A well respected martial arts instructor, Richard Mesquita got his start as a kid in his father’s backyard in Los Angeles. During those backyard sessions, Mesquita was taught boxing by his dad, a Marine Corps heavyweight champion. That introduction led to him training in Kenpo.

Now a black belt in the discipline, Mesquita has passed on his knowledge to countless students at his Echo Park dojo, Richard Mesquita Martial Arts, including several Hollywood stars.

Over the years, Mesquita has served as a martial arts instructor for Bright, End of Watch and Street Kings. In the process he has worked with director David Ayers, actors Jake Gyllenhaal, Jared Leto, Keanu Reeves, Margot Robbie, and Will Smith among others.