Instructors & Teaching Philosophy
Chief Instructor Will Yturriaga
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Will Yturriaga
Will Yturriaga began his martial arts training in Sensei Richard Kim's Dai Nippon Butoku Kai International Organization in 1987. There, he trained intensively in full contact Shorinji-Ryu Karate, Bagua Zhang and meditation. His studies eventually led him to Sifu John Kang's East West Wing Chun Kung Fu school in San Francisco's China Town, where he later became the main instructor. He taught the class for over 6 years, focusing on training a core group of instructors. In 2014, he founded The Martial Arts Academy in Marin County. There, he currently teaches Full Contact Shorinji-Ryu Karate. His approach is a blend of adaptability, modern innovation, while having a deep respect for tradition. |
Instructor Spencer Lewis
Spencer Lewis
Spencer Lewis has been training with Will Yturriaga at The Martial Arts Academy for nearly a decade. He has practiced other styles of martial arts, including Wing Chun and Jujitsu. His primary method is Shorinji-Ryu Karate, achieving the rank of Shodan after 7 years of study. Spencer has also competed in Ohana tournament in 2018, claiming a bronze medal. He enjoys spending time in the hills of Marin, using those times in nature as further study into the philosophies of the martial arts. He believes the body and mind should be equally trained, helping those that do to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Spencer Lewis has been training with Will Yturriaga at The Martial Arts Academy for nearly a decade. He has practiced other styles of martial arts, including Wing Chun and Jujitsu. His primary method is Shorinji-Ryu Karate, achieving the rank of Shodan after 7 years of study. Spencer has also competed in Ohana tournament in 2018, claiming a bronze medal. He enjoys spending time in the hills of Marin, using those times in nature as further study into the philosophies of the martial arts. He believes the body and mind should be equally trained, helping those that do to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Instructor PJ Pereira
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PJ Pereira PJ Pereira is a Second Degree Black Belt in Shao Shin Hao Kung fu under Sifu Nilson Leão (in Rio de Janeiro), and a First Degree Black Belt in Shorinji-Ryu Karate. He is also a Wing Chun Instructor under Will Yturriaga, with whom he still trains. PJ teaches corporate classes in the Bay Area and sometimes assists in the classes at the main dojo in San Rafael. His passion for tradition, forms and technique, combined with his experience with multiple styles make him a great one-on-one support for the students, which earned him the nickname "The Doctor." |
Teaching and Dojo Philosophy
At The Martial Arts Academy, the martial arts are taught as an all-encompassing life skill. You will learn all aspects of the martial arts as a complete study, from tradition to health, fitness, realistic self defense, meditation, and competition. The idea emphasized is not just a 2-year quick study, but and in-depth immersion, where the idea is to develop over many years while maintaining your health, vibrancy and person growth.
Personalized Instruction
There are many reasons for learning martial arts, and each person that takes up training is different from one another. After an overview of the general training program of their chosen art, the student is then given a training routine based on their individual mindset, body type, personality and goals. With expert Instruction from each teacher that both have over 20 years experience, this open approach combined with traditional martial etiquette and discipline, allows each person to thrive and express themselves in their chosen fighting art.
Authentic Lineage
An often overlooked factor, Lineage Systems are a very important element to consider when selecting which martial arts school you are looking to learn from. Much like looking for a reputable college like Harvard for example, many of the same aspects also apply when researching a martial arts school. At The Martial Arts Academy of Marin, we have verifiable lineages that have been refined over centuries, of Master to Disciple instruction. Not only will you be getting expert instruction, you will be joining the instructors side-by-side in their lineage as well. All of our lineages are authentic, making them complete methods, cultivated over centuries.
An often overlooked factor, Lineage Systems are a very important element to consider when selecting which martial arts school you are looking to learn from. Much like looking for a reputable college like Harvard for example, many of the same aspects also apply when researching a martial arts school. At The Martial Arts Academy of Marin, we have verifiable lineages that have been refined over centuries, of Master to Disciple instruction. Not only will you be getting expert instruction, you will be joining the instructors side-by-side in their lineage as well. All of our lineages are authentic, making them complete methods, cultivated over centuries.
