PHILIP SAHAGUN
OWNER AND HEAD COACH - K-STAR TRAINING ACADEMY
Philip Sahagun is an accomplished Artist and Teacher of the martial arts. He is a founder of K-Star Training Academy and a former martial arts coach / choreographer for Cirque Du Soleil.
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Philip Sahagun is an accomplished martial arts champion in both forms and fighting. The son of Joaquin Sahagun, a 6th Degree Kenpo Black Belt, Philip is a third generation American Martial Artist, who specializes in the arts of Kenpo Karate, Kickboxing, Wushu and Shaolin Temple Kung Fu. He is a 7-time National and 3-Time International Martial Arts Champion.
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At the age of 17, Philip Sahagun began traveling frequently to China studying traditional Shaolin Kung Fu under the notable Master Zhu Tianxi. Two years later, he achieved international status and was named a martial arts prodigy for earning second place in China's "Kung Fu Star" - A televised Martial Arts Competition with over 100,000 contestants, co-sponsored by the Shaolin Temple. Philip was also a contestant on China’s top rated reality competition, Jackie Chan’s Disciple and a semi-finalist on NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent. In 2008 and 2009, Philip toured the world as a ‘Ninja’ performer for Tina Turner’s 50th Anniversary World Tour and represented America twice during the World Traditional Wushu Festival in China, winning both gold and silver medals for the US Team.
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In 2014, Philip joined world renowned entertainment company Cirque Du Soleil, performing three years as a solo artist before being appointed a Coach and Martial Arts Choreographer for the company. In 2020, Philip and his wife Ulziibayar opened the doors to K-STAR Training Academy, teaching martial arts and contortion in the city of Las Vegas. In 2021, Philip was inducted into the Kenpo Karate Hall of Fame, and in the following year, he performed stunts in the film "Dayshift" starring Jamie Foxx. In 2023, Philip Sahagun was appointed Vice President of the Shaolin Temple of China's North American Association by Abbott Shi Yong Xin.
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As a coach, Philip Sahagun has developed National and International level champions of his own, producing four medalist at the Third Traditional Wushu Festival in China, three Sanda National Champions, and five artists for the stages of Cirque Du Soleil. Today, Philip continues to lead international workshops and training camps while coaching a new generation of athletes at K-STAR Academy.
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NOTHING PROVES AUTHENTICITY LIKE CONSISTENCY
Philip Sahagun has consistently produced students who are champions on and off the mat. Professionally, his high level students have been sought out by Company's such as Cirque Du Soleil, but more importantly, each one of his students is taught to cultivate happiness and a healthy lifestyle. At K-STAR Training Academy, we believe the lessons shared in class are part of a bigger picture that helps shape our students long after they have left our Academy.
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"As a coach, it's essential that we work together to identify your goals and draw a road map to get you there in a timely matter. No matter the age and no matter the journey, I am 100% committed to help you along the way." - Philip Sahagun
ANDY L.
ACTOR SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS
“In the time that I have known Philip, he has been more than a mere Martial Arts instructor, but a lifelong mentor. He took great measures to establish in me the foundations for discipline and hard work. This is the biggest takeaway from my time training with Philip and it has been a permanent facet of my approach to Martial Arts. He really cares about his students and is quick to offer guidance even after they have moved on to the next stage of their Martial Arts journey”.
SEBASTIAN C.
ARTIST CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
" I came from a rough beginning and because of that, I grew up feeling burdened and limited. If it wasn't for this family and this art form, I think I would still be. I want to thank the Sahagun family, especially my Coach Philip Sahagun, for providing over 2 decades opportunities and a method to be my Best Self."
BRIAN L.
ACTOR EVERYTHING EVERYWHEREALL AT ONCE
Philip Sahagun is not like any other mentor I have had. During Philip’s classes I have learned so much. Not only the physical aspects of Martial Arts, but definitely the mental and spiritual aspects as well. We were taught to push beyond our own physical capabilities and mental boundaries, through this discipline is where we are able to truly find ourselves. This aspect is what I carry onto my lifestyle and I would not be where I am today without Philip’s teachings.
MARK P.
ARTIST CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Philip Sahagun is one of the most knowledgeable martial arts coaches I've ever met. His coaching took me from someone who practiced as a hobby, to a high level athlete. Not only did he help take my physicality to a new level, but help me grow as a athlete, coach, and artist.
RACHEL B.
ARTIST CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Philip Sahagun has been a great teacher and mentor to me for many years. I have been very fortunate and happy with learning from someone who is most skilled and experienced in martial arts. Through competitions and learning the Chinese arts he has much knowledge that he has shared with me. I very much enjoy learning from him and will continue in my 10+ years this far.
WES S.
ARTIST CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Philip is a fantastic technical teacher that understands the importance of conditioning when creating artist athletes. His students have gone on to star in Cirque du Soleil productions, perform on major tours and cruise line's. In film and television, his students have also forged successful careers as stuntmen, choreographers, and actors. Not many people in their 30's have been teaching half their life and working on a skill set for nearly all of it.