Info & Ranking Structure


Now you can be part of an extremely well rounded fighting/self defense system that is constantly evolving & improving!  Combining MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)JKD (Jeet Kune Do)FMA (Filipino Martial Arts),  BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) and RAT (Rapid Assault Tactics), we blend graceful smooth motions with hard hitting explosive power.  Functional training both on your feet and on the ground.

We refer to our full JKD curriculum, and unique teaching approach, as Kai-Shin Jeet Kune Do.

The focus of our Empty-Hand curriculum is to teach you the practical means of self defense and the character building life lesson philosophies of a traditional martial art. We achieve this by developing the body through modern martial arts cross-training, and by developing the mind through traditional martial arts philosophies.

We teach all Five training areas of empty-hand martial arts as well as how to connect and blend them together.

1. Striking                                                                                            
2. Clinching                                                                                        
3. Manipulation                                                                                  
4. Hand Trapping
5. Grappling

We study the concepts and principals from many martial arts cultures, such as Filipino, Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, Brazilian, Okinawan, Chinese and Japanese cultures.  The main systems which contribute to the Kai-Shin curriculum are:

1. MUAY THAI – Thai Boxing
2. JUN FAN GUNG FU – Bruce Lee’s Art
3. WING CHUN – Ip Man’s art
4. PANANTUKAN – Kali / Filipino Martial Arts
5. SILAT – Maphilindo & Madjapahit Martial Arts
6. COMBAT SUBMISSON WRESTLING – Erik Paulson
7. BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU – Gracie & Machado families

Because a student is exposed to a wide range of tactics, it lets a person capitalize on what they are good at and develop that which they are not.  This type of training allows people of many different body types and ages to study with us.

Our goal is NOT to have all of our students look the same, it is for all of our students to develop according to their own body type and discover how to make the principals behind the techniques work for them as an individual.

Student Rank Progression:

BASIC: Level-1  – Entry Level… All new students are considered to be BASIC: Level-1.

BASIC: Level-2  

BASIC: Level-3  

INTERMEDIATE: Level-1

INTERMEDIATE: Level-2

INTERMEDIATE: Level-3

ADVANCED: Level-1

ADVANCED: Level-2 

ADVANCED: Level-3

SENIOR: Levels 1-5  (Black Belt Level)  Continued Study with Guro T. Kent Nelson . Also displayed must be a high of level dedication & support to  the KSK Martial Arts family.  Display a solid understanding in the performance & application of their technique, but more importantly in their ability to understand the guiding Principals, Concepts and Paradigms of the art, and are able to apply and/or adapt them to future material in whatever training they may receive.

 Instructor Rank Progression:

Training Group Leader: This in not actually a rank, but more of a show of trust between the individual and KSK Martial Arts, to set a good example for the learning process of the student.

Apprentice Instructor: (Jo-Shu) This means you are learning how to teach.  Apprentice instructors do not have the ability to rank their students yet.  Minimum 1 year as a Training Group Leader.

Associate Instructor: This rank shows that both you and your students are showing increased ability and comprehension of the material.  Apprentice instructors do not have the ability to rank their students yet.  Minimum 1 year as an Apprentice Instructor.

Basic Instructor: (Guro) May promote students in the BASIC levels.

Intermediate Instructor:  May promote students in the INTERMEDIATE levels.

Advanced Instructor: May promote students in the ADVANCED levels.

Senior Instructor: May promote students in the SENIOR levels and Apprentice

Full Instructor:  Gives the Instructor permission to individually promote the Apprentice instructor under them to the individual ranks of Associate Instructor and BASIC, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED & SENIOR Instructor Levels.

Senior Full Instructor: May promote a SENIOR Instructor to the level of Full Instructor.

NOTE: In order to be recognized and/or promoted to each Instructor Rank, the Instructor’s membership must be current and in good standing.  Instructors must also maintain a level of regular training either at K.S.K. Martial Arts, through attendance at seminars & camps, and/or private instruction with Guro T. Kent Nelson