Our Team

MASTER THOMAS SAUERS - CHIEF INSTRUCTOR/OWNER

Mr. Sauers is a 5th Dan Black Belt with over 30 years in Martial Arts, focusing on Taekwondo and other styles like Hapkido, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, and Pekiti-Tirsia Kali. He holds a Green Belt in Hotjitsu and teaches women's self-defense, martial arts combatives, and handgun training. A member of USAT, he continually seeks to expand his knowledge for his students.

From 2015 to 2017, he taught Taekwondo at the Fife Community Center. His background includes playing soccer and martial arts in his youth, and he has lived in the area for over 50 years. He has significant experience as a Soccer and Baseball Coach, serving as Vice President and Ethics Chairperson at Norpoint Soccer Club and as Vice President and Director at Soundview Little League.

Mr. Sauers dedicates his downtime to coaching and volunteering in the community, mentoring kids and students. He holds a Business Management degree from Green River Community College and was part of the Honor Society.

He prepares drills and practice sessions with care, treating each day at FMAA with a focus on his students and their families. Mr. Sauers actively trains alongside his students, demonstrating techniques, kicks, blocks, forms, and punches. He is a hands-on school owner.

LISA CUENCA, BLACK BELT INSTRUCTOR

We are thrilled to announce that Instructor Lisa Cuenca is joining the Freedom Martial Arts Academy family in early September! After an incredible journey that began at the age of 12 in Chicago and flourished in Florida, Lisa brings a wealth of experience and passion to our academy. She has competed in numerous state and national championships under AAU, USAT, and ATU, earning an impressive 8 National Gold Championships, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze, Gold medalist for 13 yrs at State, and over a decade of competitive excellence.

In addition to her remarkable Taekwondo skills, Lisa is bilingual from Guatemalan and Salvadorian decent, enhancing the learning experience for all students in the community. Lisa’s dedication to Taekwondo and her commitment to shaping future champions make her an invaluable addition to our team. We can't wait for our students to learn from her expertise, enthusiasm, and diverse background! Welcome, Lisa!

JEFFREY BROWN, BLACK BELT INSTRUCTOR

Mr. Jeffrey Brown is a highly accomplished 3rd Dan Black Belt and has dedicated himself to training in Taekwondo since the year 2004. Mr. Brown not only continues to actively pursue his own daily training sessions in both Taekwondo and self-defense techniques, but he also dedicates a significant portion of his time to co-teaching our juniors, kids, and adult students. Additionally, he plays a vital role in assisting with the important belt tests and facilitating many of the school’s extracurricular activities. Mr. Brown enjoys martial arts immensely because he believes that everyone can learn valuable lessons from one another and that the connections forged through training are incredibly meaningful. In his free time, his hobbies include playing video games, engaging in cosplaying, reading various genres, and learning about topics related to his personal interests.

MRS. GINA SAUERS - OWNER/WOMEN SELF DEFENSE INSTRUCTOR/OFFICE MANAGER

Mrs. Sauers owns FMAA and is the Lead Women's Self Defense Instructor. She is also the After School Coordinator and office administrator. Gina is a certified instructor for AWSDA and NRA’s Refuse To Be a Victim program. As a long-time Taekwondo mom, she enjoys watching children train and reach their goals, especially as their confidence and respect grow. Her son earned his Black Belt at the school, and she spent many hours supporting his training. She understands the commitment required from both students and parents.

Mrs. Sauers lives by the 5 Tenets of Taekwondo in her personal and professional life at Microsoft, where she applies her knowledge of cultural differences, inclusion, diversity, and ethics to the school. She aims to make a positive impact in the community by providing a safe place for kids to thrive. Believing in equality, mutual support, and community service, she started the Fierce Diva program to empower women as a domestic violence survivor from her first marriage.

SIFU NORM - SHAOLIN KUNG FU

Sifu Norm has been dedicated to studying traditional Kung Fu for more than 20 years within the esteemed Shaolin Kung Fu system that he teaches. His deep passion and primary focus lie in traditional mind and body conditioning, as well as refining stances, empty hand techniques, and various weapons forms. He places a significant emphasis on the artistry of Kung Fu, highlighting the numerous benefits it provides to the practitioner. However, he believes that the essence and heart of even the most graceful and beautiful Kung Fu movements are firmly rooted in practical martial application.

MONICA NGA THOMPSON - YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Hatha Yoga will be at FMAA starting at 9:30 AM. Bring your yoga mat, block, strap and water bottle. Stretch, strengthen, and get toned with Monica! “I have been practicing yoga since 2015 and I have loved every step of my journey that has led me to where I am today. It is the love of the practice that has led me to my second yoga teacher training this year. I love how yoga has been the one consistency in my life that I know I can depend on whether it be for a great workout or a stress reliever. Yoga has been a big part of my health and has led me to meet many great people. Now I am happy teaching others about how great yoga can be for them and their health journey too!”

CLAIRE BERRY
BODY SCULPT INSTRUCTOR

Local and fun fitness instruction! They both are passionate about fitness and having fun. Claire brings so much energy into the classes that women and men can’t get enough. This class is on hold till further notice.

CARLEEN CUSTIS
DANCE CARDIO INSTRUCTOR

Every Monday night at 6:30 PM, Carleen brings the funk and dance moves. Dance to the latest songs and sweat it out!

Her son attends the school and does additional sports too in the area.