Our Advisory Board members bring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to help us make informed decisions that benefit our organization and the martial arts community. Their commitment to excellence and passion for martial arts drives us to strive for growth and innovation in our programs and initiatives. We are grateful for their guidance and support as we work towards achieving our goals and making a positive impact on the lives of our members.
KAMA's approach to leadership centers on three core principles: presiding, protecting and providing. At the heart of this leadership philosophy is the principle of presiding over the organization with a steady hand and clear vision. This involves actively guiding the strategic vision and daily operations, while fostering a collaborative, inclusive style that empowers others to share their knowledge.
Alongside presiding, KAMA is committed to protecting the interests and wellbeing of martial arts practitioners. This manifests in safeguarding the safety and security of training environments, upholding ethical standards among instructors and championing fair treatment for all members. KAMA recognizes its duty of care and works diligently to shield the organization from harm or exploitation.
Finally, KAMA's leadership is not just about empowering from above - it's also about providing for the growth, development and enrichment of practitioners. This means actively supporting high-quality instruction, educational resources, community-building events and other initiatives geared towards enhancing the martial arts experience. By presiding with authority, protecting with vigilance and providing with generosity, KAMA aims to cultivate a thriving, empowered martial arts community.
A lifelong martial artist, Michael has dedicated 45 years to training and honing his skills. In 1980, while living in Germany, he began his journey in the art of Wado Ryu Karate. Over the decades, he has studied a diverse range of disciplines, including Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Eskrima, Aikido, Shorinji Kempo, Muay Thai, Tiger-Crane Kung Fu, Hsing Yi and QiGong.
Today, Michael is the founder of the Kada Anan Martial Arts Association, based in Phoenix, Arizona. His school offers instruction in Eskrima and Koshiki ToKen Jutsu, both in group classes and private lessons. In addition to teaching seminars nationwide, Michael enjoys sharing his expertise through writing articles and crafting wooden blade trainers for fellow Filipino martial artists, while continuing to expand his own knowledge and skills.
Celina Taganas-Duffy has over two decades of training in a diverse array of martial arts, including Wing Chun, Baguazhang, Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Roppokai, Reiki and Qigong. She is one of the few prominent female instructors in the Filipino Martial Arts community. Over the years, Celina has taught numerous workshops and seminars and has been featured in publications such as Inside Kung Fu, FMA Informative, Flipside Podcast, Kali Konversations, FMA Discussion and the City on the Edge Stockton Documentary. She has been honored to showcase Filipino Martial Arts by the Philippine Consulate General for Philippine National History Month and by Immortal Studios at the Martial Arts History Museum.
As a passionate educator, Celina is dedicated to sharing her martial arts expertise with the community. She has taught at universities and organizations including ArtCenter, Cal State Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, FASGI, Carson Middle School, FilAm Arts, LA County Filipino American Employers Association (LACFAEA), and Pilipino Worker's Center for Stop Asian Hate. For more information, please visit CelinaDuffy.com.
YuChan has practiced a diverse array of martial arts, including Tang Soo Do, Eskrima, Itosu-kai and Shotokan, for over 30 years.
Professionally, YuChan has over 25 years of high-tech industry experience, primarily focused on the semiconductor sector. He began his career at Hewlett Packard and has since held roles at companies like Skyworks, Freescale (now NXP), Qualcomm and Renesas. YuChan also has extensive entrepreneurial experience, having worked for multiple startups in the US and abroad, including launching his own venture.
Currently, YuChan serves as the Vice President of the sales division at STAr-Edge Technologies, an organization with a global presence in the US, Asia and Europe. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing operations across all of the company's locations.
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