Tulen Self-Defense Instructors

Katherine White

Self Defense Program Coordinator

Twenty years ago I came to One With Heart Tulen Center to take a self-defense class. As a survivor of sexual assault, I was looking for a way to regain a sense of safety and peace of mind. Here I found a supportive community of strong, inspiring women. I developed strength and confidence that has benefited my life in all ways. Today I am a 3rd degree Black Belt in Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. I am proud to be part of this community and to offer women a place to discover the transformative experience of empowered movement. For over 10 years I have been teaching self-defense to women, teens, and children. I lead workshops at schools, colleges, community groups, and businesses throughout the Portland area.

Danielle McGrath

Self defense is often perceived as punching and kicking. Yeah, it feels great to stand side by side with other women and hit stuff but it is so much more than that. I found that out 12 years ago when I took my first self defense course at One With Heart. We were inspired to be ourselves, dig into our strength and confidence with an amazing amount of encouragement. I left that first class feeling a sense of freedom that I had never felt before. Today as a 2nd degree black belt in Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen I am honored to guide women and children in building that confidence to be who they are in the world.

Shannon Foxley

I have been involved with the Tulen Self-Defense program since 1990 when I took my first self-defense class at Lewis and Clark College. I have gone on to become a self-defense instructor and a second degree black belt in the art of Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. I teach self-defense from a core belief that every woman has the right to defend herself and every class will be empowering, inspirational and fun! When I'm not teaching or training I am a high school counselor, a soon to be mom, and an avid gardener. It is my intention that every woman is safe and that one day I won't have to teach self-defense because it won’t be necessary. Until that day comes, I will continue to teach with great joy and love.

Abi Phillips

My journey as a self-defense instructor and martial artist began with my kids. They began training Poekoelan 9 years ago. I watched them train and had to try it myself. My training has grown into a personal relationship with this amazing art, centered in a wonderful community of people.

Six years ago I had the opportunity to take the Strike Back Self- Defense course. Wow! The instructors were talented, insightful, compassionate women. In my past I had experienced domestic violence. Through this course I found my voice and began to understand my own strength. Past hurts no longer lay hidden in the dark. I knew I wanted to go out in the world and help other women find their strength and voice. As a self-defense instructor, it is an incredibly moving experience to watch a woman discover herself as both beautiful and powerful, with the right to decide. For me each moment like that is a gift.

Today I am a second degree Black Belt in Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. I instruct martial arts and self-defense courses in colleges, schools, local community programs and businesses throughout Portland.

Ginni Sackett

I first came to One With Heart in 1992 to take a six week self-defense course with my daughter. Today I am a 2nd degree Black Belt in Poekoelan. I have raised five children, four of whom also train Poekoelan along with my husband, Jonathan. I have been involved in instructing and developing women’s and children’s self-defense and martial arts courses throughout my training.

I am a Montessori Specialist in Early Childhood Education and have worked in Montessori education with children and adults since 1981. I am currently the Director of Teacher Training at the Montessori Institute Northwest and a frequent speaker at national and international conferences on childhood education and social reform. My expertise in early childhood education has contributed to the development the Tulen children’s self-defense and martial arts courses. I continue to serve as a consultant and advisor for all children’s programs at One With Heart Tulen Centers.

I am a passionate advocate for self-defense and martial arts training for children and adults and see all aspects of Tulen training as excellent examples of transformational learning in action.