SEATTLE KAJUKENBO INSTRUCTORS

Sifu Melinda Johnson, head instructor

Melinda Johnson holds the rank of 5th degree black belt in Kajukenbo and 1st degree black belt in Aikido. She is the head instructor of both the adult and children's Kung Fu program at Seattle Kajukenbo and Kung Fu Kids and has more than 20 years experience teaching martial arts and gymnastics to children and adults.

In 1985, Sifu Johnson began studying the eclectic art of Kajukenbo under Sifu Anne Moon. She soon began training under Professor Barbara Bones who awarded Sifu Johnson her 1st degree black belt in Kajukenbo Kung Fu in 1993. In 2002, she was promoted to 4th degree black belt, and in October 2006, she was awarded the rank of 5th degree black belt, Chief Instructor, by Professor Barbara Bones.

Sifu Johnson began her martial arts career in 1977 in the University of California, Santa Cruz Aikido Club. She trained for six months in Shingu, Japan, under 10th degree black belt Higitsuchi Sensei, returning to the United States in 1978 and relocating to Seattle in order to train further with Mary Heiny Sensei. She received her 1st degree black belt in Aikido in 1992 from Kimberly Richardson Sensei.

Sifu Johnson opened Seattle Kajukenbo and Kung Fu Kids in December of 1996. The school was able to purchase and renovate an old warehouse facility in Seattle's Central District where it currently operates seven days a week.

Creativity with a strong foundation is the cornerstone philosophy of Kajukenbo. To that end, Sifu Johnson teaches a wide variety of classes including weapons, forms, and sparring each week. She cultivates a non-competitive, challenging, and invigorating environment where physical power is balanced with technical skill, self-control, and a thorough understanding of traditional martial arts philosophy grounded in respect and compassion.

Sifu Johnson continues her own training with her instructor Professor Barbara Bones, studying Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Arnis.

Laurie Colacurcio, 3rd Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

Laurie Colacurcio has been training in Kajukenbo since 1992. She received her black belt in 1999 from Sifu Melinda Johnson. Laurie has been teaching at Seattle Kajukenbo since 1997 and her favorite thing to teach is sparring! When Laurie is not at the kwoon, she is likely to be running, camping, skiing, hiking, biking, swimming, gardening, swing dancing, canoeing, kayaking, knitting or at book club. "But nothing interferes with my training!" she says.

Anne Landfield, 2nd Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

Anne Landfield has trained in Kajukenbo for 13 years. She has been training and teaching at Seattle Kajukenbo and Kung Fu Kids since 1997. Anne received her 2nd degree black belt in 2004, from Sifu Aaron Ibbotsen, 5th degree student of Professor Barbara Bones. Anne moved to Seattle in 1993 to attend graduate school at the University of Washington, and that same year began training in Kajukenbo Kung Fu. She received an MFA from the University of Washington two years later and works as a freelance writer. The black belt took five years longer to earn than the graduate degree--she received her 1st degree black belt in 2000 from Sifu Kate Hobbs--a much longer and equally rewarding process.

Josh Woods, 1st Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

Josh Woods has trained under Sifu Melinda Johnson since 1997 and received his 1st degree black belt in 2004. He teaches children, teens, and adults at Seattle Kajukenbo and Kung Fu Kids. When not practicing Kajukenbo he enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife and two young children, all of whom practice Kajukenbo.

Tristan Elliot, 1st Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

Tristan Elliot trains and teaches preschoolers through adults at Seattle Kajukenbo and Kung Fu Kids as well as in outreach programs. She received her 1st degree black belt in 2005. She has also trained with and taught at Seven Star Women's Kung Fu where she helped organize and teach self-defense outreach programs. Tristan has extensive training in a variety of movement and internal arts including ballet, modern dance, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, contact\improvisation, and meditation. Tristan's special interests include teaching children, exploring the creative possibilities of the martial arts, and creating opportunities for at risk, special needs, and underprivileged people. Outside of Kung Fu, Tristan works with at-risk youth in Ryther's residential facilities and is pursuing certification in Integrated Movement therapy.

Julia Beckley, 1st Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

I first became interested in the martial arts in the late eighties after attending a women's martial arts camp in my home state of Alaska. I didn't pursue training however, until 1999 when I discovered Seattle Kajukenbo and immediately felt at home. I received my black belt in 2006 from Sifu Melinda Johnson. While I am happy about this achievement, I still see myself as a beginner. Perhaps this is why one of my favorite aspects of training is working with our new students.

Alex Thatcher, 1st Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

Bio coming soon!

Mila Geffner, 1st Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

Bio coming soon!

David Griffin, 1st Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

David Griffin has been training in Kajukenbo since 2002; he received his first degree black belt in 2007 from Sifu Melinda Johnson. He teaches adult classes in forms, sparring, and conditioning at Seattle Kajukenbo. David especially enjoys bringing new concepts and drills to conditioning class. He believes that conditioning is essential to an effective martial arts practice. Previously, David trained in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo; he received his first degree black belt in 1992. He has taught for the city of Dallas and Grand Prairie Martial Arts.

Hira Bluestone, 1st Degree Kajukenbo Black Belt

I have been training in martial arts since 1998 when I fell in love with the high kicks and fast movements of Tae Kwon Do. I discovered Kajukenbo in 2001 when I watched a friend's belt test and was hooked. Iıve been training with Melinda Johnson since that time and earned the rank of first degree black belt in June 2007. I have been teaching adult classes for three years and I enjoy every aspect of teaching and training in this exciting art. When I'm not playing and training in Kung Fu, Iım hanging out with my wonderful daughter. I'm also a part-time premedical student at the University of Washington. I'm grateful to have a supportive husband and family that encourages me to pursue my goals in Martial arts and in life.