4 Winds Martial Arts

Sifu Bob Melander (5th Degree Black Belt) is the owner and head instructor of 4 Winds Martial Arts. He has been teaching and training in Martial Arts for 24 years and currently holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo Tum Pai Kung Fu. As a part of his Martial Arts program, he also teaches Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Judo/Jujitsu, and Escrima (Philippine Knife/Stick fighting). Additionally, Sifu Bob has Grappling/Wrestling background, and has also taught Krav Maga...

Kajukenbo Tum Pai is an eclectic blend of many Martial Arts; in fact, the fundamental philosophy of Kajukenbo encourages its practitioners incorporate new concepts into the art. There are many experts believe that Kajukenbo was the first Mixed Martial Arts.

Kung Fu

The style of Kung Fu that is taught at 4 Winds Martial Arts is a blend of Northern Long Range (Mandarin) and Southern Short Range (Cantonese).

While Southern Short Range relies heavily on hand techniques and typically does not favor high kicks; all the kicks are generally low but very powerful. The Northern Long Range components provide the active footwork, moving in all directions, to penetrate or break through and opponent’s defense.

Karate

Two separate Karate disciplines have been incorporated into Kajukenbo; Tang Soo Do and Kenpo Karate. Many of the empty hand self defense techniques taught at 4 Winds Martial Arts are based upon these 2 martial arts.

Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Gung)

Although Tai Chi is a very powerful and sophisticated martial art, it is practiced by many people for its health benefits, Tai Chi is performed very slowly and gracefully so it is ideal for seniors, as well as, younger people. Tai Chi not only develops muscular strength but also strengthens and heals the organs, joints and teaches the practitioner relaxation and proper breathing.

Escrima

Escrima is a one of the three major Philippine martial arts. Escrima is a traditional, weapons based martial art dating back to the 1500s during the colonization of the Philippine Islands by the Spanish. Though empty hand techniques are certainly a part of the system, weapons are the focus; with sticks (clubs) and knives being the primary weapons utilized.

Jujitsu/Judo

Loosely translated, Jujitsu means the "Gentle Art". Jujitsu is used to control an opponent by locking out or immobilizing the opponent's joints so movement is next to impossible without feeling pain, and/or causing injury; thereby, neutralizing the opponent's ability to continue the fight. Judo (meaning the “Gentle Way”) is used to sweep and throw opponents to the ground and then either joint locks can be applied, or follow up strikes can be delivered.

Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a self defense system that was originally developed for the Israeli military. Many of the Krav Maga techniques have been incorporated into the overall self defense system taught at 4 Winds Martial Arts.