…Lauren and Dakota Thomas have been training in the arts together. From local and national competitions to their weekly training sessions, these two have carried the values instilled by Senior Grand Master Louis Maldonado Sr. with them into their own practice. The core of their practice is rooted in discipline, respect, humility, and the belief that who you are off the mat is just as important as the work you put into your training
At the age of 6, Lauren was introduced to the world of martial arts with Senior Grand Master Louis Maldonado. By the time she was 16 she had competed in many regional tournaments, performed in local demonstrations, and had earned her black belt in Kenpo Karate. She spent most of her 27 years with SGM Maldonado assisting teach adult and children’s classes giving her the hands on experience in martial arts and fitness instruction. She now is a 3rd degree black belt and is training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The philosophy to her teaching style reflects her time spent training with SGM Maldonado. Discipline, humility, focus, confidence and a ‘never quit’ mentality are at the forefront of each lesson. Her goal in each class is to instill confidence, discipline, and to build students emotionally and physically to take into the world ‘off the mat’. Whether it’s building strength in private fitness class or teaching the traditional arts, she always is the biggest cheerleader for her students.
Lauren’s passion for the arts has grown over the last 3 years teaching in Healdsburg. Working with athletes of all levels on body recomposition, weight loss, and traditional Kenpo are some of her favorite things to teach.
Starting in Koden Kan Karate under Senior Grand Master Donnie Omega at 7 years old, Dakota began his lifelong journey in martial arts. Training in one martial art was not enough for Dakota so began training in Shaolin Kenpo simultaneously under Senior Grand Master Louis Maldonado. Obtaining black belts in both systems and competing competitively at a national level with G.S.K.A (Golden State Karate Association), N.B.L (National Blackbelt League), and A.M.A.P.A. (Affiliated Martial Arts Promoters Associations), winning State Champion and National Champion in Traditional Forms and Sparring. Having trained with former and current UFC Fighters and practitioners of other martial arts has allowed Dakota to bring what he’s learned in the martial arts world to the table. Realizing his passion for fitness while training in martial arts, Dakota began his minor in Kinesiology and obtained his Group Fitness Instructor Certification and Personal Trainer Certification through A.C.E. (American Council of Exercise) and Associate’s in Kinesiology. Utilizing his martial arts upbringing and education in physical fitness Dakota has been able to help other’s achieve personal goals through their journeys in martial arts for adults/kids, women’s self defense, and fitness.