Team | Ignite Martial Arts

Meet Our Team

At Ignite Martial Arts, our instructors are highly trained and dedicated
to providing the best learning experience. Our admin team excels in supporting Ignite's operations, ensuring smooth functioning for students and instructors alike.

Together, we create a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Owner / Chief Instructor

Kristin Medina

Hello! I’m Kristin Medina, the founder and chief instructor at Ignite Martial Arts in Santa Rosa, CA. My martial arts story began over three decades ago, a journey that has been as much about self-discovery as it has been about mastering the art itself. For me, martial arts is not just a set of techniques; it’s a path to personal growth, confidence, and resilience. This belief has been the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding numerous children and their families, helping them unlock their potential and watching them transform into confident individuals and community leaders. My connection with my students goes beyond instruction. Every challenge they overcome, every milestone they achieve, fills me with immense pride and joy. It’s this bond and shared journey of growth that makes teaching so fulfilling. One of the most cherished aspects of my career has been having my own children train alongside me at Ignite. Witnessing their growth in the very environment I nurtured is a dream come true and a beautiful full-circle moment in my life. At the heart of it, my life’s work is about inspiring and being inspired by the students I teach. Each day at Ignite Martial Arts brings new stories, new challenges, and new triumphs – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Instructor

Rachel Deramo

For over eleven years, I've been part of the Ignite family, currently holding the rank of a third-degree black belt. My journey began at the age of seven, and it's been an incredible ride filled with valuable life lessons and new friendships.
What keeps me loving Ignite is its strong sense of community and family. Now, as an instructor, I have the privilege of contributing to this atmosphere by sharing my experiences with others. Taekwondo has been instrumental in shaping my character, teaching me focus, self-discipline, and the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
It's taught me to celebrate victories while striving for continuous improvement, always aiming to be the best version of myself. Joining the instructor team has been very fulfilling. Connecting with students, whether it's guiding them to their black belt or boosting their confidence, brings me joy.
As I evolve as both an instructor and a martial artist, I can’t wait to raise the next generation of leaders and share what makes Ignite Martial Arts so special to me.

Instructor

Hayden Van Cleave

In 2019, my martial arts journey began, and little did I know how profoundly it would reshape my life. Growing up, sports never appealed to me, especially being on the smaller side. I never tapped into my athletic potential; I assumed it wasn't there. But once I started training, everything changed.

Taekwondo became more than just physical movements; it ignited a surge in confidence I never knew I possessed. It empowered me to conquer mental and physical barriers I once deemed insurmountable.

Now, as an instructor, I find purpose in guiding others through their own transformative journeys. Witnessing my students triumph over challenges and evolve into stronger versions of themselves is incredibly fulfilling.

Studio Manager

Gina Burdette

I'm Gina, a Sonoma County native with a passion for empowering individuals through martial arts. For almost two decades, I poured my energy and drive into running my own business until 2023 when I joined forces with the Ignite Martial Arts team. As a professional organizer and efficiency specialist in Santa Rosa, I learned the power of personalized service and unconditional support for my clients. However, my journey with Ignite truly ignited when I enrolled my shy son in classes a few years back. Watching his transformation and growth under the guidance of the Ignite team filled me with a deep sense of purpose and inspired me to merge my skills and expertise with the studio. Now, both of my children thrive at Ignite, forming bonds and honing their skills every day. I bring the essence of service and dedication from my previous career, aiming to uphold the standards I value most moving forward.

My goal? To not only meet, but exceed, the expectations of our students and families, fostering an environment where everyone can flourish and reach their full potential.

Team Member

Sevannah Dufloth

Hello, I'm Sevannah, a member of the administration team at Ignite Martial Arts. For a decade now, Ignite Martial Arts has been a significant part of my life. I've been training for all ten of those years, and for the past three, I've been both training and working here.

My journey into Taekwondo began when I saw how much fun my brother was having in classes here. Intrigued, I decided to join him shortly after. Growing up, my two favorite extracurricular activities were Taekwondo and playing my Viola. However, these days, I'm mostly focused on training and working.

In 2023, I achieved my third-degree black belt and secured three State Championship Titles, all within fourteen days. My Taekwondo journey has taught me resilience, dedication, and integrity. Through its challenges, I've learned that there are no easy paths in life, only scenic ones.

Thanks to Taekwondo, I've not only gained self-confidence but also vital life skills that I apply in every aspect of my life. It's been a transformative journey, one that's shown me the true meaning of perseverance and the rewards of hard work.

Team Member

Karma Burdette

Hi, I'm Karma, and Ignite Martial Arts has been my second home for over two years now. When I first stepped into taekwondo, I felt like I had found something special—a journey that would not only be fulfilling but also transformative for me.

Confidence hasn't always come easy for me, but taekwondo has been instrumental in helping me break out of my shell and find my place in the world. As a member of the Ignite team, I've had the privilege of witnessing the same growth and progress in other students that I've experienced myself.

Whether I'm at the front desk or on the mats, it's clear to see the positive impact Ignite has on so many lives. Being part of this community has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something truly special.