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.
Guru William Houle
30 years Martial Arts experience, Nidan (2nd degree) Shaolin Kempo Karate, Nidan American Kenpo Karate, Level 2 Instructor Tacosa Serrada Eskrima, 1996 Inducted into World Martial Arts Hall of Fame for Self-defense Instructor of the year, 6 years United States Marine Corps, Graduate of Executive Security International (Certified Protection Specialist), Currently working for Pro-Tect Security as an Executive Protection Agent, 1998-2000 U.S. Director Tacosa Serrada Eskrima.
"Eskrima is not an offensive weapon or a defensive shield. It is a tool for understanding." - Grand Master Jimmy Tacosa
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.
Sensei Regie Beatie
Sensei Regie is a third degree black belt in Judo. He is also a police officer with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. "Competitive Judo bulids character. In all my years of experience, I've found that the kids who were in martial arts were the one who never got into trouble."
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