish languages fluently, she is married with two grown daughters, and the whole family are advanced black belts as well.
Master Graves holds a 6th Degree Black Belt awarded from Kukkiwon, the World TaeKwonDo Federation and a 7th Degree Black Belt from the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation in Seoul, South Korea. She studied under Master Chang Rak Shon since 1999, quickly becoming Chief Instructor for his main school in Tacoma, WA, USA. She founded and coached the Phoenix Demonstration Team there, performing in competitions and community events for many years. Master Graves managed Taekwondo Tournament events since 2004, hosting over 500 competitors in the annual sparring and forms competition in the USA and Dubai.
From humble beginnings, Master Graves has built a thriving community of students, families, and mentors at Phoenix Academy in Dubai since 2011 that has been recognized by Kukkiwon, the governing body of Tae Kwon Do, as Top Ranked Dojang in 2019 and 2023. Master Graves attends Masters Training in Korea to improve her skills, always striving to become a better teacher and mentor to our community.
He has been an instructor, competitor, and coach in sparring and Demonstration Team competitions. Before coming to Dubai, Mr. Delizo was instructing for a prominent Tae Kwon Do school in Los Angeles, USA.
Master Shuhaib Khalid is the Chief Instructor at Phoenix Academy and a dedicated martial arts professional known for his commitment to excellence, discipline, and the true spirit of Taekwondo. Originally from Kerala, India, he began his journey at the age of 13, inspired by his father, whose passion for training and fitness led to his lifelong pursuit of martial arts.
He trained under Master Sayed Fahad at Master Fahad Taekwondo Academy, where he developed expertise in both poomsae and Olympic sparring. A proven competitor, he has participated in numerous national championships across India and the UAE.
At university, Master Shuhaib distinguished himself with first place in the Inter-Collegiate Championship for three consecutive years and at the All India University Championship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA).
A World Taekwondo Level 1 Certified Coach and Referee (India & UAE), Master Shuhaib brings technical expertise and officiating experience to our team.
As a 4th Dan Black Belt certified by Kukkiwon, he remains committed to inspiring students to reach their highest potential—both on and off the mat.
For her, Taekwondo is not just a sport or a martial art, it’s like a religion. It is a way of life that teaches you discipline, perseverance, determination, respect, courtesy, integrity, modesty and many more life skills.
Ms. Jessica Arellano is a Taekwondo practitioner from Baguio City, Philippines, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has represented both her club and her country in multiple national and international competitions, showcasing skill, discipline, and dedication throughout her athletic career.
She was recognized as an Outstanding Student-Athlete by the President of the Philippines during her high school years. In university, she continued to excel, earning distinction as a top athlete and securing the gold medal in her division for five consecutive years in the university games.
Beyond her achievements in competition, Ms. Arellano has been honored by the city government for her volunteer efforts, teaching Taekwondo to women and children who have experienced abuse or oppression. Through her advocacy, she uses martial arts as a tool for empowerment, confidence, and healing.
achieving many awards and medals. He was the Heavyweight Champion of Kannur University for 3 years (2014-2017) and represented the University in an All India Inter University Championship in Kyorugi.
Instructors and assistant instructors are trained not only on teaching quality martial arts skills, but also to focus on every student’s individual needs to help them improve their personality and confidence.
We are committed to teaching the physical skills of martial arts while applying attitude-shaping and improvement exercises to help bring out the best character and physical potential in each student.
Phoenix Black Belt Academy adult students are looking for something more than a gym membership to stay fit. We offer the confidence you gain learning new skills in self defense, weight management with a great workout, and memory training as you memorize each new technique for the different belt levels. Perhaps the best benefit from joining Phoenix is the many new friends you meet working together and helping each other be your best in every class. Martial arts skills help you cope with stress and pressure from your daily routine, and discover the peace of mind that comes from learning skills to protect yourself and your loved ones.
