Head Instructor Jake Burroughs
Since I took my first steps on the martial path in the spring of 1991 I have been blessed with having not only great instructors, but also the most supportive family a dedicated martial artist could ever ask for! The support from my family (both martial and blood) taught me the ethics and martial morality essential to the integrity of my mentors. It is these ethics; honesty, respect, passion, and hard work that are the values I seek to attain in my own practice and ingrain in my students.
Secrets (which I do not believe in) impede growth and development, and worthiness should be judged via each individuals work ethic and effort put into their practice, not how much money they have or their social status. All too often these attitudes lend themselves to a cult like atmosphere which has no place in western society, let alone martial arts training.
I am, and forever will be, a student learning. True, I offer lessons and assume the role of instructor / coach / teacher, but even in these instances I find myself growing and learning as my students challenge my understanding and ability to convey information with their questions and difficulties in training. Like a sword that is tempered under pressure and stress the human body, mind, and spirit strengthen when challenged.
The following teachers are responsible for my fundamental understanding, technical knowledge, and teaching prowess central to my martial journey. These are my core coaches.
Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson of the NW Jiu Jitsu Academy is a black belt under John Will & David Meyer of Machado fame. A seasoned MMA fighter as well as one of the least known powerhouses in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / Grappling, Brians coaching is second to none!
More info on Brian and his academy: www.nwjja.com
Tim Cartmell
With a common sense approach to both sport fighting as well as street self defense, Tims dedication and ability to teach the martial arts in a very approachable and easily understood manner are second to none. Quite simply Tim has been one of the single greatest influences on my life.
More info on Tim and his academy: www.shenwu.com
Hu Xi Lin
Hu Xi Lin is a student of Pu En Fu in Shuai Chiao, and a disciple of Ma Han Qin in Northern Praying Mantis. For over 50 years Hu has studied, trained, and taught the Chinese martial arts as he only knows how; via hand to hand combat! In 2006 Jake moved to Seattle, WA. in an effort to be closer to Hu Laoshi who lives in Richmond, BC.
Wes Foster
In January of 2008 I happened upon my boxing coach Wes Foster at the gym I teach at downtown Seattle.
Wes has broken down all the fundamentals I thought I knew, only to rebuild me into a more powerful, faster, and confident striker. An amateur learning to fight in Cuernavacas famed Gimnasio Azteca, Wes' understanding of technique, and use of strategy has helped me tremendously. Wes fought under the tutelage of Arturo Robles Sr.
Martin LaPlatney
Martin is one of only three westerners accepted as a disciple of Li Gui Chang, and he continues to train with Song Zi Yong (who is considered the most learned of Lis disciples). Martin accepted Jake as a student in the spring of 2005, and has been meticulously teaching Jake the fundamentals of Li Gui Changs Xing Yi.
More info on Martin and his teachings: www.martinlaplatney.com
Keith Weiner & Jake NYC Dec. 00
Schedule a Lesson Today: Contact Jake Burroughs at 206-941-3232 / three_harmonies_hotmail.com
