Our Instructors

Sierra Dojo Martial Arts was begun in 1999 in Minden, NV by Diane Ortenzio-Cooling. At the time, high ranking female black belts were rare, and a female chief instructor even more of a novelty. Her goal was to offer a traditional training center that emphasized understanding of the fighting arts and acquiring the skill and expertise to handle any situation.

Sensei Ortenzio-Cooling is the instructor for the Karate Kids and Isshin-Ryu Karate courses. In addition, she serves on the board of directors of the Order of Isshin-Ryu, and is a guest instructor at various schools around the United States and  Australia.

She was awarded the rank of nana-dan (7th degree black belt) in October 2009, and has been training continuously in the fighting arts since 1979.

For more background information about Sensei Ortenzio, click here.

High Desert Martial Arts was begun in 2005 by Milton (Mike) Bern in an effort to continue the tradition of his sensei, Zane Graham, and the American Jujitsu Institute.

Sensei Bern is the instructor for the Kenpo and Jiu Jitsu classes. He is a san-dan (3rd degree black belt) in Kosho-Ryu Kenpo and a ni-dan (second degree black belt) in Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu. His current sensei is Prof. Ken Eddy.