Meet Our Black Belt Staff

Interviews with our black belt staff members! (Also see NWSMA Black Belt Hall of Fame for interviews with students who achieved black belt but are not currently instructing).

We first sat down with NWSMA owner Doris Eastbury. We asked her about the benefits of martial arts, and she gave us some advice.

SBN/Sensei Doris leading the class through knee kicks.
SBN/Sensei Doris leading the class through knee kicks.

Meet Sabumnim-Sensei Doris Eastbury, 4th degree, Owner & Chief Instructor.

Next, we sat down with each of our black belts. We asked them when and why they started martial arts, and how they overcame their biggest challenges.

We hope their words inspire you to try something new.

Sensei/YDN Caitlin doing her form at a tournament.
Sensei/YDN Caitlin doing her form at a tournament.

Meet Sensei Yudanjanim Caitlin, 2nd degree, Senior Instructor.

Sempai David doing his form at a tournament.
Sempai David doing his form at a tournament.

Meet Sempai David, 1st degree, Senior Instructor.

demo team
Sempai Jasmine doing form at a demo.

Meet Sempai Jasmine, 1st degree, Senior Instructor.

Helen and Sempai Yousif doing "sticky hands," a form of low impact sparring.
Helen and Sempai Yousif doing “sticky hands,” a form of low impact sparring.

Meet Sempai Yousif, 1st degree, Assistant Instructor.

Sempai Jonas doing form at a tournament.
Sempai Jonas doing form at a tournament.

Meet Sempai Jonas, 1st degree, Assistant Instructor.