Instructors

Master Jeff Wood

Master Jeff has been a Martial Arts student continuously since September of 1964, studying mulitple styles in the United States, Korea, Japan, and China. In 1981 he began his career as an instructor, and over the past 40 years has devoted himself to helping all his students achieve their highest potential in all aspects of their self-defense training. Master Wood currently holds a 5th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is the President of the Young Americans Schools of Self-Defense in the state of Minnesota.

Sensei Steve Olson

Sensei Steve Olson started Young Americans Schools of Self-Defense as as adult, to join his daughter in training, in 2010. Sensei Olson earned his 1st Dan Black Belt after only 5 sessions in 2012 and 2 years later earned his 2nd Dan Black Belt from Young Americans. Sensei Olson believes this school can be a family experience as all his kids have either been through the program or are currently teaching as 1st or 2nd Dan Black Belts.

Sensei Ben Lauzer

I started my martial arts career similarly to many of our students in elementary school. I continued training in Shotokan Karate through high school earning my 1st Dan Black Belt. Throughout my college years I trained off and on with club organizations.

I started my journey with Young Americans as a parent when my sons were young. About a year later I decided to continue my Martial Arts journey and joined Young Americans as a student. I achieved my 1st Dan Black Belt at the same time as my oldest son then my 2nd Dan with my Youngest son 2 years later.

Currently I am the Head instructor of our Becker MN location. I believe that the lessons we teach not only give students the knowledge to defend themselves, but also teaching the framework of being good people.

Respect, humility, kindness, work ethic and discipline are at the heart of my teachings.

“Put Karate in everything you do” – Master Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Shotokan Karate

Sensei Allan Jacobs

Sensei Allan Jacobs earned his Black Belt through Young Americans.

Master Keith Drake

I began my career with Young Americans Self Defense in 2000. I received my 1st Dan Black Belt in December of 2001. I took my 2nd Dan Black Belt test in December of 2003. I began teaching as a head instructor in 2004.

My family became the first “Black Belt Family” in the Young Americans Schools of Self Defense in Minnesota, when my daughter received her black belt in 2007 (my wife, son, daughter, and myself are all black belts)

I am one of three instructors to receive their 3rd Dan Black Belt in the Young American’s system in September 2010. Each milestone that i have reached has been personal gratifying, but the greatest satisfaction I have is helping my students achieve their goals.

Sensei Josh Dausey

Bio coming soon….

Sensei Mike Seavy

Bio coming soon….

Sensei Scott Douglas

I began my journey with Young American Self-Defense in 1996 when i enrolled my son in Master Jeff’s classes. A few years later I enrolled my daughter in the program, and they both earned 1st Dan Black Belts from Master Jeff. In 2013, at age 50, I decided it was time for me to begin my training. In 2017, I earned my 1st Dan Black Belt and in 2021 I earned my 2nd Dan Black Belt. I too am part of a family of Black Belts!

I have been an assistant instructor for Master Jeff since 2015, and in 2022, I began teaching as a head instructor.

I thoroughly enjoy working with people and helping them learn and grow. There are few thing in this life more rewarding than getting to know my students and bringing them from White Belt to Black Belt.

Master Shawn Morris

Master Shawn Morris has been practicing martial arts since 1992 when he started training at the Shaolin Institute of Chinese Martial Arts Association. Since then, he has obtained a Black Sash and Head Instructor status for the Shaolin Institute and a 3rd Degree Black Belt with Young Americans Self Defense, where he has been teaching since 2002. Master Morris continues to bring his martial arts experience to his students into the next generation. For more info, see his site.

Sensei Kelly Olson

Sensei Kelly Olson is a first degree Black Belt who has been involved with Young Americans School of Self-Defense for 13 years and has held an assistant instructor role for many of them. Beyond Young Americans, she has briefly trained in American Kenpo Karate and trained one on one sparring with an MMA fighter.

Sensei Joel Glunz

Bio Coming soon…

Sensei Dave Niven

My journey with Young Americans started in 2015 when I enrolled my daughter Journey,  after 1 semester she convinced me to join. Going year round we received our 1st Dan Black Belts together in 2018,  That same year in 2018 my son Daniel started and I started as an Assistant Instructor. 

In 2022 he received his 1st Dan Black Belt and I received my 2nd Dan Black Belt. Those 2 milestones with my kids were precious moments as a family.

I’ve continued to assist Master Jeff at 3 schools in our area where I’ve made some pretty special relationships with  students and parents as well. 

I truly enjoy getting to know the students not only teaching them self defense but teaching them how to be responsible adults in the future.  Helping the kids reach their own goals and watching them grow is what keeps me going. 

Sensei Justen Douglas

I’m 33 years old, living in Zimmerman with my wife and newborn son.

Earned my 1st Degree Black Belt under Master Jeff Wood in 2004 and my 2nd Degree under Master Allan Kunstman. In 2011, began the testing process for 3rd Degree in the spring of 2020.

I’m belted in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Aikido, Hapkido, Kendo and Wushu. 

Sensei Matt Rens

Matt Rens is a 2nd degree black belt and a Sensei for the Bloomington Class.

He joined Young Americans when he was in 3rd grade and promoted to a 2nd degree black belt during his junior year of high school under Sensei Brian St. George, who previously ran the Bloomington class.

Sensei Rens continues the traditions of the Bloomington class along with assistant instructor Evelyn Lennon who grew up attending the same classes.