Hello! I’m Kristin Medina, the founder and Master Instructor at Ignite Martial Arts in Santa Rosa, CA. My martial arts story began over three decades ago, a journey that has been as much about self-discovery as it has been about mastering the art itself. For me, martial arts is not just a set of techniques; it’s a path to personal growth, confidence, and resilience. This belief has been the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding numerous children and their families, helping them unlock their potential and watching them transform into confident individuals and community leaders. My connection with my students goes beyond instruction. Every challenge they overcome, every milestone they achieve, fills me with immense pride and joy. It’s this bond and shared journey of growth that makes teaching so fulfilling.

One of the most cherished aspects of my career has been having my own children train alongside me at Ignite. Witnessing their growth in the very environment I nurtured is a dream come true and a beautiful full-circle moment in my life. At the heart of it, my life’s work is about inspiring and being inspired by the students I teach. Each day at Ignite Martial Arts brings new stories, new challenges, and new triumphs – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For over twelve years, I've been part of the Ignite family, currently holding the rank of a third-degree black belt. My journey began at the age of seven, and it's been an incredible ride filled with valuable life lessons and new friendships. What keeps me loving Ignite is its strong sense of community and family. Now, as an instructor, I have the privilege of contributing to this atmosphere by sharing my experiences with others.

Taekwondo has been instrumental in shaping my character, teaching me focus, self-discipline, and the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. It's taught me to celebrate victories while striving for continuous improvement, always aiming to be the best version of myself.

Joining the instructor team has been very fulfilling. Connecting with students, whether it's guiding them to their black belt or boosting their confidence, brings me joy. As I evolve as both an instructor and a martial artist, I can’t wait to raise the next generation of leaders and share what makes Ignite Martial Arts so special to me.

Hi, I'm Karma, and Ignite Martial Arts has been my second home for over four years now. When I first stepped into taekwondo, I felt like I had found something special—a journey that would not only be fulfilling but also transformative for me.

Confidence hasn't always come easy for me, but taekwondo has been instrumental in helping me break out of my shell and find my place in the world. As a member of the Ignite team, I've had the privilege of witnessing the same growth and progress in other students that I've experienced myself.

Whether I'm at the front desk or on the mats, it's clear to see the positive impact Ignite has on so many lives. Being part of this community has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something truly special.

I'm Ron Mendoza, an assistant instructor at Ignite. My journey with Ignite began when my oldest son started training in 2017, followed by his siblings shortly after. I embarked on my own journey in 2020 and joined the instructor team in 2024 while pursuing my black belt. Martial arts has been a fundamental part of our family's growth, fostering values like respect, discipline, integrity, perseverance, and confidence.

Becoming part of the instructor team has allowed me to pass these vital virtues onto our students. Witnessing our students overcome challenges and grow, regardless of their age, is incredibly rewarding. For me, starting Taekwondo was one of the best decisions of my life, both in terms of physical and mental growth. I am thrilled to help our students break through their barriers and achieve their goals.

The practice of martial arts is an inward journey of growth that prepares a person for the challenges that one is presented throughout their life. Whether you are handling stressful scenarios at school or work, or are faced with confrontation, knowing how to control your body and mind to de-escalate any situation and think clearly is of utmost importance. At Ignite Martial Arts, we teach you to do just that.

I believe a person’s potential can only be reached by pushing beyond perceived limitations; to be a better version of yourself than who stares back at you in the mirror. PUSH yourself to get better. BREAK THROUGH your own barriers. GIVE everything you’ve got. BECOME who you are meant to be.

I will make sure you get there.