OUR INSTRUCTORS / STAFF

FOUNDER & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR / HEAD COACH

Ray Yee is one of New Mexico’s most qualified martial arts instructors, he has teaching since 1998 & has over 27 years of martial arts training. Yee is proud to hold the following certifications:

Instructor: Apprentice Level III certification from the legendary Sifu Daniel Inosanto in the arts of Jun Fan Gung Fu / Jeet Kune Do (Today, Yee is the only certified Instructor in New Mexico authorized by the International Instructors Association of Inosanto Martial Arts to teach and promote Lee Jun Fan Gung Fu / Jeet Kune Do.)

Instructor: Lakan Guro Level III certification from the legendary Guro Daniel Inosanto in the arts of Filipino Martial Arts (Today, Yee is the only certified Instructor in New Mexico authorized by the International Instructors Association of Inosanto Martial Arts to teach and promote the Filipino Martial Arts)

Instructor: Khuen Khru certification from the Arjan (Master) Surachai "Chai" Sirisute in the arts of Thai Boxing– Muay Thai Kickboxing

Instructor: 4th Grade Black Belt certification from Grand Master Cacoy Cañete in the Filipino art of Eskrima / Eskrido (Blend of Eskrima-Judo-Jiu-Jitsu-Aikido-Boxing)

Instructor: Apprentice Level II  certification from the Sifu Christopher Clarke in the arts of Jun Fan Gung Fu / Jeet Kune Do Concepts – Filipino Kali – Maphilindo Silat – Muay Thai Kickboxing

Instructor: 6th Degree Black Belt certification from Master Christopher Petrilli:8th Degree Black Belt (under GM Cacoy Cañete: Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation ) (Today, Yee is the only certified Master Instructor in New Mexico authorized  to teach and promote Master Petrilli's Blend of Eskrima, Eskrido, Pangamut, Kali & Silat )

Instructor: Level I certification from OCKB / RKBA Senior Instructor Matt Hoss & Instructor Michael Frison. (Today, Yee is the only certified Instructor in New Mexico authorized by the Orange County Kickboxing / Real Kickboxing Academy to teach and promote the Real Kickboxing Bag Workout (TM) .)

Instructor certification from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in the areas of Defensive Tactics, Impact & Edged Weapons, Empty Hand Combat & Ground Control

Yee has also been in the Apprentice Instructor Program under the Wing Chun Kung Fu Assoc. of the USA headed by Sifu Francis Fong and has trained Combat Submission Grappling / Shoot Wrestling with Sensei Erik Paulson (Black Belt in BJJ under Rigan Machado / Retired Shooto Light-Heavy Champion of the World) & No Gi Jiu-Jitsu with MMA Coach Michael Frison from Orange County Kickboxing & MMA

Additional Qualifications

Fitness Trainer: World Gym (WA)

Owner / Trainer: Northwest Body Sculpting (WA)

Assistant Instructor: Northwest Kali /JKD Academy

Kickboxing Coach: Kent Women's Club (WA) *Yee was the only male instructor ever to have worked for this prestigious health club.

Kickboxing Coach: Gold's Gym (WA)

Director of Security / Surveillance F.C.G.C. (WA)

Regulatory Enforcement Agent: U.S.G.R.C. (WA)

Defensive Tactics Consultant: WCSO / BPD (WA)

Self Defense Instructor: Whatcom County Rape Crisis Center (WA)

Defensive Tactics Trainer: NMNG WMD-CST (NM)

Competition (*Retired) / Coaching Experience

1980-1982 Competitor: Forms Competitions (HK, China)

1982-1994 Competitor: Forms Competitions, Point & Continuous Fighting (OR)

1995-2001Competitor: Stick Fighting / Stick Grappling (WA)

Since 2002: Coach: Muay Thai Kickboxing and Full Contact Stick Fighters and Stick Grapplers (NM)

Currently Muay Thai & MMA Striking Coach: Yee is routinely acknowledged as one of the top-rated MMA striking & kickboxing instructors in the area for his contributions to the training of MMA stars like:

Tapout Star: Damacio "the Angel of Death" Page, Mikey "the Burque Bulldog" Lovato, Lenny "the Godfather" Lovato, Mike Barreras, Matt Leyva, Dickie Chavez, Jesse Long & Freddy Crosby.  Coach Ray has also worked with: Tapout Star: Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, UFC/WEC star Leonard Garcia & English MMA Star Tommy "Kong" Watson


Ray comes to New Mexico from the west coast where he trained with some of the world’s most distinguished names in Martial Arts.  As a contract instructor for the United States Air Force & Army National Guard & the New Mexico State Department of Public Safety.  Coach Yee has had the chance to train the military, as well as police officers, deputies and even federal agencies. He is routinely acknowledged as one of the top-rated civilian instructors in the area for his contributions to the training of military and law enforcement. (Yee is currently a certified instructor by the NMDPS) 

 

OUR STAFF

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Lorenzo Barraza: Boxing Advisor & Advanced Sparring Coach (Retired Fighter) *Over 30 years of Boxing Experience

 (Thank you for your friendship, loyalty & Inspiration to us all!)

 

Chris Buchanan: Senior Apprentice Instructor & Amateur Fighter-Grappler

1st Grade Black Belt certification from Grand Master Cacoy Cañete in the Filipino art of Doce Pares Eskrima / Eskrido

1st Degree Black Belt certification from Grand Master Christopher Petrilli in the art of Filipino Martial Arts

1st Degree Black Belt / Apprentice Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Youth MMA Program

Apprentice Instructor: Level II in ABQKB & MMA's Kickboxing Conditioning & Fitness Program

Assistant Instructor : Level II in ABQKB's MMA Striking, Muay Thai / Thai Boxing

 

Chris’ career began at an early age when his grandfather began teaching him boxing.  Not long after that he began his lifelong love affair with the martial arts when he was enrolled in Karate class.  Throughout his youth he expanded his skills with formal study in Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate, Hapkido, and Jujitsu as well as pursuing self-study in the concepts of Bruce Lee.  However, Chris’ ambitions really took root when he came to train under Ray Yee in 2004 where he quickly developed a command of Eskrima and took on his true passion- Muay Thai!  Chris’ dedication to the discipline led him to Thailand in January of 2008 where he spent time training in a traditional Muay Thai camp.  Chris has a natural gift for teaching and his dedication and ability to see hidden talents in his students has made him one of the best instructors in town, not just for the traditional martial arts, but also for MMA and grappling.  He has a reputation for putting on some of our most challenging classes.  Whether your goals are competitive or fitness oriented, Chris will get you results.

Lenny Lovato Jr.: Submission Wrestling - MMA Grappling Instructor / Coach & Professional Fighter-Grappler

1st Degree Black Belt  / Apprentice Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Grappling Program

Assistant Instructor: Level I in ABQKB's MMA Striking Program

2 time New Mexico State Wrestling Champion

2 time Rocky Mountain National Champion

2006 Grapplers Quest Champion

Assistant Wrestling Coach at West Mesa High School

Professional MMA /Cage Fighter (5-0 record)

 

ABQ Kickboxing is proud to have local celebrity and athlete Lenny Lovato Jr. on staff.  Lenny has made a name for himself on the Albuquerque MMA scene with a record of 5 wins and no losses! He has also been the headlining athlete at both Duke City Brawl I and II.  Both he and his cousin Mikey are national wrestling champions.  Lenny is not just a great MMA fighter- he’s a great grappling coach too with experience teaching at West Mesa High School.  Lenny is a well-rounded individual who is known for being not only a formidable opponent, but also a musician and worship pastor.  If grappling is your ambition, Lenny’s class is just what you are looking for.

 

Mikey Lovato Jr. :Freestyle Wrestling Instructor / Coach & Professional Fighter-Grappler

(Stats Coming SOON!)

Wrestling is part of Mikey Lovato’s family legacy.  Both his father and his uncle, locally famed wrestling coach Lenny Lovato, were champion wrestlers and Mikey has earned his reputation as one of New Mexico’s greatest wrestlers in his own right.  A New Mexico state and national champion, he qualified for Olympics trials in 2000!  He currently holds a professional MMA match record of 4 wins to 1 loss.  Mikey’s submission wrestling technique is second to none in Albuquerque, but don’t let his prowess as a competitor intimidate you.  Mikey is a wrestling coach at West Mesa High School and enjoys helping students develop their abilities

 

Derek Azure: Judo-Jiu-jitsu  Instructor / Coach & Amateur Fighter-Grappler

(Stats update Coming SOON!)

1st Degree Black Belt  / Apprentice Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Grappling Program

Silver Metal Winner: (2008 1st Annual Grapple-fest: Rio Rancho)  Intermediate 175lb Division

Erika Dicker: Office Manager / Assistant Instructor

1st Class Brown Belt certification from Grand Master Cacoy Cañete in the Filipino art of Doce Pares Eskrima / Eskrido

Assistant Instructor Level I in AMAA - AKMA's Close Quarter Eskrima / Stick Grappling

Assistant Instructor  Level I  certification from Grand Master Christopher Petrilli (Cacoy Doce Pares Federation)

Brown Belt / Assistant Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Youth MMA Program

Apprentice Instructor: Level II in ABQKB & MMA's Kickboxing Conditioning & Fitness Program

Assistant Instructor: Level I in ABQKB's MMA Striking, Muay Thai / Thai Boxing

It was not until after her time in the Air Force that Erica encountered the martial arts.  Her life changed forever when she came to train under Coach Yee and she quickly excelled in the disciplines he taught.  In 2008 she spent three months training with Dan Inosanto’s protégé, Christopher Clark, in Seattle before returning to Albuquerque, and of course, ABQ Kickboxing.  She teaches many of the women’s classes and is one of the few female instructors in town.  Her favorite classes to teach are the bag workouts and Erica has aspirations of becoming a personal trainer in addition to being an instructor. 

 

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Sam Hufnagel: Assistant Instructor

1st Class Brown Belt certification from Grand Master Cacoy Cañete in the Filipino art of Doce Pares Eskrima / Eskrido

Assistant Instructor  Level I  certification from Grand Master Christopher Petrilli (Cacoy Doce Pares Federation)

Assistant Instructor Level I in AMAA - AKMA's Close Quarter Eskrima / Stick Grappling

 

Eric Wong: Assistant Instructor/Coach & Amateur Fighter-Grappler

Assistant Instructor: Level I in ABQKB's MMA Striking, Muay Thai / Thai Boxing

Blue Belt / Assistant Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Grappling Program

Brown Belt / Assistant Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Youth MMA Program

Apprentice Instructor: Level I in ABQKB & MMA's Kickboxing Conditioning & Fitness Program

Eric may have come to MMA relatively recently but he is no stranger to competitive sport and fitness.  Prior to joining up as a student at ABQ Kickboxing, Eric had a prestigious history as an athlete, including a stint as a baseball player for Northwestern Oklahoma State University.  The transition into MMA was a smooth one for this born athlete.  From his very first class his raw talent for the ring was evident.  Eric soon surpassed those who had been training for much longer in his striking and grappling skills.  Recently Eric won his first amateur MMA match to the sounds of a cheering crowd at the Duke City Brawl II when he took out his opponent in the first round.   

 

 

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Mike Medina: Assistant Instructor/Coach & Amateur Fighter-Grappler

Assistant Instructor : Level I in ABQKB's MMA Striking

Blue Belt / Assistant Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Grappling Program

Mike started boxing at 10 years old and never looked back.  A 2 time Silver Glove Champion, Mike’s early boxing training would serve him well when he came to train with Coach Yee 2004.  His favorite disciplines are grappling and Muay Thai.

 

 

Ray  Martinez: Assistant Instructor/ Coach & Amateur Fighter-Grappler

Assistant Instructor: Level I  in ABQKB's MMA Striking, Muay Thai / Thai Boxing

Blue Belt / Assistant Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Grappling Program

Brown Belt / Assistant Instructor certification from ABQKB & MMA's Youth MMA Program

Assistant Instructor: Level I in ABQKB & MMA's Kickboxing Conditioning & Fitness Program

Bronze Metal Winner: (2008 1st Annual Grapple-fest: Rio Rancho)  Junior: Beginners 145lb Division

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Stephanie Lovato: Membership Consultant / Assistant Instructor

Assistant Instructor: Level I in ABQKB & MMA's Kickboxing Conditioning & Fitness Program

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Janaska Bigley: Membership Consultant / Assistant Instructor

Assistant Instructor: Level I in ABQKB & MMA's Kickboxing Conditioning & Fitness Program

Assistant Instructor: Level I  in ABQKB's MMA Striking, Muay Thai / Thai Boxing

Don "The Badjer" Lewis III: ABQKB Assistant Instructor

Assistant Instructor: Level I  in ABQKB's MMA Striking, Muay Thai / Thai Boxing

Natalie Diaz: Assistant Instructor

Assistant Instructor: Level I  in ABQKB's MMA Striking, Muay Thai / Thai Boxing

Olga G:  Assistant Instructor

(Stats & Bio update Coming SOON!)

 

Marisa Rivera:  Staff Assistant / Coaching Assistant

(Stats & Bio update Coming SOON!)

Taylor B:   Staff Assistant / Coaching Assistant

(Stats & Bio update Coming SOON!)

Jasmine Meanly-Traweek:  Staff Assistant / Coaching Assistant

(Stats & Bio update Coming SOON!)

 

 

 

 

 Affiliated Training Groups

Aubrey Husar:  Doce Pares Eskrima / Eskrido  Instructor & Amateur Fighter-Grappler

(Santa Fe Representative)

1st Grade Black Belt certification from Grand Master Cacoy Cañete in the Filipino art of Eskrima / Eskrido

1st Degree Black Belt certification from Grand Master Christopher Petrilli (Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation )

1st Degree Black Belt / Apprentice Instructor Level I in AMAA - AKMA's Close Quarter Eskrima / Stick Grappling

PENDING Assistant Instructor : Level II in ABQKB's MMA Striking, Muay Thai / Thai Boxing

Husar started his training in Kodokan Judo in 1990 at Loyola Marymount University's Judo Club under Sensei Michael Berg. (Received Brown Belt Rank in 1997 at Sawtelle Dojo, Los Angeles, CA.) In 2000, Husar started his private training in the Inosanto Method of Kali / Silat and Jeet Kune Do Concepts under Sifu John Spezzano (Senior Instructor under the legendary Sifu Dan Inosanto). Husar began his official training at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts in 2001 thru mid 2004.

In the middle of 2004,Husar and his wife moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to continue their careers in the movie industry, during this time, Husar began his training at the Albuquerque Martial Arts Academy under Sifu Ray Yee. Husar has also supplemented his training  with Muay Thai under Khru Natalie Roy of Santa Fe's Alive -N- Kicking and Krabi Krabong under Arjan Arlan "Salty Dog" Sanford.

 

 

 


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