Self Defense and Holistic Wellness
the renaissance
sensei
HEALTH
FITNESS
SELF-DEFENSE
Known as the 'Renaissance Sensei,' I am Dr. Cheryl Rock—a Doctor of Food Science, health advocate, and holistic coach. I specialize in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and wellness through plant medicine and biodynamic eating. My approach is uniquely interdisciplinary; I am a certified Bagua System™ consultant and a 1st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido. By blending Martial Science with the Bagua Energy Map, I empower individuals to reclaim their lives. Whether through self-defense or functional nutrition, I provide the practical strategies needed to achieve a truly balanced, high-impact lifestyle.
As a lifelong martial artist, I integrate the principles of self-defense into a holistic coaching practice. I hold a 1st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido from NHC Martial Arts & Fitness under Master Louis Kim and specialize in submission defense under Professor John Thomas (BCG). Complementing my physical discipline, I am a certified Bagua consultant through the School of Bagua and Metaphysics under Carl E. Stevens, Jr., offering a unique synergy of physical protection and energetic balance.
I spent 20 years chasing a life society defined as 'perfect,' only to realize it lead to me feeling unfulfilled. Deciding to prioritize growth over conformity changed everything. Now, I have traded the pursuit of perfection for a life of authenticity and impact—and I am dedicated to helping others find the courage to do the same.
From the food science laboratory to the martial arts mat, my career and passions reflect a 'Renaissance' commitment to multifaceted excellence. As a tenured professor at CSU Long Beach and a consultant for Food Innovators Technologists, I bridge the gap between academia and industry. This same discipline fuels my training in Hapkido and BJJ, where I also lead women’s organizations to foster community and representation in spaces where women have historically been underrepresented.
Features & Recognitions
Outstanding Service to BASC and the Caribbean Diaspora | November 2024
Features & Recognitions
Distinguished Female Martial Artist | August 2024
Experience
Advocating for classroom inclusivity and specializing in practical ground defense techniques specifically tailored for women. Sensei: Professor John Thomas
Developed specialized Women’s Empowerment curricula integrating Traditional Weapon Philosophy with the Bagua Energy Map to enhance holistic health literacy. Sensei: Master Louis Kim
Tenured Professor of Food Science: Leading innovation in Functional Foods and Plant Medicine, focusing on the intersection of scientific research and consumer wellness
Professional Affiliations
Service Background
Authored and presented “Health and Wellness in the Martial Arts,” a specialized curriculum integrating scientific health principles with traditional martial arts discipline with SWAM SiDagoo Dr. Odette Russell
Authored and presented “A Sensory Journey: Health and Wellness as a Martial Art” — An immersive exploration of holistic health through a "sensory lens," framing the pursuit of wellness as a disciplined martial practice
Digital Community Building: Managed an interactive Facebook ecosystem, providing "passive programming" and ongoing health literacy to sustain engagement beyond the physical workshop
Curriculum Delivery: Orchestrated intensive 8-hour Empowerment Self-Defense workshops for community members, focusing on trauma-informed physical protection and psychological resilience
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborated with the Long Beach Trauma Recovery Center to integrate professional mental health resources into the martial arts curriculum, bridging the gap between physical safety and survivor support
Resource Development & Fundraising: Secured corporate and local agency sponsorships to fully fund participant resources, including safety gear (sparring gloves), nutritional support, and educational materials
Lead Facilitator Training: Orchestrated annual 3-day intensive training for student peer facilitators, equipping them with the pedagogical and physical skills to lead 8-hour empowerment self-defense courses
Campus-Wide Outreach: Executed high-impact outreach initiatives to engage students, staff, and faculty, increasing the visibility of survivor-centered services and safety resources
Holistic Strategy Development: Architected a comprehensive approach to sexual violence prevention by integrating trauma-informed care and inclusive practices into the campus safety framework
Curriculum Integration: Enhanced participant learning by donating copies of my original work, My Bagua Plate, providing attendees with a tangible resource for maintaining energetic and physical balance after training
Trauma-Informed Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD), Women’s Leadership
Bagua Systems™ Certified Consultant, 8 Dimensions of Wellness, Functional Movement
1st Dan Hapkido (NHC), BJJ (Blue Collar Grappling), Traditional Weapon Philosophy
Functional Food & Cosmetic Product Innovation, Plant Medicine
My Hobbies
Beyond the lab and the mat, I live at the intersection of discipline and discovery. Whether I am performing soulful violin, testing my limits in martial arts, exploring the globe through purposeful travel, or empowering others through community outreach, I am always seeking the next 'hue' of an extraordinary life.