Blur MA instructors share a commitment to practical self-defense, respectful coaching, and helping every student feel at home on the mat.
Will Deutschendorf
Credentials & Background
Why Will Teaches Kids
Will Deutschendorf has been teaching martial arts for over 17 years, but his focus has always been on one thing: helping people — especially children — move from fear to focus.
Growing up in San Diego, Will saw firsthand how the right training environment could transform a child's confidence, focus, and sense of safety. He built Blur Martial Arts around that belief — that every child deserves to feel capable and safe in the world.
His approach is direct but nurturing. He teaches real skills — kickboxing, wrestling, catch wrestling — in a way that's appropriate for each age group. He doesn't water things down, but he always meets students where they are.
For self-defense, Will uses the SPEAR System — a science-based method developed by Tony Blauer that works with the body's natural startle-flinch response. It's the same system trusted by law enforcement and military units worldwide.
What sets BMA apart isn't just Will's experience — it's the staff he's built around him. Every instructor on his team was trained by Will, many since they were young students themselves. They didn't just learn martial arts here — they grew up here. That continuity of culture, values, and teaching philosophy is what makes BMA different from any other school in San Diego.
"I don't teach kids to fight. I teach them to be so confident and aware that they rarely have to."
"Being a former Marine, knowing how my 5-year-old daughter was being taught — and by whom — was everything to me. Will's way with children left me completely at ease. We both signed up and trained together."
Lead Staff Instructors
Dominic and James are the backbone of the BMA teaching staff. Both trained under Will from a young age and now lead classes across all age groups. When your child trains at BMA, they're in the hands of instructors who grew up in this exact program.
Dominic has been part of the BMA family since he was a young student. Trained directly under Will, he grew up on the mat and developed into one of the school's most trusted instructors. His connection to the program runs deep — he's lived the curriculum from the inside out.
Students respond to Dominic because he remembers what it felt like to be where they are. He brings energy, patience, and a genuine investment in every student's progress.
"Failing doesn't give you a reason to give up, it's a reason to get back up"
James came up through the BMA program under Will's guidance and has since become a cornerstone of the teaching staff. He brings the same philosophy Will instilled in him — discipline, respect, and the belief that every student is capable of more than they think.
James has a natural ability to connect with students of all ages and skill levels. His classes are structured, high-energy, and grounded in the same real world self-defense principles that define BMA.
"A Black Belt is not something you wear, it's something you become"
Staff Instructors
Our staff brings varied martial arts experience to the same shared purpose: helping students build practical skills, confidence, and respect on the mat.
Nikith has been training in Hawaiian Kempo Jiu Jitsu since 2014 and joined the BMA Demo Team in 2018. He competed in the 2022 Golden Dragon Championship and brings that competitive spirit into every class he teaches.
Nikith's dedication to the art and his enthusiasm for helping students improve make him a valued part of the BMA instructor team.
"It's Always too soon to quit!"
Aiden has been training in Hawaiian Kempo Jiu Jitsu since 2014 and joined the BMA Demo Team in 2016. He has competed in Blur MA Tournaments from 2016–2019 and 2023, and earned 2 Gold and 1 Bronze at the 2022 Golden Dragon Championship.
Aiden's competitive experience and long tenure in the program make him a relatable and motivating presence for students who are working toward their own goals.
"Don't throw in the towel after one failure; keep trying until you succeed."
Tabitha has trained in Hawaiian Kempo Jiu Jitsu since 2011 and holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt. As a certified instructor, she brings more than a decade of martial arts experience and steady, detailed coaching to the mat.
Tabitha is Deaf and communicates in American Sign Language (ASL). Her experience and perspective help make Blur MA a stronger, more welcoming training community for every student.
Our instructors bring different martial arts journeys and a shared commitment to thoughtful, practical coaching.
Because Will trained them all, every class at BMA carries the same culture: respect, discipline, and genuine care for each student.
Your child may have different instructors on different days — but they'll never feel like they're in a different school.
Come Train With Us
The best way to understand what makes BMA different is to step on the mat. Get our class schedule and come see the team in action.
Get Our Class Schedule