Camp 2011 Teachers
Professor Barbara Bones - Kajukenbo
8th Degree Black Belt Kajukenbo, co-founder of Amazon Kung Fu in Eugene OR
My training in the martial arts began in 1971 in the art of Tae Kwon Do.I migrated to Kajukenbo (Gaylord Method) in 1972, being drawn to the freedom and creativity of the art. My instructor, Sifu Richard Mainenti,helped us develop strength, vision, freedom to create, trust, integrity and power.
For many years I competed in tournaments. I was named one of the top five female competitors by Black Belt magazine in 1975.The experience of competing broadened my knowledge by exposing me to myriads of martial arts styles. I liberally 'stole' any technique or method that worked - particularly if it worked on me!
After 1976, my focus changed to teaching. Along with Sifu Joyce Towne, I started Amazon Kung Fu in Eugene, OR. Many students reached the rank of black belt during those years including Professor Coleen Gragen, Sifu Anne Moon and Chief Instructor Aaron Ibbotson.
My training in Modern Arnis was with Professor Remy Presas. His teaching inspired thousands of practitioners around the world to become greater, to practice with enthusiasm, the move with ease and power. For me, his greatest lesson was to acknowledge and celebrate the improvements made by students.
Through this lineage, three prominent Kajukenbo schools have arisen - Hand to Hand Kajukenbo now led by Chief Instructor Sonya Richardson, Seattle Kajukenbo led by Chief Instructor Melinda Johnson and Seven Star Women's Kung Fu led by Chief Instructor Michelle McVadon. These schools have promoted more than 65 Black Belts and have made significant advances and contributions to the women's martial arts movement, the welfare and well-being of their respective communities and the art of Kajukenbo as a whole.
Class
Opening Workout - Spirit Rising
Sifu Restita DeJesus - Wushu
Co-founder of "Taikabudo", taught at Seattle Wushu Center
Sifu Restita is a 3-time National Black Belt League regional forms champion, a member of the 2001 USA Tai Chi team, 2001 International gold medalist in Chen Tai Chi at the World Tai Chi Health Conference games in Hainan, China, a 3 time USA Wushu-Kung Fu Federation Nanquan (Southern boxing) gold medalist, and 2011 inductee in the Black Belt Hall of Fame (awards ceremonies held in Anaheim, CA.).
Restita is also a Reiki practitioner and ordained interfaith minister. In her spare time she likes to ride her motorcycle, practice sport whip cracking, reading, and meditating.
"Being a teacher has indeed been a learning process and inspiring endeavor. My teachers have greatly inspired me through their training and helpful guidance, however it is the students that inspire me most. When I see them smile when they finally understand a technique, beam with pride when they receive a new rank, or say 'this was a fun class, thank you!' that's all the inspiration I need. No amount of monetary payment can compare to seeing students progress, learn, grow, and develop their senses of empowerment…..that's the 'reward' I look forward to."
Classes
Basic Chinese Wushu: ChangQuan
Tai Chi Straight Sword: 10 forms routine
Hubud Lubid: Sensitivity and energy drills of Filipino Martial Arts
Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate - Wu Chien Pai
Executive Director/Head Instructor and Co-founder of the Feminist Eclectic/Five Elements Martial Arts School
Koré was one of the founding board members of PAWMA - along with Terri Giamartino, Laurie Cahn, Robin Rosario, Valerie Ramirez, Peggy Gordon, and Joann Strang. Sixty women attended the event, held at a Campfire Girls Camp in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Nevada City. Many of the women who teach at camps today taught at those camps in the 1980's.
"I began my martial arts path when I was 16 because it seemed to be something unusual and different compared to other sports; something deeper, and most profound. Little did I know at the time, I was beginning on a path that would continue throughout my entire life, challenging and inspiring me with every single step, and provide a supportive community of teachers, students and friends to grow young with. I am filled with gratitude that many years ago that so many of us thought it would be a great idea to have women martial artists train together in the summer, and an even better idea to create what we call PAWMA."
Classes
On The Ground, Now What? - Focus on using Judo-style arm bars and chokes to finish on the ground.
"Just Shoot Me!" - “Shooting” techniques needed for effortless takedowns.
Closing Ceremony Class - Shifu Koré will lead the closing ceremony class.
Sifu Michelle McVadon - Weapons, Kajukenbo
Head instructor at Seven Star Women’s Kung Fu in Seattle, WA
I have been training in Kajukenbo Kung Fu since 1983. I hold the rank of 5th degree black under my teacher Professor Barbara Bones. I teach the Gaylord method of Kajukenbo Chu’an Fa Kung Fu.I trained in Aikido for 18 years and hold the rank of Sandan. I trained in Jujitsu under Sensei Sheila Haddad and hold the rank of Shodan.
I have been invited to teach at the national training camps for the Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists, the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation, and Women’s Festival of Martial Arts in Canada.
I was honored to receive the 2003 PAWMA Martial Artist of the year award.
I also teach self defense in Seattle to a wide range of populations. Starting in Jan. 2010 I started teaching self defense through the Fight the Fear Campaign as well. It offers classes free of charge to underserved communities.
Classes
Blocking and Striking with Nunchucks - Get comfortable with the weapon and do partner exercises.
Arnis Disarms and Reversals - Disarms for both stick-on-stick and empty hand-versus-stick.
Fun Partner Work (Monday Post-Camp Bonus Workout) - Your body may be sore and your mind full, but somehow you still want to train!
Master Uyen Le Pham - Cha Yon Ryu
I grew up watching Hong Kong action movies and after pestering my parents they finally enrolled me into training when I was 10. I went to class 6 days a week and received my black belt by 13. Some kids are upset when they don't get dessert; I got upset if I missed class.
Training has always been the constant in my life that keeps me clear and calm. I believe its part of my responsibility to my students that I train.
Teaching is just as important because it opens up hidden treasures that you never knew were there. Every time I teach, I become a better martial artist. I've learned some of my greatest lessons from students. It's humbling to know that there is no end to learning.
Classes
Takedowns and Counters Against Kicks
Multiples: One To(o) Many
Confined Area Tactics
Kayti Quesada - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga
Kayti Quesada has been a student and teacher in the martial arts for over 25 years. She has a passion for working with girls and women and providing them the skills of self-defense, empowerment and physical fitness. She has a Master's of Science in Health Science, is a certified Yoga Instructor, is a brown belt in Shoshu Karate, has been awarded a black belt in Japanese Jujitsu and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kayti enjoys the challenge that training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides for her. In addition, it is the best stress reduction therapy she has discovered.
Classes
Fighting Off Your Back: Utilizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Improve Your Ground Fighting Game
Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Yoga - Come explore how yoga asanas (postures) can benefit your martial arts practice.
Sifu Sonya Richardson - Kajukenbo, Health & Injury Prevention
Hand to Hand Kajukenbo Self-Defense Center, Oakland, CA
Chief Instructor Sonya Richardson has been training in the martial arts since 1990. She received her 3rd degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo, the Gaylord Method, under Professor Coleen Gragen and was promoted to 5th degree Black Belt by her current teacher Professor Barbara Bones. She also holds a Sandan in Kenpo Karate under Professor Gloria Boldizar. Sonya is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, having practiced for 23 years.
Sifu Sonya has competed and consistently medaled in local and international competitions in forms, weapons, sparring and self defense divisions. Her teaching experiences include PAWMA, AWMAI, NWMAF (Self Defense Instructors Conference and Special Training) national camps, out of state and local seminars for community martial arts schools and the Kajukenbo Association of America. Sifu Sonya is honored to attend and teach again at PAWMA. She salutes and is ever-grateful for the efforts of PAWMA camp organizers and leaders past and present.
Classes
Sparring: Chillax into Speed - Explore methods to sharpen the senses all while relaxing.
I've Got Your Back - A mix of martial arts, dynamic strengthening and kinetic education.
Sensei Kimberly Richardson - Aikido
I began my training in 1978 at Naropa Institute, Boulder, CO. I was pursuing my BA in dance & anthropology and enrolled in an Aikido class to complete my studies. When I stepped on the mat, I knew I had found my primary life study. Shortly thereafter I moved to Seattle and begin intensive training with my teacher Mary Heiny Sensei.
I am inspired by Aikido's methods of harmonious reconciliation and the opportunity to engage in ongoing self-discovery. The lifelong friendships I have cultivated through training have shaped my life. I have had the good fortune to study with exemplary teachers who trained with the art's founder Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei and offer the inspiration of direct transmission.
Classes
Focus on the art of Entering & Blending - Aikido’s fundamental conflict resolution methods.
Walking Randori (controlling chaos) - Focus on the basics of empty hand multiple attack.
Kaeshiwaz: The art of technique reversals
Sana Shanti - Taiji
Sana Shanti has been studying Taiji for over twenty five years. She practices both Yang and Chen Style Taijiquan, as well as numerous Qi gongs. Sana has studied with GrandMasters from Canada, United States and China, giving her a deep and diversified understanding of internal arts. She is acknowledged by many as a highly skilled and gifted teacher. Her focus is on deepening and integrating internal principles into all aspects of practice and life. She offers insights into self-cultivation of the body, mind and spirit.
Sana shares Taiji principles in a way that they can be incorporated into any Martial Art.
Classes
Connection - Push hands and partner work explore the connection required to follow and understand an opponents intention.
Blending - Focus on integrating tai chi principles into partnerwork and sparring.
Connected Rhythm Boxing - Taiji principles of rootedness, softness, balance and sensitivity while staying connected to a partner during the exchanging of attacks.
Volunteer teachers
Our volunteer teachers are sharing their arts by leading a single class or session.
Sifu Patty O'Linger - Mo Duk Pai kung fu
Sifu Patty received her black sash in Mo Duk Pai kung fu under Professor Frederic D. King in 1989. She currently hold the rank of 4th degree in Mo Duk Pai and is affiliated with the Academy of Martial Arts in Portland, Oregon. She was an active tournament competitor during the eighties, and was ranked #1 female fighter in the Northwest by Karate Illustrated, 1987-1989. Patty was PAWMA’s 2008 Martial Artist of the Year.
Class
Qigong - Start the day and get your energy flowing with simple but powerful Qigong exercises.
Sifu Michelle Pleasant - Kajukenbo
Sifu Michelle has been training in the martial arts for 20 years, primarily in Kajukenbo Kung Fu, Gaylord Method and holds the rank of 3rd degree black belt and she has been teaching for 17 years. Sifu Michelle is deeply passionate about the the full spectrum of martial arts and has made a study of where hard and soft come together to express power, grace and flow. She has taught women, men, children, developmentally disabled adults and has a diverse range of skills that she draw from while teaching martial arts. Her most recent passion is empowering pre-teen and teenage girls through teaching self defense classes.
Class
Sticky, Pushy Joint Locks - Take a look at combining the flow of Tai Chi, applying, joint locks of Aikido, and the direct, aggressive nature of Kajukenbo
Elaine Powell - Taekwondo
Elaine Powell, 3rd Dan, currently trains at Portland, Oregon's Traditional Taekwon-Do Kwan and was the head instructor at a satellite studio for the past eight years. Recently she has decided to pursue a new avenue and is now working with the non-profit, The Hwa-Rang Foundation, running specialized training workshops and youth outreach programs that focus on anti-violence, self-defense, and bullying issues.
Class
Letting your Kicks Fly High - Build on the basics of kicking to take it to the next level
Silke Schulz - Taekwondo
A fifth degree black belt in Taekwondo, Silke Schulz, owned and operated KICKS! Martial Arts & Fitness in southern California prior to moving to Sacramento in 2006, where she is now a candidate for a Master of Arts in Sociology at CSU Sacramento. Silke has been training since 1995, and has taught at PAWMA, NWMAF, and AWMAI camps. She also holds an Early Childhood Education Site Supervisor permit and works for Aspire Public Schools as a guest teacher and afterschool martial arts instructor, and the 17-years of experience in advertising and media experience she gained prior to opening her school is now being put into service for PAWMA as a member of the Board of Directors.
Class
Breaking Barriers - Board breaking for all
