The instructors at Superior Martial Arts bring years of experience in a wide variety of martial arts to the training provided at our school. Continue reading to learn more about each of our instructors.
Jan Christenson
Mr. Christenson began training at Superior Martial arts in 2012. During this time he has practiced T’ai Chi Chuan and Karate and has developed an interest in traditional martial arts weapons. He attained his first degree black belt (1st Dan) in Song Moo Kwan in 2018, 2nd Dan in 2023 and is an instructor at Superior Martial Arts.
Jerad DeVries
Mr. DeVries began his martial arts training in 2010. He has studied T’ai Chi Chuan and Karate, attaining his first degree black belt (1st Dan) in Song Moo Kwan in 2015 and reached 3rd Dan in 2023. He is now an instructor at Superior Martial Arts.
David Longsdorf
Mr. Longsdorf is the owner and lead instructor at Superior Martial Arts. Mr. Longsdorf began his martial arts training in 1988, studying Shotokan initially and later Tae Kwon Do. He received his first degree black belt in Song Moo Kwan in 1999. He was promoted to his fifth degree black belt in Song Moo Kwan in 2014. In 1998, he began his study of T’ai Chi Chuan and was promoted to “sifu” in 2005. Mr. Longsdorf has also studied Wing Chun, Aikido, Escrima, Bagua and Gumdo. Mr. Longsdorf has endeavored to bring these experiences together to create a comprehensive and effective system of martial arts to promote both solid self defense and general wellness. Mr. Longsdorf has presented in a number of forums, promoting general self defense and safety.
Dr. David Swenson
Sifu David Swenson PhD is an instructor of Yang style t’ai chi and Lung Hsin bagua. He has studied and taught martial arts for 50 years, emphasizing t’ai chi and bagua. His interest in Yang style t’ai chi and bagua was fostered by close friend and Yili master Pete Starr and sifu Tuey Staples. He studied t’ai chi and bagua for six years with sifu Gary Stier. Dr. Swenson attributes his most significant learning to his many years with masters T.T. Liang and his protégé, Stuart Olson. Dr. Swenson also studied Chen style t’ai chi while in China with master Jou Tsung Hwa. In his early years he also studied shorinryu karate, shorinji kempo, judo and aikido. As a professor and psychologist, Dr. Swenson has presented and published widely on the use of t’ai chi for relaxation, meditation, low impact exercise, health promotion, and self defense.
