Feminist Eclectic/Five Element Martial Arts & Shifu Kore Grate: Wu Chien Pai, Iaido, Tai Chi (Minneapolis, MN)

Instructors

FEMA Instructors

Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate, Executive Director and Head Instructor

"It is my path, my inspiration, my calling -- to train in these arts, to share these gifts, to constantly strive for peace in myself, and on this planet."

Kore Grate at Special Training 2007 FEMA's head instructor, Koré Grate, became interested in the martial arts at age 16. She received her black belt from Dr. Alex Feng of Wu Tao Kuan in Berkeley, California, in 1991, having trained with him since 1981. She continues her training with Dr. Feng, and attends the "Journey to the East" trainings in Shanghai, China with Professor Pei Kun Wang. Shifu Koré was promoted to her 6th degree black belt in Wu Chien Pai by her beloved teacher on September 6, 2007.

Koré also credits Professor Coleen Gragen of Hand to Hand Kajunkenbo in Oakland, California, and Sensei Annie Elman of the Center for Non-Violence and Education (BWMA) in Brooklyn, New York, as true inspirations to her teaching ability and political awareness.

Koré is a founding board member of the Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists (PAWMA), which began in 1977. In 2002-2005 she served again on the PAWMA board as Vice-President and Elder Counsel. In 1994-1996 she was elected as Chair of the National Women's Martial Arts Federation Steering Committee (NWMAF). She is a life-time member of PAWMA, NWMAF & AWMAI (the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors). She has been hired to teach at many PAWMA, NWMAF and AWMAI Training Camps and is a creative and popular teacher, famous for her "LEARN TO LOVE THE MAT" classes. Koré was honored as PAWMA's 2005 Martial Artist of the Year.

Koré has taught Martial Arts and Self-Defense/Empowerment workshops and seminars to thousands of women, children, teens, seniors, differently-abled and men on both coasts. She continues to train and teach with dedication and passion.

In January of 1988, Koré followed her heart to Minneapolis and one year later began FEMA with the assistance of Kellie Rose Jones. FEMA continues to flourish as a strong, safe, and supportive school with wonderful students and teachers.

Koré also has her own business as a professional Tattooist, Tatus By Koré, Inc., in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her other passions include riding her horse Midnite, studying Calligraphy and Chinese Painting with Lin Laoshi, graphic arts, and composing and recording music.

Koré's links:

Tatus by Kore at http://www.tatusbykore.com/
"Soul Surfacing Skin Designs in a Safe and Supportive Space"

Art by Kore at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5749337
"Etsy: Your Place To Buy And Sell All Things Homemade"

Shimei Naomi Munzner

FEMA Assistant Director and Instructor

Self-Defense Co-Coordinator Shimei Naomi Munzner has been studying Wu Chien Pai at FEMA since 1996 and Iaido since 1998. She has taught Wu Chien Pai and Self- Defense to women and girls at FEMA since 1999. She has a 3rd degree black belt in Wu Chien Pai and a 1st degree black belt in Iaido, Soshoryu Shinheihodo style.

She currently teaches mixed level classes at FEMA in Wu Chien Pai, teaches Self-Defense classes both inside and outside of FEMA and, upon request, assists in teaching Iaido classes at FEMA. She is deeply grateful and thankful for the wonderful opportunity to co-teach with her teacher, Shifu Kore Grate, at PAWMA camp 2008.

Naomi loves the martial arts for the depth, challenge, wellness and transformation that it brings to her life. She has worked both directly with and on behalf of youth and families for over 15 years. She is thankful for the opportunity to contribute to her community’s well-being and to dwell in possibility.

Shimei Turtle Ferguson

FEMA Girls Program Leader and Instructor

FEMA Board of Directors
FLY Program Leader and Instructor

Shimei Turtle Ferguson Shimei Annie "Turtle" Ferguson has been training at FEMA since 1995 and is now a second degree black belt. She is very excited to be teaching the FEMA girls' class, and also regularly teaches Friday classes. When not at the dojo, she splits her time between working as a poison specialist and plodding towards a degree in English.

Shimei Chrissy Langsdorf

Wu Chien Pai Instructor

Shimei Chrissy Langsdorf Shimei Christina "Chrissy" Langsdorf began training at FEMA on September 2, 1998. She received her second degree black belt from Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate in November of 2009. In addition to her training in Wu Chien Pai, she has trained in Taiji throughout her time at FEMA. She also trained in Iaido for four years.

She has taught Wu Chien Pai and Self Defense to adults at all levels, co-taught the FEMA Girls class and now currently teaches the teen class: F.L.Y. (FEMA Leadership Youth). While teaching the FLY class, she has had the opportunity to teach Wu Chien Pai basics to teens in the community as well. She has also been a member of FEMA’s board of directors for many years, currently acting as Secretary and Treasurer.

Shimei Christina lives in Minneapolis with her husband and 3 cats and goes on international adventures as often as she can.

Shimei Airn Sheahan

Wu Chien Pai Instructor

FEMA Board of Directors

Shimei Airn Sheahan began her training at FEMA in the summer of 2000 after moving to Minneapolis from Fayetteville, Arkansas. She received her second degree black belt from Shifu/Sensei Kore' Grate in November of 2009. Along with Wu Chien Pai training, Airn trained in Iaido at FEMA for 3 years and has trained in FEMA's Taiji and Chinese Health Exercise classes since her start at FEMA.

Airn traveled to Shanghai, China twice with Shifu Kore' for further training in taiji chaun. Airn has taught Friday night classes as well as assisted and co-taught self defense both at FEMA and off-site in the community.

Outside of the Dojo, Airn works as a respiratory therapist for a hospital in St. Paul. Airn and her French Bulldog, Fooie, take vacation back to Arkansas every year.

Sempai Aric Stewart

Iaido Instructor

Sempai Aric Stewart has been training under Sensei Kore Grate at FEMA in Iaido since 1998. He has achieved shoudan (1st degree black belt) in both Soushoyryu and Aikitoho iaido. Previously he trained in Kyudo while studying in Japan. A computer programmer by profession, Aric is also conversational in Japanese and makes frequent trips to Japan either for vacation or business. Aric is teaching the beginner iaido class every Tuesday evening at FEMA.