Sensei Tyson

Sensei Tyson, our Chief Instructor, is passionate about training martial arts. He has been training in Shaolin Kempo for 24 years and currently holds a 4th degree Black Belt.  Tyson has also became a SAMI Combat center in 2023 and holds ranking in Knife, Panantukan, and Axe fighting  concepts.  Also training in multiple martial arts including SAMI Combat Systems, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, Silat, Muay Thai (kickboxing), and Jeet Kune Do. 

Tyson enjoys helping people, especially kids, and most importantly kids who are “underdogs” in one way or another.  That’s a challenge Tyson understands and he wants to help those kids to achieve goals they never thought possible.  He loves seeing the personal growth in confidence, respect and maturity that comes with such achievements.  One of Sensei’s favorite sayings is “You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to become great”.

Tyson has been teaching Kempo to adults and children for over 18 years.  He also periodically teaches women’s self defense classes.  In 2009, Sensei Tyson was named the Instructor of the Year in Orange County CA.  Also inducted in the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2023.

When he's not teaching or training someone he's hiking, riding his Harley, playing in or along the Boise River, training in other combat arts, or perfecting his technique with axes, knives or other weapons.