Director Tara Brown

Tara is the initiating director of 'Ohana Martial Arts and is passionate about helping children and adults become safer, stronger and healthier. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and earned a Master of Occupational Therapy. She has worked as an Occupational Therapist with all age groups and in many settings and continues to work per diem at Kona Community Hospital as a rehab therapist.

Tara is an athlete participating in varsity level sports throughout high school and since then has learned as many new sports as she has time for - surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, SUP boarding, triathlons and running.  She continues to develop her martial art skill set and is most interested in functional self-defense and training those who want learn effective self-protection skills.  

She is the lead instructor for the EMPOWER program; developing a cohort of strong young women with healthy self-esteem, who are building positive character traits, setting high goals for themselves, learning teamwork and of course who know how to defend themselves!

Additionally, she is leading little ninja classes using mixed martial arts and self-defense curriculum to prepare young student for training in any advanced martial art system later in their life. A little ninja who has completed all belts will have a solid foundation in striking and grappling techniques as well as know how to defend from bullying and a larger attackers in multiple situations.

Tara is excited for the future of 'Ohana Martial Arts and Self-Defense School and it's ability to enrich the lives of the families in our community!

Sensei Anya Michalik

Anya is a driving force of enthusiasm and strength in our dojo! She has worked diligently to learn all skills necessary to teach our intermediate students as well as keiki in our little ninja program!

Anya has a black belt in a unique style of Karate called Aiki Ryu developed by our dojo's first Sensei Mark Vickers. Aiki Ryu has it's roots in Tang Soo Do Karate, Ninjitsu, a Japanese Karate and Aikido. Aiki Ryu is founded on the principle that every child has a unique set of skills that can flourish in a loving and safe training environment.

Coach Soyer

Coach Soyer has been part of ‘Ohana Martial Arts since it’s beginnings and trained in Martial Arts for 7+ years. He is a Junior at West Hawaii Explorations Academy. Soyer helps to teach Ninja Stars and Mighty Ninjas as well as coach many sports during break camps. He is also the lead student at our WHEA Spartan Training group. In his off time you will find him catching big waves, diving, spear fishing, lifting weights and hanging out with his friends! In 2022 he won his age division in the Oahu Spartan Super Race (7+ miles) and this year he completed a Trifecta (3 races in 2 days - 13 miles, 7 miles and 3 miles) winning 2nd place in the 13 mile race!