Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the
martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify
them as teachers and also mentors.
Through
extensive testing and certification processes, our
staff has attained an very high level of understanding in this martial
art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to
other students. Here are a few of Tenkobushi Budokan's
instructors and other staff members.
Stephen McGovern Chief Instructor 
Mr. McGovern has numerous credentials and accomplishments in martial arts. He holds
Senior Black Belt ranking under the old Saito Ninjutsu but has trained with
the current head of the Saito Family, Soke, Master Maui Saito, .
Additionally he holds: Sandan ranking in AikiOkami Ryu Jujutsu
(a dirivative of Daito Ryu), Nidan
ranking in Aikido and Shodan ranking in Shotokan Karate. He also has
experience in White Crane Kung Fu, Won Hop Loong Chuan Gung Fu,
Judo, Kenjutsu and Iaido/Battojutsu.
As a
former Navy Instructor and Instructional Systems Designer,
he is well educated in the most effective ways of class room
instruction, objective development and testing processes. He has
trained in and practiced martialarts for over 30 years and is
a decorated Navy Veteran with over half of his time while on
active duty spent as an Antiterrorism Operator/Instructor.
He brings real world experience to your training unlike
purely "dojo-trained" instructors and "Tournament Champions".
He knows what works and what doesn't. This art works!
Read his full Biography
Rebecca McGovern Student Services Manager
Rebecca is the co-owner of Tenkobushi Martial Arts as well as being the Student Services Manager. Having managed her own business she brings a
wealth of knowledge and business sense to the school.
Chris Grimmick (Shodan/Shomokuroku/Black Belt) Assistant Instructor
Chris Grimmick is the Ichi Uchideshi of the Tenkobushi Budokan. Chris has been studying both Ninjutsu and
Tai Chi and is well versed in both arts. Chris currently instructs the Monday/Wednesday morning Tai Chi Class.
Drew Nystrom (Shodan/Shomokuroku/Black Belt) Assistant Instructor
Drew is the Ni Uchi Deshi of the Tenkobushi Budokan. He is currently studying accupuncture at Emperor's College and will be graduating soon. He is very well rounded in the art ans is an excellent
instructor.
James Gutierrez (Shodan/Shomokuroku/Black Belt) Assistant Instructor
James is Go Uchi Deshi of the Tenkobushi Budokan and has been training here for three years
Daxston "Dax" Judy (Shodan/Shomokuroku/Black Belt) Assistant Instructor
Dax is the Yon Uchi Deshi of the TTSMA. Dax is our Demonstration Group Leader and designs the demonstrations we perform at cultural functions and events. He also coaches students who want to be in the group.
For more information about the Tenkobushi Budokan staff or training programs, please contact us at
951-757-6306 or by visiting our Contacts Us page..
Our Instructors & Staff Members