About Us
Qualified Instructors
The majority of our classes are led by Coach Kasi; having spent nearly 20 years studying the art of Judo under the tutelage of Master Willy Cahill, Tatanka's Martial Arts Academy is operated in honor of the incredible difference his training - both in the arts and in how to be a good person - made in her life.
At fourteen years of age she obtained first place ranking nationally, and went on to obtain her first black belt at the age of 18, through Cahill's Judo Academy; she has continued to move up the ranks since then. After retiring from competition, she became a regional and state recognized coach through USA Judo.
She is currently recognized through USA Judo and the United States Judo Assosciation.
She has spent time training in Tai-Chi, Kung Fu San Soo, Folkstyle Wrestling, Kenpo Karate, Shotokan Karate, Japanese Jujitsu, Sport Jujitsu, and Sport Karate. She received shodan level black belt in Karate in 2017, through Mariposa Martial Arts Academy. She is both SafeSport and CDC Heads Up certified.
Aside from her martial arts background, Coach Kasi obtained her BA in Child and Adolescent Development; this, along with having spent the better part of 15 years either coaching or teaching, allows her to develop a stimulating, enriching program for students of all ages.
Alyssa L. is one of our Junior Instructors, practicing through our Junior Instructors Training Program. She has done a fantastic job developing her skills with the Tiny Tigers class (one of the most difficult age groups to coach!) and regularly steps in to instruct. She demonstrates incredible initiative, is a fantastic leader, and the kids adore her!
Wolf F. regularly takes charge of the warm-ups for our junior and advanced students. His ability to generate and implement engaging, quick paced curriculum makes sure that there is never a dull moment, and the kids are working *all* of those muscle groups before we get started!
Zach L. is an incredible new addition to the team as one of our assistant coaches; his ability to engage students and bring out their best is second to none. He continues to grow in his capacities as he has recently begun working alongside Alyssa with our Tiny Tigers, and he is doing an outstanding job!
Modern Studio
Our studio teaches a variety of classes, focusing on both practical application self defense techniques, as well as more traditional katas and forms. We currently offer Sport Karate (for kids and teens), Judo (teens and adults), and Women's Self Defense seminars. Private lessons are also available for those who prefer a one-on-one approach.
Our belt system is merit based; this means that there is no set schedule for promotions, and each child will progress at their own pace. This alleviates both the outside performance pressure, as well as the 'Mc-Dojo' aspect that can sometimes come along with scheduled testing and promotions. We focus not only on the physical aspects and performance of skills, which is required to progress through the ranks, but on the person as a whole. While we are all far from perfect, I make clear to students that if they are not 'acting like a black belt' outside the dojo, they wont be receiving one inside it.
Our Philosophy
Tatanka's Martial Arts Academy is founded based on the life-altering lessons taught by Master Willy Cahill, and what I (Coach Kasi) learned from him. He taught me not just about the art of Judo, but what it means to treat both myself and others with dignity, respect, and kindness.
At Tatanka's, everyone is welcome - we set aside our differences at the door, and focus on bringing out the best in each person. I was taught that we ourselves only develop so long as we help those around us also improve, and I strive to impart that to our students.
We are all a family, from the members that have been with us for years, to the person that just walked through the doors, and this is the philosophy upon which Tatanka's is run.