Meet Jenn
SUMMARY
As a 6th Degree Black Belt (Rokudan) and lifelong martial artist with over 35 years of training and more than 30 years of instructional leadership, I have a proven track record in developing effective personal safety training programs. My focus has been on creating practical women's self-defense and youth martial arts programs that emphasize situational awareness, confidence-building, and applied techniques. Additionally, I am a national and world champion competitor with extensive experience in curriculum design, program development, and community engagement.
CORE EXPERTISE
- Women’s Self-Defense training programs that empower individuals with essential skills
- Youth Martial Arts instruction focusing on discipline and confidence building
- Comprehensive personal safety training and situational awareness techniques
- Development of effective curriculum and programs for all skill levels
- Competitive Martial Arts offerings, including Kata, Weapons, and Kumite
- Leadership and coaching initiatives to inspire and guide participants
- Community outreach and nonprofit engagement to promote safety and wellness
CREDENTIALS
- Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) – Tae Kwon Do, which is great for personal safety training.
- Black Belt – Judo, a discipline that also emphasizes women's self-defense.
- Brown Belt III – American Kenpo, focusing on practical skills for various scenarios.
- Additional Training: Jiu Jitsu, Shotokan, Shorin-Ryu, and Kickboxing, all of which can enhance youth martial arts capabilities.
EXPERIENCE
Instructor & Program Director | All American Karate | 1994 – Present
- Designed and led martial arts and women's self-defense programs, along with personal safety training for women, teens, and children.
- Developed curriculum focused on real-world application, awareness, and confidence to enhance personal safety skills.
- Built and managed student tracking systems for retention, progression, and engagement in youth martial arts.
- Organized events, tournaments, and training programs to drive community involvement and promote martial arts education.
- Mentored students from beginner through advanced competitive levels, fostering growth in both skill and self-assurance.
Chair, Martial Hearts Cleveland | Board Member | Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame | 2024 – Present
- Support initiatives providing access to youth martial arts for underserved youth.
- Contribute to strategic direction and program development for nonprofit outreach focused on personal safety training.
- Advocate for the role of martial arts in confidence-building and personal development.
SELECT COMPETITIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
- Superfoot World Championships (2016) – Grand Champion, Women’s Black Belt Fighting, highlighting the importance of personal safety training.
- NBL World Champion (2002) – Women’s Black Belt Team Fighting, a testament to the skills needed in women's self-defense.
- Arnold Sports Festival (1999) – Grand Champion, Women’s Fighting, showcasing the effectiveness of youth martial arts.
- PKC National Champion (1997–2000) – Women’s Black Belt Fighting, emphasizing self-defense techniques for women.
- Multiple Ohio State & National Titles – Kata, Weapons, and Kumite (PKC, NBL, NASKA, SKIL), demonstrating the breadth of expertise in martial arts.
- Presidential Sports Award Recipient (1997), recognizing excellence in martial arts and personal safety.
INSTRUCTIONAL LINEAGE
Trained under nationally recognized instructors across multiple disciplines, including personal safety training, women's self-defense, and youth martial arts, the following experts have contributed to my development: Ebenezer Molesch, Raymond Ott, Jerry Roberts, Patrick Cleary, Larry Schwartz, Don DeVries, Mark Miller, Mike Hixson Jr., Taiwan Howard, Michael Bernardo, and Bill Wallace.