Instructors At The Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy
Head Instructor Kevin Kawada
Kevin Kawada is the owner head instructor of the Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy. He began his martial arts training with Judo as a young child. He has also trained Kempo Karate in Hawaii, wing chun gong fu, western boxing and ninjutsu. Kevin’s beliefs are that no martial art is the ultimate martial art. All martial arts have strengths and and all martial arts have weaknesses. Take from each art the things that are unique and strong about them. Each individual will have their own unique style of fighting and learning. Martial arts should be the exploration of what works in realistic combat. “Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” - (Bruce Lee)
Instructor Renee Kawada
Instructor Renee has been training since 2003. She enjoys helping out in the kids class and the working out in the stretching and conditioning class. She likes the simplicity and the practicality of the art of kung fu. She believes that kung fu is well suited to her because she is a woman. For her the art of kung fu allows women in particular to be able to achieve a level of self defense regardless of physical strength or size. Her next goal is to learn the Wu Dip Jeurng set and the straight sword.
Instructor Mike Krein
Instructor Mike Krein runs the 7 star praying mantis/Personal Combat Class. He started his training on the East Cost as a young teenager. He always enjoyed kung fu and the benefits that it has given him. He really enjoys teaching the adult class on Monday nights. His personal philosophy is that "hit 'em where it hurts" and "Don't get hit". Very simple ideas but makes a lot of sense. He enjoys the arm conditioning exercises of kung fu such as Iron Palm training, grip strength training and forearm banging techniques.
Instructor Joseph Stelatello
Instructor Joe's martial arts training began with a style called Aikido. Joe was lucky enough to travel to Japan for "uchi deshi" or live in student training with a master of aikido. After retuning to Las Vegas he began training in the Kung Fu style with Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy in July of 2006. Much of his training philosophy centers around constantly keeping a positive mental attitude, and trying to instill that same attitude into the students. He believes this lends itself to greater self improvement and a fun environment to train in.
Instructor Jeremy Siegrist
Instructor Jeremy Siegrist joined Las Vegas Kung Fu in April 2008 with his 2 daughters Emma and Olivia. Emma is age 9 and Olivia is just 4. He especially enjoys the shuai jiao throwing, forms, and weapons classes. He especially loves the fun environment, exercise and discipline martial arts brings. He gets along great with the kids and teens and works with them daily in Kung Fu, at home, and as a Pediatric Resident.
Guru Anthony Acdan
Guru Anthony Acdan has studied multiple styles of Eskrima and is certified in both the Cabales Serrada and Tobosa methods. He actively competes in contact stickfighting tournaments in Hawaii. He teaches the Escrima classes at the Las Vegas Kung Fu Academy on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Cost of the Class is $80 per month. Rattan sticks and a training knife are required and availible for purchase at the school.
Sensei Cesar Lazcano
Cesar started his judo training in California under Judo Hall of Famer Sensei Gary Goltz. He received his Black belt in Judo in 2009. Currently he trains in MMA under professional fighter Carlos "Coach" Fletes. Cesar Lazcano is also the 2006 Silver State champion in Judo. He has also competed 3 times in the Winter Nationals earning him two bronze medals.
