Instructors

Founder of Tsun Jo^®, Sijo John N Beall

Sijo John N. Beall is the System Director for the Tsun Jo Wing Chun^® Kung Fu organization. He is a Masters Level Instructor. His background includes training in Wing Chun Kung Fu methods, Karate, Boxing, Weapons and Grappling. He has been training in martial arts for over 35 years and has been actively teaching his art since 1980. - Read more about Sijo & his fighting experience.

Instructor Nicholas Smith

In early 1997, after several years of life experience and martial arts training, Nicholas walked into Greenlake Martial Arts. He knew almost instantly that Tsun Jo Wing Chun^® gung fu was the system for him; it was the function, economy, and adaptability of Tsun Jo^® that appealed to him. In his 2nd year of consistent training, Sijo asked Nicholas if he wanted become a Senior Student and begin the path of becoming an Instructor. After attaining his black sash in the summer of 2000, Nicholas left Seattle to pursue his MS degree. While at school he continued his training and education becoming intimately familiar with his Mook Jong and heavy bag, while teaching and training with a few locals. In 2006, Nicholas returned to Seattle and his alma mater GMAS and has continued his training and teaching.

Instructor Matthew Soule

Having trained in various types of Wing Chun methods as well as other martial arts styles, Matthew Soule was searching for a highly practical and function self-defense fighting method when he moved to Seattle in 2008. After looking at several schools, he decided to start training in Tsun Jo^® where he immediately recognized the art's extreme effectiveness and has dedicated himself to its training. Matt is now a certified instructor in the Tsun Jo Wing Chun^® system, teaching Adult classes nightly and is the primary instructor for the Youth classes. In addition to training and teaching Tsun Jo^®, Matt actively trains in no-gi grappling and Brazilian Jui-Jitsu always looking to grow as a martial artist.

Instructor Tom Renouf

Interested in learning a functional martial art, Tom began his training at the Greenlake Martial Arts School after observing a realistic demonstration of the basic skills of the Tsun Jo Wing Chun^® System. Motivated by the dedication of the advanced students and focused attention and encouragement from the instructors, Tom made steady progress toward the advanced levels of training. Tom's attention to detail and passion for teaching makes him an invaluable part of the Greenlake Martial Arts School and the Tsun Jo^® System.

Instructor Jason Thams

In search of a good martial arts system that was practical and "made sense," Jason began training at The Greenlake Martial arts School and has since become one of the few certified Tsun Jo Wing Chun^® Instructors. Having previously trained in a wide range of martial arts including hapkido, judo, Karate and Tae Kwon Do, Jason will never hesitate to answer a students question or help them with their technique. With his vast martial arts background, Jason has become an extremely important member of The Greenlake Martial Arts School.

Assistant Instructor Zayce Kruse

Since he began his training in 2003, Assistant Instructor Zayce has invested a great deal of his free time training and quickly became one of our most proficient students. Noticing his obvious positive effect on each student he works with, soon after reaching the advanced levels of training, he gladly accepted the offer to become a part of the Student Instructor's Program. Since then he has become a proficient, reliable instructor leading the grappling class every Monday.

Assistant Instructor Neal Hallmark

From the beginning, it was clear that Neal had a natural ability toward martial arts. In addition to being physically capable, Neal works very well with people and helps many of the beginning students feel welcome. As a member of the assistant instructors program, he helps teach both Adult classes every Tuesday evening.

Assistant Instructor Michael Steen

With his previous experience in traditional Wing Chun, Mike's interest in learing Tsun Jo^® was apparent from the beginning. Through his strong dedication to Tsun Jo^® from the start, Mike has become an important part of the Greenlake Martial Arts community. Mike enjoys helping teach two classes back to back on Thursday evening and has become one of the most reliable members of the Greenlake Martial Arts School's assistant instuctor program.

Senior Student Marc Amsberry

One of the longest standing members of the Greenlake Martial Art School, Marc enjoys teaching the Advanced students Wednesday evening. With four years of Tae Kwon Do training, a year of stick fighting and around 15 years of Tsun Jo Wing Chun^® experience, Marc has become an invaluable asset to the Greenlake Martial Arts Community.