Instructors - Kitsap Martial Arts in Poulsbo, WA

KMA Instructors

Brian Church

Owner/Instructor

Brian is the founder and owner of Kitsap Martial Arts as well as the primary instructor of classes for adults, kids, and teens.

A Michigan native, Brian began his training in Budo Taijutsu while attending college in the late 1990s. In 2001, he moved to San Francisco and began studying under Dale Seago, one of the first 20 Americans to reach 5^th dan. Since 2014, Brian has continued his training with Aric Keith of the Cascade Tenchijin dojo in Vancouver, Washington.

In 2019, Brian earned his 5^th dan in Budo Taijutsu in Japan, just before Sōke Hatsumi retired from teaching.

Brian holds rank in a number of other systems and uses this knowledge to gain a better understanding of how different types of movement connect to and complement one another.

A Level I MovNat instructor, Brian believes that movement should be fun at every stage of life. He encourages his students to play and explore the boundaries of what they’re able to achieve.

Brian moved to Poulsbo in 2007 and lives with his wife, two daughters, and their two dogs. When he isn’t working, spending time with his family, training, or teaching classes, Brian can be found planning his next D&D campaign, occupied with building projects around the house (or dojo!), or googling for the dates of the next Marvel or Star Wars releases.

Poulsbo Kickboxing Coaches

Melanie Stroud

PBOKBX Manager and Instructor

Melanie found kickboxing over half a decade ago and she’s been punching out her fitness goals and daily stressors ever since.

Using her day job skills as a voice and music teacher, Melanie fosters a welcoming and encouraging environment at PBOKBX. She understands that when people feel safe, strong, and supported, they can become the very best version of themselves.

When she isn’t teaching students or dreaming up new kickboxing routines (often while lying in bed!), she can be found exploring the trails and walking paths of the Pacific Northwest with friends and family, including her three kids and black Labrador, Mona.

While she proudly sports her (all-black) PBOKBX gear to every class, her favorite color is turquoise, which she’ll wear to commemorate her 500th kickboxing class—a goal she’s hoping to reach in time for her 40th birthday later in 2022!

Erica Williams

PBO KBX Instructor

Many people start working out to lose weight, but it can be hard to maintain motivation. Erica found hers with kickboxing! Just six months after entering her first class, Erica began training as an instructor. Now, several years later, she continues to enjoy helping her students have fun while meeting their fitness goals.

In addition to her kickboxing routine, Erica lifts weights several times a week all while maintaining a busy schedule, which includes working towards a degree in Medical Assisting and helping out with the Tracyton Peewee Sport Association.

A Texas native, she met her husband when they were both in middle school. The couple has two kids and moved to Washington ten years ago on a military deployment.