Instructors

Martial arts classes are instructed by Mr. Lindsay Ferguson, president and co-founder of Youth ‘N
Motion Academy, Inc., who holds a black belt in Kenpo Karate and an impressive list of
achievements in the martial arts
– In 1979, the Guinness Book of World Records presented
him with three world records as the first African-American, the youngest, and the smallest ever to
win the Ed Parker’s International Karate Grand Championship
– at the amazing age of nineteen. He has studied various styles of martial arts and brings an international
perspective to his students and their families, having traveled and competed in tournaments in many parts of the world including
some with the noted Chuck Norris.

Martial Arts Instructors

Martial arts classes are instructed by Mr. Lindsay Ferguson, President and co-founder of Youth ‘N Motion Academy, Inc., who holds a Black Belt in Kenpo Karate and an impressive list of achievements in the martial arts

♦   In 1979, the Guinness Book of World Records presented him with three world records as 1) the first African-American, 2) the youngest, and 3) the smallest ever to win the Ed Parker’s International Karate Grand Championship at the amazing age of nineteen.

♦   Sifu, as Mr. Ferguson is referred to by his students, has studied various styles of martial arts and brings an international perspective to his students and their families, having traveled and competed in tournaments in many parts of the world including some with the likes of well-known martial artist Chuck Norris.

Sifu Ferguson is joined by Officer Darryl Jones who works under the direction of Mr. Ferguson.  Darryl Jones, a 23 year police officer in the Culver City Police Department, holds a black belt and is one of the highest ranking members in the Black Karate Federation.  He teaches self-defense, personal security and police defense tactics locally and nationally. 

Tutorial Staff

Our educational program is staffed by our Tutorial Program Coordinators, Fatimah Rodriguez and Edina Kaljo. 

♦   Ms. Rodriguez has worked with YNMA youth since its inception.  She has a strong commitment to our youth and brings her 16+ years of teaching experience and her 14 years’ experience designing child development programs for private organizations to her work with YNMA.  She is bilingual in Spanish and English. 

♦   Ms. Edina Kaljo is completing her BS in Applied Studies with a minor in Public Administration (12/2013).  She has been an elementary school educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 8 years specializing in teaching children from diverse cultures.  She is a private tutor in mathematics and ESL and has years’ experience in developing and facilitating professional training courses. Ms. Kaljo is tri-lingual (English/Bosnian/Spanish).

Tutors & Mentors

Our staff are joined by a number of talented and committed volunteer tutors and mentors who provide the youth with information about different careers, guidance in dealing with everyday life issues, and a network they can count on when the move to enter the world of college or career.  These special community members include lawyers, behavioral health counselors, accountants, teachers and college students.