Learn From Instructors Who Care
Decades of combined experience, teaching every age with patience and genuine investment in your progress.
Grandmaster Paul Schroder
Co-Founder & Head Instructor
Grandmaster Paul Schroder is the co-founder and head instructor of El Paso Kung Fu. With more than 40 years of martial arts experience, Paul has dedicated his life to helping children and adults develop confidence, strength, discipline, and the ability to protect themselves. Paul holds a Master Black Belt in Kung Fu San Soo and was given the title of Grandmaster in Kung Fu San Soo by Master Greg Jones. He is also a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Guro in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, a respected Filipino martial art specializing in edged weapons, impact weapons, and practical self-defense. His background includes 12 years of Wing Chun training, along with extensive experience in Aikido, Muay Thai, Western boxing, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, and Krav Maga.
Throughout his career, Paul has taught thousands of students from every walk of life. He has also conducted specialized training for law-enforcement officers, bodyguards, and executive-protection professionals, and has worked with local and federal agencies to develop and refine defensive-tactics programs. Paul has been inducted into two martial arts halls of fame in recognition of his expertise, accomplishments, and service to the martial arts community.
Master Veronica Valenzuela Schroder
Co-Founder, General Manager & Children's Instructor
Master Veronica Valenzuela Schroder is the co-founder and general manager of El Paso Kung Fu. Master Veronica holds an 8th degree Black Belt, Masters, in Kung Fu San Soo. Master Veronica was also inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2022.
Her patience, warmth, and consistency create a welcoming environment in which children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. Veronica is the founder of the academy's Little Dragons program, developed specifically for children ages 3–6. She also created the children's achievement patch program and plays a central role in coordinating the academy's classes, special events, and student-development programs.
Beyond her role as General Manager, Veronica also teaches as one of the academy's children's instructors, bringing her rank of Master in Kung Fu San Soo and a master's degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from New York Theological Seminary directly into the classroom. That combination of education and martial arts experience gives her a unique understanding of how to encourage students, build trust, and help them work through challenges with confidence.
Master Vince Bracken
Head Children's Instructor
Master Vince Bracken is the head children's instructor at El Paso Kung Fu. He began his martial arts journey at age 12 after attending one of Master Paul Schroder's classes, and was immediately hooked, training nearly every day and quickly becoming one of the academy's most dedicated students. As his skills developed, Vince began assisting with children's classes and eventually joined the academy's professional teaching staff.
He now has more than 10 years of teaching experience and has helped hundreds of young students become more confident, disciplined, focused, and physically capable. Vince holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and continues to expand his knowledge through training in Kali and other practical martial arts disciplines. Known for his enthusiasm, patience, and genuine connection with young people, Vince has a gift for bringing out the best in every student.
Train With Our Team
Meet your instructors in person at a free Discovery Class.