Our Instructors
The We Love Kempo studio provides an upbeat and effective training environment with positive instructors who genuinely care about each and every student. Our instructors have grown through the ranking system from white belt on up and have demonstrated themselves as exemplary students and fantastic communicators. We Love Kempo is also proud to offer additional training through outside instructors in areas such as tumbling, acrobatics, yoga, personal training, and cardio kickboxing.
Chief Instructors: Brian and Kristen Colwell
Husband and wife team, best friends, and dedicated students of the Martial Arts, Brian and Kristen do everything they can to help others explore the many benefits of training. Brian began his training in Martial Arts as a child in Virginia. He enjoyed learning traditional Karate with his Father and has fond memories of their time together in Karate class. As adults, Brian and Kristen began training together in the Shaolin Kempo system. The couple quickly excelled and learned early on that they loved teaching. Both Brian and Kristen trained 5 to 6 days per week developing their own Martial Arts abilities as well as the ability to effectively teach students of different ages and temperments in the Shaolin Kempo system.
After completing their Instructor Academy training, both Brian and Kristen were appointed as Chief Instructors for their own locations within a larger Martial Arts Franchise teaching Shaolin Kempo. Brian's school in Poway and Kristen's school in Carlsbad flourished quickly and each school developed a strong and supportive studio community. After several years of successful studio management, the couple decided that they wanted to create something different in the Martial Arts community...a studio that embraced the beauty of various systems, challenged students to have fun while developing fighting ability, and removed all of the red tape that historically comes between instructor and student in modern Martial Arts schools. No contracts, no testing fees, no enrollment fees. Weapons training included in all programs at no additional fee. And most of all: a positive, uplifting environment and teaching method that promote good fortune for our students, inside and outside of the studio!
Brian and Kristen each bring different strengths to the studio. Brian is a Third Generation Eagle Scout and proudly offers a variety of free training programs to Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. He also has a love for swords, so he is our go-to Instructor for Chinese Broadsword, Katana, and Wakizashi. Brian is a bookworm who enjoys researching the history of Kempo and it's many influences. Kristen is a fighter and loves teaching students how to fight in self defense situations and rules-based sport situations. She developed a special training program just for girls and women called Army of Angels that focuses on developing true fighting ability in street scenarios. She also works with the Girl Scouts to help girls achieve the "Best Defense" merit badge. Kristen's favorite weapons are the Nunchaku and Spear, so she is our go-to Instructor in that regard. Kristen is also a phenomenal instructor for young students between the ages of 4 and 7. She works hard to assist students in developing various life skills through their Martial Arts training and has had students start at the age of four and stay with training for over 4+ years.
Assistant Instructors
Mike Cassidy
Bio coming soon!
Matt Haines
Matt has a deep appreciation for Martial Arts that comes through in his techniques, his discussion of Martial Arts principles, and his teaching. Since starting his Martial Arts training at the age of 7, Matt has excelled in forms, weapons, and sparring using his dedication to training and meticulous practice. Matt has been an Assistant Instructor with Sensei Kristen for over four years and despite his young age, has established himself as an effective Instructor for adults, teens, and children alike. Matt is our resident Wakizashi instructor and is the go-to guy for weapons and Martial Arts historical knowledge.
Jamie Rae Kremensky
Jamie Rae Kremensky is a San Diego native with a performing arts background that started at age 4. Jamie now has more than 20 years of experience teaching dance. In San Diego, Jamie has trained under the direction of Sharon Keller (San Diego Dance Centre), Donna Geiger (Dance Carousel), the California Ballet, and the Aztec Gymnastics Club. In Los Angeles, Jamie has also trained under Bob Banas (Westside Story, Mary Poppins, and The King & I) and Tony award winning choreographer, Danny Daniels (Annie Get Your Gun, The Tap Dance Kid, Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom)
Ms. Kremensky’s technical training includes ballet, tap, jazz, character, acrobatics, theatre, and gymnastics. In addition, Jamie is also a gifted athlete, achieving recognition as:
CIF All-Around Gymnastics Champion (1983)
CIF Gymnast of the Year (1983)
Grossmont League All-Around Gymnastics Champion (1983-1984)
Santana High School Most Outstanding Gymnast (1983-1984)
Pepsi-Cola Athlete of the Year (1986)
Jamie’s television & film credits include:
Pennies from Heaven – Actress/Dancer
Profit of Evil – The Ervil LeBaron Story – Actress/Stunts
America’s Most Wanted – Actress
Mattel
JC Penneys
Webber Kettle
The Growing Grounds Nursery
Michelle Vonn Carmichael
Michelle brings a deep level of personal connection to her teaching style. She can help anyone feel at ease and works very well with young children. Michelle is a true warrior who pushes herself to achieve greatness regardless of fear or circumstance. Her gentle way coupled with her fighting spirit makes Michelle a well balanced Martial Artist and instructor. Michelle has been a key element in the Army of Angels program, even bringing her personal experience in having to defend against an attacker to the program. She is also the studio's holistic wellness practitioner and provides her clients with relief and renewed energy. Michelle specializes in the Chinese Broadsword.
Angie Zanolini
Bio coming soon!
Student Leaders
Susan Atkins
Susan is an amazing student, which makes her an inspired instructor! Her fighting spirit and attention to detail make Susan an effective and motivational teacher. One of Susan's great attributes is her love of Martial Arts and self defense. She has invested countless hours in the Army of Angels program helping girls and women learn to defend themselves in a variety of situations. One of her specialties is using the kubaton, a small spike that attaches to a key chain and can be used in a variety of self defense situations.
