Expert Team

Our Instructors

Learn from master barbers who bring decades of real-world experience and a genuine passion for teaching — across our Manhattan and Bronx campuses.

Every Employee, a Graduate — every ABI instructor proudly wears the badge of our alma mater. They learned the craft in these chairs, and now they teach it.

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The ABI Team

Meet Our Master Instructors

The American Barber Institute instructor team

Lead Senior Instructor & Director

David Ayeoribe

50+Years Experience

1000+Students Taught

NY State Licensed

Affectionately known to generations of barbers as "King David," David Ayeoribe is a living cornerstone of American Barber Institute and one of the most respected names in New York barbering education. With over 50 years behind the chair and more than 30 years teaching, David is widely recognized as the longest-serving barber instructor in New York City.

What Makes David Different

Licensed Instructor, Director, and Manager (NYSED BPSS)
Graduate, London School of Modern Management
50+ years in barbering and 30+ years teaching
Has taught at every American Barber Institute location and at Tribeca Barber School
Trained thousands of licensed barbers who became entrepreneurs, shop owners and industry leaders
Creator of "Barber License Practical Exam NYS Instructions" on YouTube

48 West 39th Street · New York, NY

Our Manhattan Team

Lead Instructor

Harold "Barkim" Brown

A Queens native and master barber, Harold is the kind of teacher students remember for the rest of their careers. Known as the best one-armed barber in the world, he turns every doubt into fuel — and pours that energy into the next generation.

Featured in "The One Armed Barber" — 2024 New York Emmy Award winner (DEI in News)
Press: New York Post, PIX11, ABC7 Eyewitness News, Barber World TV
Teaches the full range — fades, tapers, line-ups, razor work, shaves — plus etiquette and professionalism

Instructor

Barry Brown

Barry's story with barbering started long before he ever walked into a classroom. He began cutting hair as a young man and quickly proved what was obvious to anyone who saw him work: barbering was in his blood.

Years of real barbering experience before ever entering the classroom
Personally recognized and mentored by Harold "Barkim" Brown
Teaches from both instinct and craft — a true product of the ABI family

Bilingual Instructor · English & Spanish

Freddie Liciaga

Freddie's journey defines what ABI is all about. Before he ever stood at the front of a classroom, he sat in one — and from day one, he stood out.

Teaches in English and Spanish — every student feels welcome and understood
Former standout ABI student turned trusted instructor
State board exam preparation specialist — known for getting students exam-ready

Bilingual Instructor · English & Spanish

Benny Santamaria

Faced with a real crossroads as a young man, Benny chose the craft. He chose barbering — and he never looked back.

Impeccable shaving skills and precise scissor work
ABI's youngest instructor — high-energy, always on the practical floor
Teaches in English and Spanish — accessible to every learner

Bilingual Instructor · English & Spanish

Richard Cancel

Richard's story begins with family, inspiration, and a pair of clippers. He watched his older brother Mike build an entire life around the craft — and that's the reason Richard ever picked up clippers in the first place.

Hands-on training from a 30+ year industry veteran (his brother Mike, an ABI graduate)
Dual expertise in barbering and tattooing — a rare skill set
Teaches in English and Spanish — driven by purpose, not just career

121 Westchester Square · Bronx, NY

Our Bronx Team

Founding Director, ABI Bronx

Truth "The Barber Artist" Quinones

Known across the industry as Truth The Barber Artist, Truth has spent over four decades behind the chair. Since beginning his career in 1985, he has earned a reputation for precision, innovation and elevating the profession wherever he goes.

40+ years in barbering since 1985
Founding Director of ABI Bronx — with the school since its inception
Former New York State Board Examiner — insider knowledge of licensing & compliance
Andis brand partner and national industry influencer

Instructor

Osvaldy "Mr. O" Rodriguez

Known to students simply as "Mr. O," Osvaldy is proof that age is no measure of mastery. He's already a Licensed Master Barber, licensed instructor and award-winning competitor.

Licensed Master Barber — earned at just 19 years old
Licensed instructor with 8+ years of professional experience
Award-winning competitor — precision and creativity rooted in fundamentals

Bilingual Instructor · English & Spanish

Noah Vera

A Licensed Master Barber, licensed instructor and seasoned professional with more than 8 years behind the chair, Noah is part of the new generation of NYC barbering — and he's already earned his place at the top of it.

Licensed Master Barber since age 19 — a rare early achievement
Licensed instructor at American Barber Institute Bronx
Teaches in English and Spanish — every student feels welcome

How We Teach

Our Teaching Philosophy

At ABI, instructors don't just teach barbering — they mentor the next generation of professionals.

Hands-On from the First Few Weeks

Students begin working on real clients within the first few weeks, building confidence and skill through practice.

Real-World Ready

Every technique taught reflects what students will actually need in a professional barbershop environment.

Mentorship & Support

Instructors are available throughout training and beyond, including for NY State Board Exam prep.

Inside ABI

In the Classroom

See our instructors in action — demonstrating cuts, guiding students on the clinic floor, and celebrating graduates as they earn their certificates.

Hands-On, From Day One

Our instructors don't lecture from the front of the room — they're at the chair beside you. From your first weeks you'll work on real clients while a master barber demonstrates, corrects and encourages every step of the way.

Live demonstrations on the clinic floor
One-on-one coaching through every cut
Certificate & graduation milestones celebrated together

An ABI instructor demonstrating clipper work over a client as a student watches and learns — Demonstrating clipper technique

An ABI instructor presenting a Certificate of Completion to a beaming graduate — CertificateAwarding a Certificate of Completion

An ABI student practicing a precise fade on a client during hands-on training — Hands-on practice on real clients

ABI students guiding one another around the barber chair during a lesson — Peer learning on the clinic floor

An ABI instructor and student holding up a Best Fade achievement certificate together — AwardCelebrating a Best Fade win

A graduating class of ABI students with their instructor, proudly holding completion certificates — GraduationA class earns their certificates

Student Reviews

What Students Say

"One of the best teachers around by the name of King David — will show you everything there is to know about barbering. 100% commitment from this school."
Jerrick Matthews · Current Student

"King David has been awesome! He has 30 years of experience and gives us great techniques while also polishing up on basic skills."
Carlos Perez · Current Student

"Nothing but positivity and eagerness to learn more in this field. The instructors create an environment where everyone wants to succeed."
Zyee Fin · Current Student

Learn from the Best

Come in for a tour and meet our instructors in person. We'd love to show you around.

Schedule a Tour

Our Instructors

Meet Our Master Instructors

David Ayeoribe

Our Manhattan Team

Harold "Barkim" Brown

Barry Brown

Freddie Liciaga

Benny Santamaria

Richard Cancel

Our Bronx Team

Truth "The Barber Artist" Quinones

Osvaldy "Mr. O" Rodriguez

Noah Vera

Our Teaching Philosophy

Hands-On from the First Few Weeks

Real-World Ready

Mentorship & Support

In the Classroom

Hands-On, From Day One

What Students Say

Learn from the Best

Ready to Become a Licensed Barber?