INSTRUCTORS
GORDON GREEN, 4th Dan -
Sensei, Dojo-Cho, Founder
Senior Instructor Sensei Gordon Green has studied Master Steven Seagal's personal brand of Aikido for over 30 years, and received his black belts under Sensei Freeman and Sensei Santos.
Sensei Green is an Army Ranger and former middleweight champion boxer. He has trained under many styles and varieties of martial arts, but Aikido is his primary art. In more than three decades of practice and work in the executive protection industry, his technique boasts a practicality and flavor that is unique to his school and students.
INSTRUCTORS
JASON ASH, 2nd Dan - Sensei
Jason Ash is a second degree black belt in Tenshin Aikido. He teaches classes on Wednesdays and Fridays. His martial arts training stretches over thirty years, and he has extensive experience with blunt weapons, blades, and firearms.
Jason Sensei has worked in security and other roles where his martial skill has been tested and honed. When his own school closed, Sacred Sword was fortune enough to acquire his expertise as an instructor twice a week, and honored to add his unique perspective and style to the trainings offered.
INSTRUCTORS
KIRK "Stickboy" Nemeth - Guro
Guro "Stick," as he is known to his students, started training in Serrada Eskrima at the age of 13. For 28 years, he pursued mastery, teaching as many people along the way as he could. After the passing of his original teacher, Sifu Shannon Walsh, he tracked down his teacher's teacher, Master Charles "Chuck" Cadell III.
Master Chuck Cadell is the last master certified by the Grandmaster Angel Cabales. Guro Stick is certified by Master Chuck Cadell in Tanikala de Serrada Eskrima, and continues under his instruction to this day.
INSTRUCTORS
Tyra "Red" Leesman
1st Dan - Instructor
Tyra has trained in Aikido for over fifteen years. She teaches the first half of a teen and advanced class on Wednesdays, as well as kids classes on Saturdays.
Tyra holds the rank of first degree black belt in Aikido, and cross-trains consistently every week in several other arts, including MMA, Muay Thai, Eskrima, and Karate. In addition to her ongoing practice, she co-founded and manages an annual convention for all martial arts called Dojocon. Tyra is currently in training for her first competitive fight.
INSTRUCTORS
Dr. Melvin "Doc" Maclin II
1st Dan - Instructor
Dr. Melvin Maclin II, or "Doc," has been part of SSMA since the beginning, and before that, his martial arts history was as a black belt in Taekwondo. In addition to being himself an avid student of combat sports, Doc is a renown plastic surgeon. He oversees MMA fights frequently as the official ringside physician. As a testament to his dedication to martial training, Doc's entire family trains at SSMA, including his wife and two sons.
Most notably, he is the author of The Way of the Surgeon, a book that parallels the intense, diligent study required of those who practice Medicine with the focused dedication and refinement offered by martial arts training.
INSTRUCTORS
Yuka "Sophia" Miyamoto
4th Dan - Sensei
Sophia Miyamoto Sensei serves as both the chief instructor and founder of Mizukagami Dojo. She boasts a unique Japanese/Chinese heritage. Her journey into martial arts began at just 10 years old.
Upon relocating to the United States, Sophia Sensei furthered her commitment to service by joining the US Army and subsequently served as a Police Officer in the St. Louis County Police Department. Currently holding the esteemed rank of Yon Dan (4th Dan) Black belt in Kyokushin-kan Karate, Sophia Sensei's expertise extends beyond the realms of traditional martial arts.
In addition to her role in Karate, she is a certified Yoga Instructor, a practitioner of Muay Thai, and a formidable powerlifter and bodybuilder. Sophia Miyamoto Sensei exemplifies versatility, embodying a holistic approach to physical fitness and martial arts, making her a multifaceted and inspiring figure within the martial arts community.