Experts dedicated to your excellence
Master Instructor & Head Coach
A Fort Lauderdale native of European and Caribbean heritage, Master Beneby began his coaching journey in 1984 under the tutelage of Dr. Alexander Song. After a distinguished competitive career, including training with three-time Olympian Juan Miguel Moreno, he retired in 2009 to focus on developing athletes.
That same year, he was honored to be named Head Coach of the U.S. National Team. Currently, he utilizes his extensive experience as a social worker and educator to develop not only international champions, but also disciplined individuals and community leaders.
Meet the instructors and coaches who make Siyah Taekwondo an academy of excellence.
With over twenty-two years of experience in Taekwondo, he is a two-time USA National Champion and a current world class competitor who leads by example through discipline, consistency, and performance. His career spans multiple weight divisions and includes numerous Florida State titles along with national and international podium finishes, earned through years of high-level competition and continuous refinement of his craft. His experience at the highest levels gives him a clear understanding of what it takes to perform under pressure. As both an active athlete and coach, he specializes in Olympic style sparring, bringing intensity, structure, and accountability into every session. He emphasizes precise technique, intelligence, and mental toughness, challenging athletes to raise their standards, earn their accomplishments, and continuously set new goals. He brings real world experience, genuine competitive insight, enthusiasm, and high expectations to every training session.
Carlos Figuera is a husband, father of three, military veteran, pilot, and entrepreneur. A Venezuelan native with Portuguese parents, his years in the Air Force instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, pride, and a commitment to excellence in all he does. He began his Taekwondo journey five years ago after his wife and children started training and quickly developed a strong passion for the sport. Drawn to the competitive side of Taekwondo, Carlos trains in Olympic-style Taekwondo, where focus, discipline, and perseverance are essential.
Amber is a second-degree black belt and a native of South Florida with over 15 years of Taekwondo experience. She serves as a Poomsae instructor at Siyah Taekwondo. Her early experiences focused on Olympic-style taekwondo, where mental toughness and technical precision are essential. She has successfully transitioned those skills into traditional and sport instruction. Amber is a current Olympic-style Taekwondo athlete representing Canada.
A native of Miami, Florida who spent a significant amount of her childhood in Venezuela. A wife, mother of three, entrepreneur, and Taekwondo practitioner. She began her Taekwondo journey five years ago and has spent the past year training in Olympic-style taekwondo. Inspired by her children, she initially entered Taekwondo to support their training. What began as encouragement quickly developed into a personal passion, leading her entire family to train together. Through Taekwondo, she has developed grit, perseverance, and self-confidence, while utilizing discipline to promote personal growth.
Alina began her Taekwondo journey at seven years old and has a strong passion for the traditional art of Taekwondo. She started serving as an assistant instructor nearly three years ago, working primarily with younger children, where she discovered a love for teaching. Alina is currently a student, athlete and instructor, she balances her academics with her commitment to Taekwondo. She began training in Olympic-style Taekwondo one year ago under Coach Russell Beneby and continues to work diligently to grow in the competitive field. Alina aspires to become a Taekwondo Master and pursue a career in law.
Our commitment to excellence in Taekwondo and character development.