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Tao Martial Arts proudly serving Mesa
Tao Martial Arts has classes in Mesa, perfect for kids, teen, and adult martial arts lessons.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
in Since we’ve opened in 2022, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through martial arts, education and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop and succeed in their personal goals.
We strongly believe that martial arts can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience levels. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skill sets to protect themselves, they will learn martial arts from highly experienced instructors. We stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life…
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Certified Martial Arts Instructors
Benjamin “Fergy” Ferguson
Studio Owner
Chief Instructor
Official Ranks Held:
- E Dan – World Tang Soo Do Association
- Cho Dan – World Sinmoo Tangsoo Hapkido Association
- Chi Gong Level 3 – World Chi Gong Hapkido Association
- Certified Split Second Survival Self Defense Instructor
Accolades:
- 3 World Silver Medals
- 3 Time Regional Grand Champion
- 10 Regional Gold Medals
- 3 Regional Silver Medals
- 1 Regional Bronze Medal
Started training in the martial arts in 1997, with the World Tang Soo Do Association in Reno, NV under Masters John and Carla Bennett as well as Master Steve Davis under the World Chi Gong Hapkido Association. Additionally, they were lucky enough to train under Master Marc Fortin in Kwan Um Do Kwang.
After enlisting in the US Navy they began to expand training in not just traditional martial arts but also military training. During their Rescue Swimmer training they had a unique opportunity to train in a unique style of Kung Fu called Nabard. This new style and military experience gave new insights into a broader understanding of martial arts. They also attended a Split Second Survival Clinic put on by the system’s founder, Larry Wick. The concepts of this system opened up his understanding of how martial arts aspects can be used in self-defense situations but must be adapted for the modern day.
These experiences ignited an everlasting love of not only martial arts and its nuances but how to understand them in a modern and realistic approach.
Throughout their 12 years of naval service they continued training in Tang Soo Do, Hapkido, and Ki Gong They also also sought out schools to train out whenever possible and gained some great experiences in a variety of styles. They also went through rigorous training and deployment to Afghanistan with the special forces and trained in military combatives, special weapon tactics, and certified on a slew of both lethal and non-lethal firearms and weapons. This training greatly benefited from the martial arts training and gave new insights and a deeper understanding of how to apply martial arts techniques into realistic and modern day use.
Benjamin Ferguson was awarded 12 medals and a variety of ribbons and awards, to include the National Intelligence Professional Award, given personally from the Director of National Security, James Clapper.
They finished their naval service in 2019 and moved to the Phoenix area, and took up formal martial arts training again, while attending ASU for his Bachelors of Science in Sociology. They returned to the World Tang Soo Do Association and started training at the Martial Arts Academy of Tang Soo Do Arizona in Tempe under the tutelage of Masters Stephanie and Ian Larson.
In 2022, they graduated Suma Cum Laude from Arizona State University, as well as awarded a Black Belt in Hapkido, and was officially certified as an instructor in Split Second Survival.
They decided to share the extensive knowledge learned over decades and opened Tao Martial Arts.
Terri McCann
Certified Tang Soo Do Instructor
Official Ranks Held:
- Cho Dan – World Tang Soo Do Association
- Cho Dan – Taekwondo
Accolades:
- 2 Time World Silver Medalist
- 1 Gold & 1 Silver at Indiana Open TKD Championship 2002
- 2 Gold Medals at Kentucky State TKD Championship 2003
- 3 Regional Gold Medals
- 5 Regional Silver Medals
- 2 Regional Bronze Medals
- Certificate of Recognition from Kentucky State Senator Ernie Harris
Terri started her martial arts journey in 1980 through the study of Taekwondo in Indiana and later in Kentucky. She trained under a couple of different instructors but made it to Cho Dan in Taekwondo under two associations. Terri joined us in 2022 and quickly took up the art of Tang Soo Do. She trained hard and earned her Black Belt with the World Tang Soo Do Association in 2024 and is now actively teaching at the studio. She leads the Wednesday night adult class and is a great instructor focusing on the technical aspects of Tang Soo Do. She is a wonderful addition to the training team and always brings joy to every class she is in.
She is also training in Hapkido and Split Second Survival and is one of the most trained in the studio in both of these programs as well. She attends our monthly self defense workshops on a regular basis and has attended each of the annual seminars held at our studio. Additionally, she has traveled to studios in Alaska and Nebraska and trained with fellow WTSDA members.
Certified Martial Arts Instructor Trainees
Zoeanna Torrey
Senior Tang Soo Do Instructor Trainee
Official Ranks Held:
- E Dan – World Tang Soo Do Association
Accolades:
- 2 Regional Gold Medals
- 1 Regional Silver Medal
- 4 Regional Bronze Medals
Zoie is a passionate and dedicated assistant karate instructor at Tao Martial Arts. Her journey began at age 7 in 2017 with Universal Tang Soo Do. Zoie then moved to World Tang Soo Do and earned her black belt in October 2022. Zoie brings a kind and knowledgeable approach to the dojo, fostering a supportive learning environment for students of all ages and skill levels.
Beyond technical expertise, Zoie values the core principles of martial arts, such as discipline, respect, and self-control. She strives to instill these values in all Tao students, creating a well-rounded learning experience. Zoie inspires students with her focused dedication and ability to break down complex movements. Zoie is a valuable asset to the Tao team and is excited to watch everyone grow on their own martial arts journey.
She has taken lead and ownership of the Wednesday night Kids class and has been running it since 2024. As the senior teenage black belt she has established herself a strong confident leader, which she has taken into her school achievements. She has been awarded by the national honors society.
Additionally, she is one of the most experienced students in Split Second Survival Self Defense and has attended multiple annual seminars.
Julian Lomeli
Tang Soo Do Instructor Trainee
Official Ranks Held:
- Cho Dan – World Tang Soo Do Association
Accolades:
- 1 Regional Gold Medal
- 1 Regional Silver Medal
- 1 Regional Bronze Medal
Mr. Lomeli earned his black belt in 2025. He has been a pivotal member of the studio since soon after it opened. He has been assisting in teaching classes in the studio since early 2024.
Hunter Zupko
Tang Soo Do Instructor Trainee
Official Ranks Held:
- Cho Dan – World Tang Soo Do Association
Accolades:
- 1 Regional Gold Medal
- 1 Regional Silver Medal
- 2 Regional Bronze Medals
- Recognized with participation medal at 2024 WTSDA World Championships
Mr. Zupko earned his black belt in 2025. He joined us through our program with East Valley High School and is the first student to earn their black belt from EVHS. He helps teach the classes at the high school and started helping with classes at the studio in 2025.
Elizabeth Luster
Tang Soo Do Instructor Trainee
Official Ranks Held:
- Cho Dan – World Tang Soo Do Association
- Purple Belt – Polynesian Kempo
Accolades:
- 2 Regional Gold Medal
- 3 Regional Silver Medal
- 2 Regional Bronze Medal
Miss Luster earned her black belt in 2025 and is our youngest person to earn a black belt at 12 years old. She has been a pivotal member of the studio since soon after it opened. She has been assisting in teaching classes in the studio since early 2024 and is one of our strongest Instructor Trainees.
Maria Lomeli
Tang Soo Do Instructor Trainee
Official Ranks Held:
- Cho Dan Bo – World Tang Soo Do Association
Accolades:
Mrs. Lomeli is one of our Cho Dan Bos and is preparing to test for her black belt in October 2025. She has been helping with a variety of classes since early 2024 and is a very patient and detailed teacher.
Certified Split Second Survival Self Defense Instructors
Sabrina McCann
Self Defense Instructor
- Certified Level 1 Split Second Survival Instructor
- Cho Dan – Taekwondo
My name is Sabrina McCann, I am so excited to meet everyone and teach self defense! At 18 when I first stepped into a split second seminar I was a scared, traumatized a shell of myself. I left that first seminar with a sense of relief, something I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Training within this system has brought me an astonishing amount of confidence knowing that I can protect myself and those I love. I absolutely adore this system and love teaching this to people who need it, just like I did back then.