Clifton Kelike Teshima
Clifton Kelike Teshima is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Judo, & brings decades of experience to his students.
For the past 4 years, Clifton has served as the Director of Mid Pacific Institute’s Judo program, where he discovered his true passion for teaching and mentoring young athletes. His commitment to mentorship extends beyond the mats. He previously directed an at-risk youth Judo program for Hawai‘i’s inner-city public schools, helping students build discipline, confidence, & community through martial arts. Alongside technical training, Clifton emphasizes conflict management, communication, and other soft skills that prepare students to thrive both inside and outside of the dojo.
Raised between Hawai‘i & Los Angeles, Clifton has called LA home for the past 17 years. At Zumi Academy, he is proud to return to his roots & create a community where young athletes, adults, & families alike can grow stronger together both on & off the mats.
Joon Hong
Professor & Sensei Joon Hong is a Black Belt in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Judo, bringing over a decade of teaching experience to the mat. With a strong academic foundation, holding both undergraduate/graduate degrees & professional designations. He blends intellectual discipline with his unique martial arts vibe.
His teaching style emphasizes commitment to the art while balancing the demands of everyday life; especially for the older, smaller, practitioner. Joon is dedicated to developing students of all ages, he creates an environment where discipline becomes art & every practitioner can thrive.
When he is not on the mats, he can be found surfing, snowboarding, or spending time with his wife & rabbits.
Brianna Matsuura
Brianna Matsuura is a lifelong martial artist & community leader with a passion for mentorship & cultural connection. She holds both an undergraduate/graduate degree in Social Work, blending her academic training with her dedication to empowering youth through martial arts.
Brianna is a 1st Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Judo. For close to a decade, she has served as President of Gardena Judo Club, where she continues to lead with over 17+ years of experience coaching children. Whether on the mats or at local tournaments, she is dedicated to fostering discipline, resilience, & confidence in the next generation.
At Zumi Academy, Brianna combines her passion for teaching with her experience as a leader, coach, and performer, creating a well-rounded environment where students are supported not just in their athletic growth, but in their personal development as well.
Sarah Watanabe
Sarah Watanabe is a Judo Black Belt in Judo under Olympic Silver Medalist Kevin Asano & a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She has spent the past three years teaching Judo at Mid-Pacific Institute in Hawai‘i, where she helped students grow both on & off the mats.
With a passion for mentorship & building community, Sarah combines her martial arts knowledge with strong organizational skills to support smooth programs & a welcoming environment for students & families.
Aaron Fukuhara
Aaron Fukuhara is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt and a Judo Black with more than 17 years of teaching/coaching experience ranging from novice BJJ/Judo classes at Soriano BJJ to group training classes & personal training at Heyday Elite Fitness to Judo at Gardena Judo Club. Aaron holds a Graduate Degree in Kinesiology & blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of athletic performance, guiding kids, adults, & athletes on Gardena Judo’s competition team to reach their highest potential.
In addition to coaching, Aaron continues to compete in Judo & BJJ events. His drive on the mat & steady commitment to training have earned the respect of his students, who look to him as an example of perseverance & excellence.
At Zumi Academy, Aaron draws on his academic background, competitive career, & years of coaching leadership to motivate students of all ages to pursue growth as athletes & as individuals.
Nicholas Matsumoto
Nick Tadashi Matsumoto is a seasoned martial artist and dedicated instructor with nearly 20 years of experience teaching, currently teaching at Gardena Judo Club. As a 4th Degree Black Belt in Judo and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt, Tadashi has mentored children, adults, and competitive athletes, guiding them from their first steps on the mat to success in high-level tournaments. His teaching philosophy, rooted in balance, timing, and consistency, has been instrumental in shaping the club’s youth program and competition team.
Outside the dojo, Tadashi is a passionate sake consultant and sommelier, applying the same curiosity and respect for tradition to his study of Japanese brewing culture as he does to martial arts.
At Zumi Academy, Tadashi blends his extensive training with a passion for teaching to inspire students of all ages to develop skill, confidence, and character on and off the mat.