Coaches

Sarah

Background:
Sarah started training in mixed martial arts in 1996, at age fifteen. As one of the most experienced women in the northwest, she is well known and respected in the local martial arts community, and in women's MMA. Sarah often found herself as the only female in classes, and it became her goal to introduce more women to the mixed martial arts. She has been coaching since 2003. Sarah is a professional fighter and regularly proves her skills in the cage and on the mat.

Philosophy:
As a coach and teacher, I enable my students to develop physically and mentally in a safe and enjoyable environment. Although winning does feel good, it is not a priority of the training I offer, but instead it is a requirement that my students have a positive winning attitude. I will always discuss any concerns I have with my students, but will not let one student, negatively affect the entire group. It is important that my students are comfortable coming to me, knowing any concerns they have will be addressed without judgment. Nothing is more satisfying to me than guiding my students to a safer, stronger, healthier life, no matter their reason for training.

Gary

Background:
Gary's martial arts training started at the age of 6. By age 18, he had gone through extensive instructor training and became a coach at his kenpo school. In 1997, he joined Sarah at a local mixed martial arts school and was refreshed by the realistic training and techniques offered. He began coaching mixed martial arts in 2002, and regularly teaches mixed martial arts to teens at local community centers and school. It is important to Gary that members feel comfortable in class and ask anytime there is something specific they would like to learn!

Philosophy:
Over the years, I have learned from instructors that martial arts that work can be learned in a fun and safe way. Whether a student moves, stops training with me, or gets too busy to come in, it is my hope that I have instilled in them the focus and skills to train, no matter what, every day. Learning a martial art is for life. Beliefs uniquely found in warrior training should be applied to all of life and not just self-defense concerns; it is a life philosophy. Whatever someone's reason for studying martial arts, I always tell them that I will teach it as if they will do it the rest of their lives. Only then will they begin to reap the rewards it has to offer. Without a philosophy that people can use in their daily life, a martial art is regulated to only a sport or unrestrained violence. Either is a great injustice.

Assistant Coaches

Malinda