Think of him as Ninjago’s Sensei Wu, if you’re 7, or as Bruce Lee if you’re, well, not 7! Wisdom is the name of his game. With 45 years of experience in martial arts from karate to kickboxing to boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Sensei Mike offers his students “osu”: the ability to be strong in difficult situations. He is serious when he says that he sure can teach heart. He excels at the neuroscience of success and has an unparalleled aptitude at helping his students achieve no matter their background.

Mr. Schimmel is a living, breathing ninja. Not only can he flip upside down from standing still, he can actually ride his bike upside down in the air. Really. His mellow, Santa Cruz style brings some summertime chill to the dojo. However, don’t let that fool you. His classes are intense and technical but also fun and he brings out the best in all his students from little ninjas to teens at ground zero.